'ord goes lead-free m car derived vans
Page 9
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
1.111i EN I) of the spring, per cent of Ford's car-deed vans will be capable of ming on unleaded petrol — :n if ti:w petrol stations 111w supplying it.
The Move towards leadr petrol engines forms part Ford's revised Escort car d van range — due out in arch — which will be fitted th a new engine to replace : current 1.3 litre CV1-1 Esrt engine.
According to Ford, the new .cort models will leave the Ialewood factory with the engine tuned for 97 octane (leaded) fuel, but can be converted within an hour to run on 95 octane unleaded petrol by Ford dealers.
The obvious environmental benefits, however, are unlikely to be adopted by many light vehicle operators, as few petrol stations are currently stocking lead-free petrol.
The lack of lead-free fuel has been criticised by Ford's managing director Sam Toy.
Speaking at a recent
SCOliOar in Glasgow for tleet operators, he said: "The conversion of petrol forecourts is a phenomenal task. We had better get to it.
Ile is also concerned at the lack of any agreement on octane stalldards fOr lead-free f f
ea(--.Tee petrol.
Devdopment of engines capable or running on leadfree petrol is being carried out in parallel with the develop nient of Ford's Lean-Burn generation of engines which will be built at Dagenham.