Green Machines
Fuel-Efficient Vehicles, Union-Made In The U.S.A.
 
FORD FIVE HUNDRED AND FREESYTLE
MERCURY MONTEGO
Ford Chicago Assembly
UAW Local 551, Membership 2,500
Chicago, Illinois
 
Ford Five Hundred Ford Freestyle

Mercury Montego
 
Technology: Advanced Transmissions and Hybrid Vehicles
MPG (City/Hwy): Five Hundred and Montego - 21/29 (current), Freestyle - 20/27 (current)
Estimated Fuel Economy Improvement: 4-8% (transmission), unknown (hybrids)

The Mercury Montego, the Ford Five Hundred, and the cross-over Ford Freestyle were introduced in the 2005 model year. All three vehicles come with an automatic six-speed transmissions that improves driving performance and fuel economy by 4 to 8% over a conventional four-speed automatic. The vehicles are assembled at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant. Ford invested $400 million in renovations to the plant and added 300 new UAW organized jobs in order to begin vehicle production.

In addition to the plant, Ford helped create a supplier manufacturing campus located less than one mile from the plant. The new campus is the manufacturing site of many of the vehicles' components. Its nearby location significantly reduces the transportation costs and emissions associated with shipping the components to the plant. The campus is responsible for creation of over 1,000 jobs in southern Illinois.

Source: Ford Motor Company

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