I just spoke with John (GPS Man) (frequent poster on the Yahoo site) and Wayne (frequent poster on this site) who left Chicago together this afternoon in John's '05 FEH. Wayne took a spin around town and pegged at 60 MPG. I was sure he could do it knowing his historic hypermiling techniques. They are now in route to Dearborn for tomorrow's event and Wayne is getting over 45 MPG on the Interstate.

I am trying to get the team in contact with anyone who was there today or going to be there tomorrow to share notes. I have already passed on several cellphone numbers.

I also spoke with Julie Malkin of the Carlson Group (Ford's Consultant for the event) this evening and she said the event was a huge success today with over 15 major news media outlets reporting. Of the members I have spoken with they were all impressed it was not a sales event but an information-exchanging event both for owners and Ford.

Some of the directions to the facility were not very good so Ford is arranging to put out freeway signs tonight for tomorrow, the concluding day. For those of you going tomorrow, Sunday, please be aware there is a blackout in the 'hardened' event building and no signals get out or get in.

Wayne has plans to report more fully when he returns home late Sunday or Monday.

If you have any information please post it. I wish I could have attended.

Mike Maline - Sdctcher
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Owner
California School Teacher