Sustainability is a big theme at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Ford of Europe has risen to the sustainability challenge and is determined to make a powerful contribution to affordable green technologies and to reduce the environmental impact Ford's vehicles. Ford has extended their Flexifuel range and we’re launching a new ECOnetic range of vehicles which have been specifically designed to emit less CO2. They have also partnered with the BBC film entitled earth to heighten awareness of environmental issues.

The new Ford Focus ECOnetic will be first to launch as part of the new range. This stylish Focus derivative emits just 115g/km of CO2 and uses clever fuel-saving technology like the new low resistance transmission oil specially developed for Ford by BP. Following the Focus ECOnetic, a Mondeo ECOnetic will be launched in 2008 that will deliver sub 140g/km of CO2. Small cars will also benefit as Ford plans to launch a new small car later in 2008 and the ECOnetic version will deliver less than 100g/km of CO2.

The BBC has invested five years in creating a remarkable film entitled earth – an unforgettable journey through the changing seasons and daily struggle for life across our planet, from rarely seen stunning landscapes to the smallest details in the lives of our best loved, wildest and most elusive creatures. Ford are partnering with the BBC for the European launch of the film. By supporting the earth film, Ford hope to heighten awareness of environmental issues, stimulate discussion and encourage positive action to safeguard the future of our planet. Director Alastair Fothergill said "I hope this film inspires future generations to preserve the beautiful planet we still have." Ford’s support for this film is part of a wider commitment to reducing their environmental impact.

Ford was the first vehicle manufacturer in Europe to offer production passenger vehicles with Flexifuel Vehicle (FFV) Technology. Ford’s Flexifuel vehicles can run on bio-ethanol (E85) instead of petrol or any combination of both. Bio-ethanol is obtained from renewable raw materials such as wood residues, sugar beet, wheat or crop waste. In Flexifuel Vehicles, fossil CO2 emissions are significantly reduced in comparison to petrol vehicles, without performance and driving pleasure being compromised.

Flexifuel is currently available on Focus and C-MAX, and Ford will continue to extend their Flexifuel range of bio-ethanol vehicles with new Mondeo, Galaxy and S-MAX versions available from early 2008.