As American car manufacturers struggle to survive, Ford Motor Company
is producing more sustainable and fuel-efficient vehicles.

But as Jessica Forres reports… convincing local motorists to buy
"green" may not be that easy.



In Virginia, Tom Rolewicz is driving the new Hybrid Fusion. As an
engineer with Ford Motor Company, he’s happy to show off the new
technology...

THERE’S A LOT OF INTEREST IN THE CAR.

-IS THAT SURPRISING ?

- YOU KNOW IT’S GRATIFYING I WILL SAY. I MEAN BECAUSE PEOPLE REALLY
DO WANT THE CAR. I THINK PEOPLE WERE MADE VERY AWARE OF THE PRICE OF
FUEL LAST SUMMER.

Jay Ward…a Ford spokesperson…says the hybrid is just the beginning…
electric and fuel efficient vehicles will be on the market within the
next two years...

THIS IS A CHANCE TO REALLY DISTANCE OURSELVES FROM WHAT’S GOING ON AND
REALLY START PUTTING THE FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR.

Some salesmen and customers at a Ford dealership in Silver Spring,
Maryland, tell a different story. Salesman Kenneth Mitchell waits
outside for potential buyers...

WE DON’T EVEN HAVE ANY EXPEDITIONS ON THE LOT BECAUSE THEY’RE SOLD OUT
YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WAS WHEN GAS PRICES WENT BACK DOWN THREE OR
FOUR MONTHS AGO, EVERYONE RUSHED IN WITH THEIR LITTLE CAR AND BOUGHT
ALL THE BIG CARS, ALL THE EXPLORERS AND ALL THE EXPEDITIONS.

Inside, Warren Romine wants to buy the Mustang Convertible. He’s
excited about the cars extras, such as blue tooth technology and an
upgraded interior...

-WHAT ABOUT THE FUEL ECONOMY OF THE CAR? IS THAT A CONCERN FOR YOU?
-WELL IT’S ALWAYS A CONCERN, BUT I’M NOT BUYING A CAR JUST BASED ON
FUEL ECONOMY.

Ford Motor Company says there’s a waiting list to buy the new Hybrid Fusion.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News