Ford Wins Praise for Gas-Electric SUV

By RANDOLPH HEASTER
The Kansas City Star

Posted on Thursday, August 5, 2004

Representatives of organized labor and environmental groups Wednesday commended Ford Motor Co. for introducing the Escape Hybrid, the auto industry's first gas-electric sport-utility vehicle.

However, they urged Ford and the other domestic automakers to move more quickly to adopt technologies that will produce cleaner cars, pickups and SUVs, and jobs.

Mike Perry, president of United Auto Workers Local 249, said the demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles will continue to grow.

“Companies that fail to change with market needs will fail, and that means lost jobs for us,” said Perry, whose local represents more than 5,600 Ford employees. “Protecting our environment creates new jobs and enhances the quality of our lives.”

Ford's official production launch of the Escape Hybrid takes place today at the Claycomo assembly plant. William Clay Ford Jr., the company's chairman and chief executive officer, is expected to attend the ceremony.

Tests drives have indicated the Escape Hybrid gets 36 miles a gallon in city driving, about a 50 percent improvement over a conventional Escape. The electric motor runs mainly at lower speeds, and then the gasoline engine takes over. The electric motor in a hybrid is recharged by the energy from braking the vehicle.

The event Wednesday was held at the at the recently built union hall of UAW Local 249 across the street from the Ford plant, where a gas-electric Escape was on display. The Ecology Center kicked off its “Green Machines Tour,” a campaign to increase public awareness of U.S.-made, fuel-efficient vehicles, at the forum.

“The Escape Hybrid is clearly a winner for both jobs and the environment,” said Charles Griffith, auto project director for the Michigan-based environmental advocacy group. “We continue to urge Ford to be the leader in bringing these new technologies to the market.”

Some environmental groups have criticized Ford for only planning to build 25,000 Escape Hybrids through 2005, citing Ford's reputation for having the lowest average fleet of fuel economy vehicles among domestic automakers. Ford also produced more than 230,000 F-series pickups at the Claycomo plant last year. The F-150 gets about 15 miles a gallon in city driving, according to a government study.

But Griffith noted the Escape Hybrid launch is a step in the right direction for Ford.

“Certainly, we hope the pace quickens toward more of these types of vehicles over the next several years,” he said. “But we want to stop for today and celebrate the hybrid Escape.”

Wednesday's program also allowed officials to discuss the formation of the Missouri Blue Green Alliance, a coalition of labor and environmental groups that aims to work toward creating good jobs with benefits while reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil.

“Many politicians have tried to pit us against workers, saying saving the environment will cost jobs,” said Carla Klein, regional director of the Ozark Chapter Sierra Club. “In most cases, things that are good for the environment are also good for workers and their safety.”

The coalition will have its first meeting in Jefferson City on Aug.19, said Emil Ramirez, district director in Missouri for the United Steelworkers.

“The alliance will work on issues critically important to both groups,” he said. “We don't always agree on everything, but we'll work together when we can.”

The Blue Green Alliance believes trade policy, corporate accountability, workers' rights, and workplace safety are issues where the two sides have the same goals.

The UAW's Perry acknowledged the marriage of organized labor and environmental groups has not always worked.

“We haven't always been on the same side,” he said. “We build some gas-guzzlers that affect the environment. But most auto workers want to save money on gas and want to protect the outdoors for their families to enjoy. The more hybrids we build, the better off the world's going to be. So I think there is some common ground there.”

Among others attending the event were officials with the Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City, the Apollo Alliance and the Institute for Labor Studies.

To reach Randolph Heaster, call (816) 234-4746 or send e-mail to rheaster@kcstar.com.

First glance

• Labor and environmental groups praise Ford for introducing the domestic auto industry's first gas-electric vehicle and urge automakers to move faster.

• Ford's official production launch of the 36 mpg Escape Hybrid takes place today at the Claycomo assembly plant.