The Hybridfest Green Drive Expo recently rolled through Madison, Wis., and sponsor Ford Motor Company was at the wheel to demonstrate its hybrid vehicle lineup, including the 2010 Ford Fusion and Escape Hybrids and Mercury Milan and Mariner Hybrids.
How They Did It
During the event, which took place at the Alliant Energy Center, Ford hosted a special session called “How Did They Do That?” – an in-depth look at how the company developed the Fusion Hybrid to attain its segment-leading 41 mpg city fuel economy. Ford’s Praveen Cherian, team leader on the Fusion Hybrid program, offered his insights about the advanced technology that went into Ford’s newest hybrid. It was a chance to teach to and learn from hybrid enthusiasts who had gathered in Madison to talk about their passion for hybrids and fuel economy as a way of saving money and reducing their environmental footprint.
In addition, renowned hypermiler Wayne Gerdes spoke about how he and the Fusion Hybrid team squeezed 1,445 miles out of a single tank of gas, averaging 81 mpg earlier this year in Washington, D.C. Gerdes offered tips on fuel-efficient driving techniques, such as using gradual acceleration and coasting.
People’s Choice Winner
Hybridfest guests got the chance to drive Ford and Mercury hybrids and learn how to use Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide technology to get the most out of every gallon of gas. For Ford’s efforts, attendees named the company the People’s Choice winner.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about Ford’s Sustainability program and its plans to introduce a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van for 2010, a BEV Focus for 2011, and a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012.
QUOTE
“We went to Hybridfest more to listen than to sell our product. This resonated very well with the audiences who interestingly have a lot to say about their cars and obsession with fuel economy. These folks are not your average drivers. They are a very special group of eco-enthusiasts and cherish being in the company of each other and sharing their experiences. The people we talked to genuinely seemed very happy to see Ford take a leadership role with hybrid technology as evidenced in the Fusion Hybrid. They’re happy to see a domestic automaker offering more hybrids, and I think they want us to succeed.”
– Praveen Cherian, Ford Fusion Hybrid team leader
Press release via Ford
It is about time, I have made the statement to my friends that if you built it we would buy it, and the sales would be better than the gt40 or the mustang.
Why a pic of a Saturn when the post’s about Ford?