The automaker is seeking governments or private companies to test a fleet of hydrogen-powered airport shuttle buses, Bill Ford told attendees of Convergence 2004, an automotive electronics exhibition. The automaker is planning to build 100 hydrogen-powered shuttles by 2006, some of which will be deployed for use during January's North American International Auto Show.

The development program revealed last month is entering the marketing phase. "We're looking for customers," Bill Ford said.

Ford will provide engineering support and BP plc will supply the hydrogen.

The announcement comes as the automaker continues to be a prime target of environmentalists because of its truck production.

Critics have dismissed the automaker's Escape Hybrid program as a token effort.

Bill Ford did not set a fuel economy target for his company, but said the auto industry must address global warming because gasoline engines contribute to the problem.

About 54 percent of consumers call it a serious concern, up from 46 percent, he said.

And electronics, Bill Ford told Convergence attendees, will enable efficient, clean-burning hydrogen internal combustion engines - featured in Ford's shuttle buses - to reach the market sooner.

"The 100-year reign of the gasoline engine could come to an end in our lifetime," he said. "They're rapidly evolving into electronic devices that happen to have a few mechanical components."