As reported by Green Car Reports, the Ford has an image issue. It seems the public thinks Ford's gas mileage attempts are lacking. A whopping 68 percent of those questioned by the automaker are dissatisfied with Ford's take on fuel economy. Here is the proof: Public opinion poll: Ford fuel economy is severely lacking Some consumers not happy Regardless of the fact that vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus consistently rank at the top of the class for gas mileage, Ford’s customer poll indicates that consumers don’t associate the company with the growing green transportation movement. Jim Farley is Ford’s global marketing chief. He is struggling with this idea. “There are 240 million people driving vehicles in America, and only 32 percent have a good opinion of Ford on fuel economy,” Farley noted while at the Barclays Capital 2011 Global Automotive Conference. “That means 68 percent don’t.” Solid earnings figures Ford has earned $6.6 billion over the first three quarters of fiscal 2011, thanks to sales of the fuel-efficient Fiesta subcompact and the versatile Explorer sport utility car. This year, through Oct, Ford’s sales are up 11 percent. The auto industry has a 10 percent overall gain. Yet the negative public belief surrounding Ford gas mileage indicates to Farley that the car maker is not doing enough. “Fuel economy is ground zero in pricing power in the U.S. for Ford,” Farley said. “If you can change perceptions on fuel economy, you can change pricing power across your whole lineup.” Changing things Gas mileage is not a foreign concept to Ford. The 2011 Ford Escape Hybrid ranked in the top five for mpg among vehicles in its class, while the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid ranked in the top 10. The 2012 Focus SFE and 2012 Fiesta SFA are both great buys at around $20,000. They will give you over 40 mpg typically. Public opinion will be shifted with EcoBoost engine technology which will make mileage 20 percent better. Just like the Chevy Volt EV changed how people felt about GM, the 2012 Ford focus Electric will hopefully change public opinion. “But we have a long way to go,” Farley said. “Those that own fuel economy in the U.S. own pricing.” Ford aerodynamics and gas mileage

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