Mr. William Clay Ford, Jr. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ford Motor Company The American Road Dearborn, MI 48120
Dear Mr. Ford,
As a longtime Ford dealer, I care deeply about the vehicles we bring to the showroom. That is why I am writing to ask you to take immediate steps to dramatically increase the fuel economy of our vehicles. I am convinced that the long-term financial success of both my dealership and Ford Motor Company is tied to the company's ability to provide customers with better technology and better products. Committing the company to improving overall fuel economy is the way to reach that goal.
The technology exists today to make all of Ford's vehicles-from sedans to pickups to SUVs-go farther on a gallon of gas. Instead of leading the industry by introducing advanced hybrid and electric vehicles, Ford has missed opportunities to gain market share and is now playing catch up. Offering customers advanced engines, transmissions, and designs that save them money at the gas pump will associate the Ford brand with high quality, high technology vehicles. Unfortunately, today the company is driving in the wrong direction; Ford's overall fuel economy has been the lowest among America top automakers for five years running and for 20 of the last 30 years. It's time for Ford to make a U-turn and start leading the industry toward a clean energy future.
Increasing the fuel economy of Ford vehicles will demonstrate to Americans that the company cares about the future of this country and is willing to do its part to make the nation safer and more secure. With our troops in harm's way, we must recognize the connection between our products and America's dependence on foreign oil.
As we move into Ford's second century, please think carefully about the company's future. Our success tomorrow rests upon the decisions made today. Ford Motor Company was built on a spirit of innovation. It is time to retake that mantle and lead the industry by dramatically improving our fleet average fuel economy and eventually offering customers the next generation of zero emissions vehicles.
Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,