The biofuel car of Ford Star of the London show!

[Christophe]

Beautiful examples that prove that style doesn't have to be compromised to create a green car

The association between convertible vehicles and "ecological" engines is very recent. For the London International Auto Show (July 20-30, 2006), the American manufacturer Ford is presenting a model that takes the concept to the next level.

Make way for the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet prototype capable of operating with biofuel (petrol and ethanol). This car is in the first row in the Ford exhibition area dedicated to vehicles with alternative power.

One of the lessons we learn from this "green" Focus is that style and design do not have to be compromised to create a practical and environmentally friendly car. The prototype is covered with drawings and decals which clearly illustrate its ecological vocation.

This special Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is surrounded at the show by other alternative cars, including the C-Max, which has been on sale this week in the UK. The C-Max is a multipurpose family vehicle that is available in several versions in addition to the sedan and wagon formats. Best of all, its sophisticated technology doesn't force buyers to pay extra over the regular Focus. In fact, both start at 14 ₤ (around C $ 695).

The same goes for the Focus powered by ethanol. The LX version is compatible with all gasoline and ethanol blends and is priced the same as the gasoline-only version, at ₤ 14 (approximately C $ 045).

Following Ford's tradition of innovation, the Ethanol Focus was the first biofuel-powered car to be sold in England. The chairman of Ford of England's board, Roelant de Waard, is also very excited by the new Focus range.

"Our new alternative-powered cars, the Coupé-Cabriolet and the C-Max, demonstrate that all variants of the Focus range - the top-selling model here - can run on renewable ethanol fuel," said he declared.

Biofuel technology at Ford is the result of concerted work by the manufacturer and suppliers of ethanol. De Waard also said that the government must do its part and make alternative vehicles more attractive to consumers.

http://www.auto123.com/fr/info/news/new ... 65777&pg=1

[Superform]

It was on display at the Ford dealership in Angers (may it still be there?)

It's good, but ...
- no CNG / HBV / etc? here ? Why ?
- ethanol, where is it found in France? what? in essence?
- petrol is cheaper because tax-free ethanol then? no ? Is that so...

in France, we don't have oil, but we have pigeons (or sheep, you see!)