Ford doesn't think "Ford Individuals" want environmental options
Ford will start a customization program this month, called "Ford Individual," that allows new car buyers to personalize their vehicles in one of three new ways (on top of the standard trim levels). The three additional options, available later this month as a pilot program in Germany and Switzerland, include: sporty, luxury and hitec.
The sporty line spruces up performance cars with things like alloy wheels and spoilers; the luxury line adds more leather and wood to the interior; and the hitec line is all about electronics – high-end audio systems and car-mounted cameras.
So, what's missing? A green line option (well, you wouldn't call it that, obviously), something that speaks to the environmentalist in everyone. For example, if you're only focused on the interior, then perhaps soy- or hemp-base seats, or a MPG gauge in the dash. And even though ethanol has its own set of problems, why not offer an E85-capable option, especially when/if Ford Individual comes to America? The real irony to me is that, as you can see in the picture above, is that Ford's images announcing this program include a person doing some land sailing, a totally emission-free mode of transportation (click on the picture above to see a high-res version. You can almost make out the rider's face). Ford has lots of possibilities here and it's during this pilot period that we should be suggesting better options. If you were shopping for a new Ford, what options would you like to see?
[Source: Ford]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Phil L. 1:08PM (1/15/2007)
My want: A diesel-powered sedan/family hauler!
Regarding Ford Individual: It's pretty difficult to offer significant green features as a vehicle option. The environmentally-friendly features I'd like to see in a car can't really be handled as optional add-ons: Fundamental drivetrain features need to be designed into the platform, not tacked on later.
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Howard Lee Harkness 2:53PM (1/15/2007)
Ford seem obsessed with building bigger and faster muscle cars. As of last December, I am no longer a Ford customer.
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AZ 5:02PM (1/15/2007)
If Ford does not get into the alternative fuel game then in a few years it will be seen as uninventive and a not technology savvy. An image that could hurt it in the long run. It would then have to purchase these technologies at a price.
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Johann 5:16AM (1/16/2007)
Ford's idea to offer orderable customization is great. I hope it works for them as it does for Toyota/ Scion. I hope they have some real choices, not just surface/ color/ sticker treatments.
How about the return of front bench seat options? And maybe more wagon choices for their sedans. Ford might realize not only "old folks" like comfy cars that can be gentle at the same time as having potent performance potential. Ford also needs drivetrain options, like Chevy's future global-strategy for the Volt, where you have electric drives powered by various modular hydrocarbon engines specific to regions or budgets.
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Scott 6:14AM (1/16/2007)
So please enlighten me, autobloggreen, what other manufacturers offer the "green" options you list? Soy-based seats? Is that saving the world???? A mpg gauge - those have been around in just about every car for YEARS. My mother's 1987 Ford Aerostar had a mpg gauge for god's sake. Talk about a news story about nothing. Does Honda offer soy seats? Toyota? Why the focus on Ford? Oh that's right, bias. Also guys, this is only being done in Germany and Switzerland where Ford DOES offer high-mpg diesel cars, it has nothing to do with America yet.
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Tim 10:11AM (1/16/2007)
It's fun to watch. GM is following Toyota's lead in green. Toyota is following GM's lead in trucks. Ford and Chrysler are waiting for the right time to try and steal the ball. Or are they just lost somewhere in the abyss? Time will tell...
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Andy 11:53PM (1/16/2007)
Wasn't Ford supposed to be building ten different hybrid models by 2010? I count only the Escape and Mariner Hybrid. The Focus PZEV is nice, but when a carmaker is still dependent on selling between one and two million gas-guzzlers each year, you can't be hopeful about its future.
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Stan 9:02AM (1/17/2007)
I just traded my Ford 500 in, and bought a Toyota Prius. As hard as it was to do this, I beleive I did the right thing. Ford better open up their eyes, and got on the right track fast.
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