[You will be
handed keys to the donated vehicles by Bill Ford - Chairman & CEO, Ford
Motor Company]
- Recognize Bill Ford and
the Ford Motor Company's participation as a "Proud Partner of America's
National Parks"
- Interior wants to set a
good example.
- Ford has been a solid and
effective partner with America's National Parks in preserving our nation's
heritage and protecting the environment -
Prior to today:
- Ford Motor Company donated
more than 600 electric (zero-emission) vehicles to National Parks, federal
land management agencies and state parks in California, Massachusetts
and New York.
- The company donated 100
mountain bikes to parks in Washington, D.C., Ohio, and Wyoming. With
rangers as their guides, visitors can use these bicycles to explore
the parks. In fact, at least one of the hybrid vehicles donated today
will assist in these bicycle tours.
- Ford has launched a major
initiative to collect stories and artifacts about the women who were
the backbone of our nation's victory in World War II for the Rosie the
Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, CA. The
response has been tremendous.
- The company's landmark achievement
in the partnership was the restoration of 33 historic red buses in Glacier
National Park. Ford worked to restore the vehicles with new chassis
and engines that run on propane.
- On behalf of the National
Park Foundation - I'm proud to accept this significant donation of the
newest example of fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly technology.
- This is a FULL hybrid vehicle
- meaning it is capable of running solely on electric power when it
is at speeds below 25 mph, then it switches into gasoline mode at higher
speeds.
- Even when the gas motor
is engaged, it produces almost no tailpipe emissions.
- With tests demonstrating
up to 40 miles per gallon, these vehicles will be less costly to run
and maintain - a substantial savings.
- The Administration fully
supports hybrid technology, and has included a tax credit for families
who buy hybrid vehicles in its energy policy.
- I am very proud that these
vehicles have been made available to our parks during this season -
they will become available to the general public later this summer.
- It is a distinct honor that
the Ford Motor Company makes this announcement today on the 101st anniversary
of its founding.
- " This is a proud day
for the National Park Foundation -
- This donation is another
perfect example of partnerships in action.
- Thank you for joining us
today.
|