I think that Ford has been committed to being an environmentally sound company for years, but they've been short on real commitments to achieve that lofty promise. Hopefully, there is more to come.
With fewer than 400 ethanol stations in the entire country, it will be important for them to follow through on plans to promote ethanol sales. Otherwise, their increased flexible-fuel vehicle sales will actually exacerbate our oil dependence.
It's unfortunate, given high gas prices, that the president hasn't taken the opportunity to offer real solutions for drivers, ... minuscule.
The good news is that the global warming benefits of these advanced forms of ethanol come along for the ride, even if you only care about oil savings.
The industry has argued for years that consumers don't care about fuel economy. I think they are finding themselves quite surprised by the level of public concern.
Ford has always been willing to listen. But the reality is that their products have continued to lag behind much of the industry in environmental performance, ... Ford and GM are in junk-bond status. It would be insane to keep offering the same products.
The federal government has to factor in these new fuel prices. That 50 cents a gallon suggests consumers will be much more willing to pay for high fuel-efficiency vehicles.
Hybrids are the poster child for the fuel economy debate.
Whether it takes the form of a class action or a series of individual cases remains to be determined. But we absolutely expect to file legal action.
