Hybrid vehicles are probably the first thing to come to mind when people think about environmentally friendly vehicles.
However, Ford of Canada wants to expand that list.
It is taking an exhibit across the country to show off the materials it uses to make some of its vehicles.
The exhibit, which recently stopped in Regina, features soy foam seat cushions, recycled jeans for sound absorption, corn sugar-based biodegradable plastic for carpets, floor mats and trim, and wheat straw to strengthen panels, console bins and storage bins.
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Kim Kurtenbach, sales and leasing consultant at Bennett Dunlop Ford in Regina, said customers aren’t yet asking if vehicles contain renewable materials, but he expects they will.
The vehicles that contain the biomaterials don’t cost more.
“Right now it’s entirely a bonus of doing business with Ford,” he said.
The company said using 20 percent wheat straw in the Ford Flex reduces petroleum use by 9,000 kilograms and carbon dioxide emissions by 13,608 kg each year.
The use of soy foam has cut 1.3 million kg of petroleum and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by five million kg., said Ford. More than two million cars contain soy foam.
The 2012 Focus will contain old cotton for sound absorption and carpet backing.
Kurtenbach said reusing material means using less land, water and pesticides to grow cotton and less space in landfills. He expects more customers will inquire about such features within the next five years.
