E85 Ford Explorer showcased as part of sustainable transport solutions to help combat soaring price of imported oil
MANILA - June 16, 2008 - Ford Group Philippines showcased its E85 Ford Explorer during the 21st Anniversary celebrations of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) today, where Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza were among the dignitaries in attendance to support the Philippines' increased use of alternative fuels.
Ford has been a staunch supporter of the country’s shift to alternative fuels. In April 2006, Ford became the first locally-based manufacturer to offer an E20-capable vehicle – the E20 Ford Focus – which is produced at its in Sta. Rosa, Laguna facility. The Philippine plant also serves as Ford's regional hub of flex-fuel (FFV) vehicles and engines for its Asia Pacific and African markets.
“We believe the progression to higher biofuel blends is in the best interest of the Philippine economy and the environment in the long-term. Appropriate policy commitments from government to build a sustainable infrastructure and encourage further investments in advanced FFV technology will support the introduction of higher blend FFV technology to the market,” said Henry Co, Ford Group Philippines chairman.
The LTFRB used the Anniversary celebrations to showcase alternative fuel vehicles and sustainable transport solutions amid the rising cost of fuel and growing concern for the environment. The E85 Ford Explorer, which is capable of running on ethanol fuel blends of up to 85 percent*, joined a platoon of taxis powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and buses running on compressed natural gas (CNG) at One Esplanade in Pasay City.
“Ford’s participation in this celebration underscores our commitment to the increased use of biofuels in the Philippines as a viable solution to the soaring price of imported oil. These environmentally-friendly alternatives would provide solid benefits for both the Philippine economy and Philippine consumer,” explained Co.
