WASHINGTON - Ford Motor Company recently announced it is adding three additional vehicles to its E-85 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) line-up for the 2009 model year -- Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full size sports utility vehicles and Ford E-Series full size van and wagon.

These latest entrants are yet another example of Ford’s aggressive plan to bring more products that customers want and need to market faster, according to the automaker.

The Ford E-Series will be the first over 8,500 lb. full size van to provide E-85 capability and also the first full size van to offer two V-8 engine alternatives with E-85 capability – a 4.6-liter and a 5.4-liter. Redesigned last year to provide even greater functionality, the E-85 E-Series demonstrates Ford's commitment to delivering customer focused features that have made it America's best-selling full size van for 28 years.

The Expedition and Navigator are also popular with customers due to their passenger and cargo space, towing capabilities, on- and off-road performance and safety features such as AdvanceTrac with RSC and five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. The Expedition, Expedition EL, Navigator and Navigator L will be available with the 5.4-liter flexible fuel engine.

“These new flex fuel offerings will provide a key benefit to customers who require, or desire, E-85 capability in vehicles with the functional attributes that only a full size van or large SUV can provide,” Gerald Koss, Ford’s fleet marketing manager.

The addition of the Expedition, Navigator and E-Series to Ford’s flexible fuel line-up now brings the total to seven. The other models include Ford F-150 and Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis. Beginning with the 2008 model year, Ford began offering the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and taxi with E-85 capability.

“The expansion of our FFV line up to include Expedition, Navigator and E-Series provides a great alternative for customers who are committed to becoming more environmentally conscious and seek alternative fuel vehicles either for their business or for personal use. This includes government and business customers that are mandated by the Energy Policy ACT (EPACT) to purchase alternative fuel vehicles,” Koss said.

Customers can begin placing orders for the Expedition, Navigator and E-Series in May 2008 with vehicle production slated to begin in July 2008.

For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.