Ford’s £1billion green vehicle plan good news, says NFU
17/07/06

The NFU is encouraged by today’s announcement by the Ford Motor Company that it is to spend at least £1 billion developing a range of greener vehicle technologies in the UK including the creation of biofuel models.

Ford Focus Flexi-Fuel Vehicle (FFV)

NFU President Peter Kendall said: “We’ve been championing farming as one of the answers to climate change and a source of secure energy reserves for some time now. It looks like there is real commitment from a major motor manufacturer to get this industry off the ground.

“Ford has clearly seen the advantages of producing vehicles which will make use of the green fuels that are now available, such as bioethanol and biodiesel. All petrol and diesel sold in the UK has the potential to contain up to 5% bioethanol or biodiesel, and this investment decision should create a momentum to include even higher proportions of green fuels in the blend.

“Farmers want to contribute here and renewable energy from farmland and particularly set-aside land provides a lot of answers for the country. There is no doubt that the development of greener fuels is a great business opportunity and farming is a modern dynamic business which is eager to be involved.”

Ford have committed to delivering over 100 models and derivatives that offer improved emissions or fuel economy performance, and will include lightweight, hybrid electric and biofuel vehicles.

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