The Ford Company’s choice to unveil their new sustainable SUV on the Downtown campus is proof to students that their demands have been heard.
The release of the new Ford Explorer is a pat on the back for students working in sustainability and business. The new vehicle promises ASU students a bright future in more sustainable and safe vehicles.
The event was just one stop on the national tour Ford has planned for their new “class-leading” sport utility vehicle.
The new car is not only more appealing to look at than past models, it is also more fuel-efficient, sustainable and safer. All of these factors are important for students, whom Ford understands are their future customers.
Stephanie Jarnagan, of Think Communications, put the event together and chose the Downtown campus for several reasons.
She said she understands the importance of sustainability at ASU and with all the cutting-edge sustainable features on the new Explorer, she said the “(Downtown) campus was a perfect fit” for the unveiling.
The sustainability features on the car show the strides Ford is making to adhere with the changing times and consumer demands.
ASU ‘s School of Sustainability is the first of its kind and is constantly generating new ideas on how to inform the public on sustainability and its importance. The Ford Company choosing to reveal their new sustainable car on the ASU campus shows that students’ efforts have not gone unnoticed, even by big corporations.
The Explorer comes standard with a recycled headliner, recycled steel fenders and soy foam seats.
Another reason Jarnagan said she chose ASU for the unveiling is the relationship between the school’s W.P. Carey School of Business and their Certificate of Automotive Entrepreneurship and Leadership sponsored and funded by the Ford Company.
Robert Gallion, a student in the W.P. Carey School who will graduate with the Ford certificate understands the impact this event has on both the ASU campus and its students.
“Exposure from a company like this shows that they are trying to understand students’ needs and wants in a vehicle,” Gallion said.
The car encompasses all features that are vital to young consumers including the new “myfordtouch” feature. This tool serves as MP3 player, navigation system, Bluetooth, has a text message reader and provides three different customizable screens in order to provide the perfect entertainment and safety for the driver.
“This vehicle shows that Ford is listening and understands who the new market is and what we want,” Gallion said.
The SUV reportedly has 32% better fuel efficiency than other vehicles in its class, which in today’s economy, many students find necessary and more affordable.
Contact the reporter at ammarty@asu.edu
