DEARBORN, Mich., February 15, 2000 - Ford Motor Company's F-150 pickup truck has been selected as a top environmental choice by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), in its annual listing of the most environmentally friendly vehicles.

The F-150 pickup is the only full-size truck to make the ACEEE's "Greener Choices" list. Specifically, the 4.2L, 2-wheel-drive model of the truck was selected as a "Greener Choice." The list is part of ACEEE's Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks - Model Year 2000. The Green Book was released today in Washington, DC.

"We're very pleased and proud that the environmental performance of the F-150 pickup truck has been recognized," said Helen Petrauskas, vice president for Environmental and Safety Engineering. "Not only does our F-Series line have great performance, but it is the best-selling vehicle in the United States, so the positive environmental benefit is significant."

The ACEEE is a non-profit organization that promotes energy efficiency as a means of furthering economic prosperity and environmental protection. The organization works closely with the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies. Its Green Book ranking takes a holistic view of environmental performance, including emissions generated during the lifecycle of the vehicle. Emissions generated during fuel and vehicle production are estimated and combined with actual emissions from a car or truck. The resultant value allows a comparison of vehicles.

The "Greener Choices" F-150 model, as well as all F-Series pickups, sport utility vehicles and Windstar minivan, meet Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards. These vehicles emit anywhere from about 40 percent to more than 50 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than similar vehicles that do not meet LEV standards.