Fuel Savings Continue With Ford

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fuel Savings Continue With Ford

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 1 November 2006

New Zealand's only provider of dedicated-LPG vehicles, Ford New Zealand has announced an expansion of its LPG range.

"Ford is the only company in the country to offer a dedicated LPG engine, and in this age of fluctuating fuel prices we are pleased to be able to expand the range of Falcon models that offer the E-Gas alternative," said Mr Richard Matheson, Managing Director of Ford New Zealand.

"Currently, the models available with the E-Gas engine are the Falcon XT sedan and wagon and the XL and XLS Falcon ute – from November, Fairmont drivers will also be able to choose the dedicated E-Gas engine."

"Rising fuel prices have seen an increase of 47% in sales of our LPG vehicles from this time last year."
"Falcon drivers enjoy the benefits of an exceptional family car package that delivers outstanding performance, refinement, economy and safety, and the option of a dedicated LPG engine,"

For XT customers, dedicated LPG is a $1500 (RRP) option, but this cost can be recouped within approximately a year of motoring, or even sooner if petrol prices trend upwards.

Fairmont customers can choose either a dedicated LPG engine with a four-speed automatic gearbox or a petrol engine with a ZF six-speed automatic for recommended retail price of $47,990.

BF Falcon MkII models powered by the E-Gas engine have gained a five per cent improvement in fuel consumption, with the official ADR figure dropping 0.8 l/100km to 15.1 l/100km.

"Ford New Zealand has long recognised the viability of utilising alternative fuel sources, and we hope that the expansion of our E-Gas range will result in more people considering this option," said Mr Matheson.

"E-Gas drivers save money every time they refuel as it costs considerably less to fill a car with LPG – customers can calculate their savings using our online calculator at www.ford.co.nz"

"A customer who drives one of our XT LPG Falcons 30,000 kilometres can expect to pay back the LPG option premium within 11 months and can then enjoy savings on fuel costs of up to 20%,” said Mr. Matheson.

Earlier this year, the uncompromising performance and handling of Ford's LPG XT Falcon was demonstrated when Ford New Zealand teamed up with Rockgas and Ford Racing Experience to establish the world's first dedicated-LPG endurance record.

The team, Keith Sharp, Graham Sharp, Anthony Myhre and Mark Babb, from Ford Racing Experience traveled 2451.50 kilometres over a 24 hour period.

^ The actual fuel consumption a customer can achieve will depend, however, on many factors including driving habits, the prevailing conditions and vehicle's equipment, condition and use. Figures are based on sedan with automatic transmission.

ENDS

© Scoop Media