Environmental Groups Target Bill Ford, Jr.
Ford Motor Co. CEO Bill Ford, Jr., once a darling of the eco-friendly set, has come under attack by a coalition of environmental groups led by California-based Bluewater Network. In full-page national newspaper ads that began appearing Wednesday, the group lambasted Ford, Jr., for reneging on his July 2000 pledge to increase the fuel economy of the company’s SUVs by 25 percent over five years. Last year, Ford execs announced that the goal would not be met due to inclement business conditions and technological challenges. Since then, the company has refused to make any specific pledge to improve fuel economy, the Bluewater Network says. Ford, Jr., has accused environmentalists of attacking him to generate headlines; a company spokesperson said, “The Bluewater Network ad does not reflect the reality of Ford Motor Co.’s environmental commitments.”
