Originally Posted by Washington Post

He was an odd fit, a committed environmentalist at a Big Three automaker, an easygoing family guy and outdoorsman in an industry known for hard-charging, traditionalist CEOs. Ford made it clear from the start that he wanted to produce more environmentally friendly hybrids and even hydrogen-powered cars. But then he continued to rely on fat profit margins from SUVs.

In the process, he lost a good deal of his early support from environmental groups. "He's been both a hope and a disappointment," said Dan Becker, head of the global-warming program at the Sierra Club. "He's a hope because he keeps saying the right things. He's a disappointment because he hasn't been able to deliver them yet."