Ford adding hybrids

Better late than never.

Ford Australia has confirmed it will begin offering hybrid models in the "next few years."

Although the company wasn't giving away any details, Ford Australia president Bob Graziano confirmed at Monday's Go Further event in Melbourne that hybrid models would be added to the local line-up.

The company has been selling hybrid models in the United States for several years but has relied on diesel and turbocharged EcoBoost engines in Australia as its fuel economy leaders.

Overseas the company has already announced its electrification strategy with plans to offer petrol-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric options.

The most likely candidate for Ford Australia is the all-new Mondeo which will be the brand's "technology flagship" when it arrives in 2015.

Ford already offers a hybrid powertrain in the Mondeo in the UK and US markets (where it is badged as a Fusion).

"We'll have a lot more information about our electrification program closer to the launch of the vehicle," was all Graziano would reveal.

Graziano did admit that Ford has enjoyed good success with its hybrid models overseas and believes that now is the right time to join the likes of the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

"What we do is monitor where the market is going and when do we think the market is ready for us to have products here," he said.