Ford and Philadelphia Gas Works Bring Clean-Burning Vans to the City
6 November 1997
Ford and Philadelphia Gas Works Bring Clean-Burning Vans to the CityPHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, -- When 70 new Philadelphia Gas Works vans hit the streets, they will not only help the gas utility improve service to customers -- they'll also help the environment. Powered solely by natural gas, the Ford Econoline vans emit 85 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than most gasoline-powered vehicles on the road today. Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) today took delivery of the first 33 of the 70-vehicle shipment from Ford Motor Company. The emissions of these 70 natural gas vehicles equal those of 462 gasoline-powered vehicles at base emission levels. "Through the years, PGW's mission has been to provide the finest service to our valued customers," notes Gregory Martin, executive vice president/chief operating officer for PGW. "With the delivery of the new natural gas vehicles, not only will we be more efficient and responsive, but PGW also will contribute to improving the environment and the quality of life for all Philadelphians." When introduced earlier this year, Ford's natural gas Econoline van and F-250 pickup were the first internal combustion vehicles in the world to meet California's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards. "Building on Ford's solid reputation for durability, versatility and safety, the Econoline accounts for nearly half the full-size van sales in the United States," says Tom Artushin, manager of small and medium truck sales for Ford Motor Company. "With the added benefits of natural gas, we've given customers yet another reason to choose this vehicle." "Ford is very proud to be the first in the world to have attained these emission levels," he adds. "It's part of our on-going commitment to developing environmentally responsible products." The Econoline comes equipped with a 5.4L Triton V8 engine and electronic 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Ford also offers the F-Series pickup and Crown Victoria as dedicated natural gas vehicles, and produces bi-fuel versions of the F-Series, Econoline, and Contour. Bi-fuel vehicles can operate on either gasoline or natural gas. Philadelphia Gas Works is a natural gas utility owned by the City of Philadelphia, supplying gas service within the city limits to more than 542,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers. SOURCE Ford Motor Company