Ford has announced a five-year annual donation to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Energy Initiative, which is geared toward accelerated research into the development of "green" automobiles.

In the statement announcing the grant, Sue Cischke of Ford said, "Energy-related issues pose some of society's greatest challenges. We are delighted to work with MIT toward sustainable solutions."

Although MIT and Ford have collaborated on automotive research for more than ten years, this grant money will go specifically toward the development of environmentally friendly technologies.

Additionally the money will fund Ford-MIT Energy Fellowships to be awarded to scholars focusing on "green" research in transportation.

The initiative recently received some $25 million from the oil company BP for research into uses of clean coal and is expected to make other corporate partnerships public later today.

Ernie Moniz, director of the program and a former undersecretary in the U.S. Energy Department said, "We believe that technology is the key to resolving energy and environmental challenges."

The Energy Initiative, launched last fall, additionally develops environmental course offerings for MIT students and works to develop green practices at the school itself.

As an early indicator of the potential success of the endeavor, student researches simply put up signs at key locations that read, "Help Conserve Energy. Please Use the Revolving Door."

As a result, the use of the more energy efficient doors on campus tripled in the five locations tested.