The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has certified Ford Motor Company's hybrid SUVs as being eligible for the clean-burning fuel deduction. The certification means that customers buying either a model year 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid or Mercury Mariner Hybrid during calendar year 2005 may claim a tax deduction of up to $2,000 on Form 1040.
The Escape and Mariner Hybrids join a select list of vehicles certified by the IRS. The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid has already been on the list of clean-fuel vehicles. Along with Ford and Mercury, the list only includes six other vehicles from Lexus, Toyota and Honda.
"Federal law allows individuals to claim a deduction for the incremental cost of buying a motor vehicle that is propelled by a clean-burning fuel," according to the IRS. "By combining an electric motor with a gasoline-powered engine, these hybrid vehicles obtain greater fuel efficiency and produce fewer emissions than similar vehicles powered solely by conventional gasoline-powered engines."
The amount of the deduction for the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid was set after Ford documented for the IRS the incremental cost related to the vehicles' electric motor and related equipment.
The deduction is a one-time deduction and must be taken in the year the vehicle is originally used and must be taken by the original owner. The deduction does not apply to leased vehicles.
Even if a taxpayer does not itemize deductions, the Escape or Mariner hybrid can still qualify as an adjustment to income on Form 1040.
Since the hybrid tax incentive is a deduction, the actual amount of savings depends on such factors as the individual's tax bracket.
The deduction for the purchase of a hybrid vehicle expires on December 31, 2005 under Section 1348 of the Energy Act of 2005. The deduction has been replaced by a tax credit starting in 2006.
Presently, Ford produces about 24,000 hybrid vehicles annually and is the only American automaker to produce hybrids.
As CEO and chairman Bill Ford announced last September, the company plans to have five hybrids on the road by 2008. Joining the Escape and Mariner will be hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Mazda Tribute. By 2010, Ford plans to increase hybrid production to approximately 250,000 vehicles annually.
While Ford produces hybrid vehicles, the company continues to research fuel-efficient innovations in other areas. As Bill Ford said, "We are the only auto company doing serious development work with all four fuel technologies: clean diesel, gasoline-electric hybrids, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells."
Source: Ford
"Ford Motor Co. became the second of the Big Three automakers to jump back into the discount game with a program that knocks thousands of dollars off the price of some vehicles...The announcement also comes two days after General Motors Corp. announced its "Red Tag" discount, which allows buyers to pay a fixed maximum price advertised on the Internet and on red tags at dealerships. Both programs end Jan. 3.
Ford's plan has a similar no-haggle aspect. Under the "Keep It Simple Plan," customers are given one consistent, maximum price that will be printed on vehicles' window stickers. The sticker will show how that price differs from the manufacturer's suggested retail price. It also will add any cash incentives that are being offered on the vehicle.
For example, Ford said, the MSRP for the 2006 Ford Escape sport utility vehicle is $20,685. Ford's "Simple Plan" price is $19,794. Ford also is offering $2,500 cash back on the Escape, so the maximum price any buyer should pay is listed as $17,294. "
Source: MSN Ford Unveils New Auto Incentive Program
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The Ford GTX1 project marries Ford design and engineering innovation, one engineer’s personal creativity and commitment, and the quickness and capability of the aftermarket.
The X1 roadster can become reality for the enthusiasts who desire world-class performance, a flexible roof system for open-air driving, and one-of-a-kind exterior styling
With the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1 roadster as inspiration, Ford SVT engineering supervisor Kip Ewing unveiled his take on that legendary racer during the opening day of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Ewing conceived the idea for a roadster while working on the Ford GT launch, and after completing initial design sketches and engineering studies on his own time, he won the privilege of utilizing the Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative to bring the Ford GTX1 roadster to life.
“The Ford GT has been an amazing automotive icon that I’ve had the pleasure to work on,” said Ewing. “The X1 project is a great way to answer the question, ‘What if?’ and utilize the power of the SEMA’s members in the aftermarket to get it done.
Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative began in 1999 with the sharing of technical drawings and electrical schematics of the then-new Mustang. The program has expanded over the years to include the majority of Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles and now provides three-dimensional CAD data to aftermarket companies looking to develop parts and accessories. As part of Ford’s initiatives to promote its vehicles to SEMA members in the aftermarket, Ford supports a selection of project vehicles to be built every year for the SEMA Show, and the Ford GTX1 was one of them.
The builder chosen for the project is Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group (
www.vgdauto.com), an experienced designer and metal shaper that has a history of cutting the roofs off expensive and exotic cars. Ewing worked with Ford’s SEMA liaison team and Ford Corporate Design to bring the OEM perspective to the project, but working with Gerisch’s team in the aftermarket was critical for success.
“The Ford GTX1 project is a great example of manufacturers working together with the aftermarket to stretch the boundaries and investigate potential design and product innovation,” says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Ford SVT and Advanced Product Creation, and one of Ewing’s management supporters on the X1. “SEMA showcases trends in styling, accessories, and performance, and whether it’s a new Fusion, Mustang, F-150 or Ford GT, there is something new to be learned by going through this process.”
The X1 roadster features an innovative roof system of four individual hard panels. The panels can be configured as a coupe, t-top, or full convertible. Even with all the panels installed, the outer panels can be locked into a vent position. Plus, the panels are painted in the same Valencia Yellow featuring Tungsten Silver stripes; therefore, as a coupe, it doesn’t lose any of its design appeal. And, X1 drivers won’t be caught in the rain because all four panels can be stored inside the vehicle for easy access.
The Ford GTX1’s rear clamshell covering the engine has been redesigned to feature two buttresses that flow rearward from the seatbacks. Without the need for a backlight due to its open-top configuration, the view into the engine bay could have gone away, but Ewing knew the importance of showcasing the 550-horsepower 5.4L supercharged V-8.
The answer to the inevitable question of “Can I buy one?” is yes. All it will take is a trip to your local Ford dealer to purchase a Ford GT, and then a call to Genaddi Design Group, or visit
www.gtx1.com. Besides Genaddi Design Group, the Ford GTX1 features several SEMA-member company products, including:
- Wheels - 6061 Alloy Corporation - 19-inch front/20-inch rear
- Seats - Sparco - Carbon fiber Ford GT custom
- Brakes - Brembo - Alum. mono-block/two-piece rotors
- Tires - Pirelli - P-Zero Rosso
- Dampers - Dynamic Dampers - Adjustable coil-overs
- Trunk - Multimatic - Carbon Fiber
- Exhaust - Ford Racing – Borla
- Interior trim - WK Industries
- Paint - Debeers
- Roof latching - RMD
- Clam shell cassette - Manitowoc Composites
Sony is using the Ford GTX1 roadster to showcase its latest product from its Xplôd audio system product line. Music in the GTX1 comes courtesy of the Sony Xplôd MEX-1GP “Giga Panel” AM/FM CD receiver. This new device allows users to simply transfer their favorite MP3 and WMA files from virtually any computer to the receiver’s detachable faceplate via USB cable. Dubbed “Drag and Drive”, its built-in 1GB of flash memory holds up to 500 songs for hours of uninterrupted playback.
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