Hybrid vehicles are in high demand at Transportation Services. The department now has several new hybrids available for lease and rent.

Transportation Services recently purchased 30 new Ford Fusion Hybrids, which are “the first true hybrid made by a domestic automaker in a sedan,” according to Transportation Services Manager Brian Watts.

The department received 16 Ford Fusion hybrids on April 14, and will receive the remaining 14 cars once they’re available from the dealership. The new Fords get 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. They bring the total number of hybrids in its fleet up to 53.

Yet MSU is not the only university trying to increase its fuel efficiency.

“Everybody’s trying to green up their fleet,” said Watts. “They’re in such high demand, we’re fortunate to get 30.”

He feels that compared to other Big Ten schools, MSU’s use of hybrids has been about average. However, he added that this latest installation should push Michigan State to the front of the pack.

Transportation leases and rents its vehicles to MSU departments and faculty members. In the past, hybrids have been very popular, a trend Watts expects to continue with the Ford Fusions. Classified as a mid-size sedan, they are more spacious than Transportation’s other, more compact hybrid sedans. 

Aside from beefing up MSU’s fleet, Transportation’s purchase may be one of many that could boost the American auto industry.

“I think this [new hybrid model] is going to be a tremendous shot in the arm for Ford,” said Watts.

April 23, 2009