As part of its bid for a share of the $25 billion in low-interest loans Detroit automakers are requesting this week of the United States Congress, Ford Motor Company says it intends to speed up production of fuel-efficient hybrid and electric vehicles. Ford is set to introduce two new hybrids — the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan — in early 2009, but the automaker says that’s just the beginning.
Ford plans to launch its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), a battery-powered commercial van, likely based on the upcoming Ford Transit Connect and a battery-powered sedan by 2011. A full line of plug-in electric vehicles and hybrids are on the drawing board, scheduled to be in dealers by 2012, Mulally said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
In the interim, Ford has a lot riding on the upcoming Fusion and Milan, both of which were unveiled at last month’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The Fusion and Milan can accelerate to 47 miles per hour on solely electric power, Ford says, enabling the sedans to achieve about 38 mpg on the highway.
12/02, 10:05 AM
posted by:
A4
the sooner the better, gonna have to market the hell out of them either way though
12/02, 10:39 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
i like this idea. as long as they bring quality cars to compete against hondas and toyotas
12/02, 2:20 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
I sale Fleet trucks, and a lot of customers are asking the Ford Transit, this new news is going to make the phone ring even more…
12/02, 5:49 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Ford has been on the ball lately.
12/02, 7:42 PM
posted by:
FSVT_ROCK
oh right , Ford is on fire now. Eurpean design with better quality then GM, Chrysler Honda and Toyota. They don’t need that bailout money, they can do it with out any help.
12/08, 2:16 PM
posted by:
Scarlett2000
I own a small service company, in the last 20 years I have purchased Ford E250 & E350 Vans, except for 3 vans in 1997, I bought Chevy 1500’s. The Chevy’s all had multiple problems and repeated failures. My Fords have outperformed the competition both in reliability, and longevity.
I hope Ford will produce an all electric service van, I’ll be down at the dealership placing my orders when they do.