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Bill Ford is the cover drapery on this week’s Time magazine. Ford, which just announced today that they would slash 30,000 jobs and close 14 plants in America, is desperately working to make a significant turn-around after the company’s debt status was dropped to “junk bond.” Ford’s also been struggling to sell SUVs with the high gas prices in North America. While Ford is sinking millions into its “green” advertising for its token hybrids, it will still be another 3 years until their new ones hit showrooms. UK’s Independent:

Ford was caught on the hop by rising fuel prices in the US, which significantly depressed sales of its large SUV (sport utility vehicle) models, previously its biggest generators of revenue. Promising a more innovative future for its models, the company also said yesterday it was working to introduce three petrol-electric hybrids. But it will be at least three years before they hit showrooms.

Jumpstart Ford, a coalition that RAN is part of is launching an Ideas Project for Ford Motors. Asking entrepreneurs from Boise to Boca Raton to spill the beans on what they’re doing to put a leash on their own fuel emissions. Whether its a backyard bio-diesel project or you’ve figured out a way to “coast” your way to 95 mpg in your new hybrid you can pass them on here. If Americans auto leaders won’t get serious about fuel efficiency, the people will.

While we’re at, let’s ask Bill Ford himself why his company refuses to set the standard when it comes to technology and zero emission cars? Well, Time magazine has allowed us to do just that:

http://www.time.com/time/question/bill_ford_060130.html