Ford Announces Dealer Sustainability Program

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

• Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is launching a voluntary sustainability initiative for Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the energy-efficiency of their dealerships

• Ford has partnered with Rocky Mountain Institute, a leading energy-efficiency organization to pilot new technologies and architectural design principles, at three dealerships in diverse climates

• The 'Go Green' dealer sustainability initiative is fully integrated into the company's existing architecture to provide dealers with the ability to improve energy efficiency and lower operating costs

Ford Motor Company's commitment to contributing to a better world further expands today with the announcement of the 'Go Green' Dealership Sustainability Program. The program is being shared with the company's U.S. Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers today at the 2010 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention.

The goal of the program is simple: Collaborate with dealers to implement cost-effective ways to improve the energy-efficiency of their facilities, resulting in a long-term reduction in individual dealership's carbon footprint as well as overall operating costs. Participation in the 'Go Green' Dealership Sustainability Program is voluntary for dealers.

"In keeping with Ford's commitment to the environment, this program is a great fit for our dealers because it provides a variety of energy-efficient improvement options regardless of the current age and design of the facility," says Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "This allows all dealers the opportunity to participate in improving the energy efficiency of their facility and gives them flexibility in making choices that are right for them and their dealership."

Ford has partnered with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), an organization recognized as a leader in providing energy-efficiency solutions to businesses, communities and organizations around the world.

"We applaud Ford for their ongoing energy-efficiency efforts around the world," said Amory B. Lovins, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute. "This initiative will have a positive impact participating dealers decrease their consumption of energy. Implementing these cost-effective solutions will also improve dealer's bottom line over the long-term."

Getting Started

Dealers interested in participating in the 'Go Green' Dealership Sustainability Program will first receive a comprehensive energy assessment from sustainability experts at Ford. After the thorough assessment is completed, Ford and the dealer will collaborate on energy-saving options available and will tailor a program to meet the needs of the dealer. Solutions are wide-ranging and can be implemented for dealers with existing facilities as well as dealers who are constructing new facilities.

Dealers who participate in the program will be able to take advantage of several benefits, including guidance on available State and Federal tax credits and incentives, as well as access to technical expertise and resources to assist with selection of energy-efficient products and equipment.

Ford is finalizing details to initiate a pilot program with three dealers located in Florida, New York and Nevada.  

"Through this initiative we are making available to dealers the same techniques, principles and expertise we use to reduce our energy use and contribute to a better world," said Cischke.  

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About RMI

Rocky Mountain Institute® (RMI®) is an independent, entrepreneurial, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. RMI drives the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. RMI's research and consulting staff works with businesses, communities, and organizations around the world by incorporating a unique blend of whole-system thinking, integrative design, end-use/least-cost analysis and an interdisciplinary knowledge of advanced technologies and techniques. For more information, visit www.rmi.org.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company