Ford Teams Up With Jose Cuervo to Produce Car Parts Made From Agave Plants

(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 14, 2017 ) Las Vegas, NV — Continuing its quest to be a global leader in the use of sustainable, bioplastic materials, Ford Motor Co. has teamed up with tequila maker Jose Cuervo to produce interior and exterior car parts made from agave plants.

Researchers are now testing the plant’s durability and heat resistance for use in HVAC units, wiring harnesses and storage bins to reduce the weight of Ford vehicles. Doing so would bolster the fuel efficiency of Ford gas vehicles and hybrids and extend the battery range of electric vehicles – all while reducing the effect of all vehicles on the environment.

The science behind developing sustainable bioplastic materials is so cutting-edge and exciting, Ford Country General Manager Brad Cambridge said he couldn’t wait to share the news with Ford customers. Among details customers may not know: the average car, as of now, contains about 400 pounds of plastic, just one reason this technology is such an exciting endeavor.

“Ford is committed enough to the environment to do something about it,” Cambridge said. “It’s a huge point of pride to be affiliated with such an environmentally-friendly and technologically-advanced company.”

Developing Sustainable Materials for Vehicles from Tequila Waste
Ford Motor Co. has been dedicated to the study of this technology since 2000. Since then, it has integrated eight organic materials into its lineup of vehicles: castor oil, cellulose, coconut fiber, kenaf fiber, rice hulls, soy foam, wheat straw and wood.

At the same time, Jose Cuervo has been looking for a new way to use the remnant fibers from the agave it harvests for tequila. This process can take up to 10 years, after which the heart of the plant is roasted, pressed and fermented before the juices are extracted for distillation. This process results in hundreds of pounds of agave “waste fibers” every day.

Jose Cuervo uses some of these fibers as compost for its farms and local artists make agave paper and crafts from much of the rest. But the collaboration with Ford holds particular luster because initial tests have shown agave is both durable and aesthetically conducive to vehicle parts.

“Jose Cuervo is proud to be working with Ford to further develop our agave sustainability plan,” said Sonia Espinola, director of heritage for Cuervo Foundation and master tequilera. “This collaboration brings two great companies together to develop innovative, earth-conscious materials.”

Companies Commingle Similar Cultures
The collaboration joins two companies with even more in common than their commitment to using sustainable materials. Like Ford, Jose Cuervo is family-owned and operated, having been founded in 1795. Their commonalities make their shared vision even more meaningful, said Debbie Mielewski, Ford’s senior technical leader in its sustainability research department.

“At Ford, we aim to reduce our impact on the environment,” she said. “Our job is to find the right place for a green composite like agave to help our impact on the planet. It is work that I’m really proud of and it could have broad impact across numerous industries.”

About Ford Country Las Vegas
Ford Country Las Vegas, part of the Gaudin Motor Company family, was established in 1996 and continues to lead in the industry as a top 100 Ford dealership in the country. Located in the Henderson Valley Automall, Ford Country is made up of highly trained professionals who share a steadfast commitment to its customers and their needs. Ford Country is designed to serve as both a credited dealership, anchored by a state-of-the-art open showroom, and a full service automotive department that features Quick Lane maintenance for customer convenience. The facilities also invite guests to dine at Ford Country’s popular Mustang Sally’s Diner, adjacent to the showroom and features 60s style décor and delicious diner-style cuisine. Ford Country is home to Motorsport Enthusiast, a custom shop that offers automotive accessories and apparel. For more information, visit www.FordCountryLV.com.

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