NAIAS – Ford to go electric
Ford Motor Company has unveiled plans for new electric, hybrid and plug in vehicles that it will bring to market in the US in the next four years.
In an aggressive move into the area of alternative power Ford has said it will introduce in North America pure battery-electric vehicles, next-generation hybrids and a plug-in hybrid to market quickly and more affordably during the next four years.
The plan, unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, signals the next phase in Ford's commitment to deliver the best or among the best fuel efficiency with every new vehicle it introduces and to make fuel efficiency solutions affordable for millions of customers.
"Ford is heading in the direction America and our customers want us to go, which is a green, high-tech and global future," said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. "I think that is where society would like to see the entire industry go, and Ford is going to lead that charge."
To start, Ford will introduce in North America during the next four years:
-- A new battery electric commercial van in 2010
-- A new battery electric small car in 2011 to be developed jointly with
Magna International
-- Next-generation hybrid vehicles, including a plug-in version by 2012
These new vehicles pave the way for additional applications in the future, using Ford's high-volume global small car and midsize car platforms.
"Next-generation hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery powered vehicles are the logical next steps in our pursuit of greater fuel economy and sustainability," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development.
"A growing number of consumers want that kind of choice, and we want to be in a position to deliver it to them across multiple vehicle categories."
The use of global platforms showcases Ford's ability to develop products with worldwide market opportunities in mind.
Powering the company's electrification drive is the company's "One Ford" global product vision.
"Around the world, we have become one Ford team, leveraging technologies and assets across markets and vehicle lines," said Alan Mulally, Ford president and chief executive officer.
"That is allowing us to deliver products our customers want and value even more quickly, including our progress with electric-powered
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