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Ford’s hybrids to turn profit in 2008

01/17/2008, 1:19 PM

By Drew Johnson

Ford has announced that it expects to turn a profit on its hybrid vehicles in 2008. Ford launched its first hybrid vehicle in 2004 — the Escape Hybrid — followed by hybrid versions of the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute. Later this year, Ford will introduce the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, pushing the program into the black.

Ford sold about 21,000 Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners last year, but has yet to announce how many Fusion and Milan hybrids it expects to sell. The price of Ford’s hybrid system has fallen about 30% since 2004, and it is expected that the two models will continue to bring down the price.

According to Nancy Gioia, Ford’s director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrid vehicle programs, the cost cuts are a result of better batteries, and upgraded electrical systems that require less complex controls.

Gioia says that Ford is also considering using its new EcoBoost technology in future hybrids. The new technology would allow Ford to use smaller displacement engines without sacrificing performance.

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01/17, 1:31 PM

posted by:

Gary

Their you go. No more complaining, Yeh right!

01/17, 1:31 PM

posted by:

maximus

wasn’t this article up 2 days ago?

01/17, 1:32 PM

posted by:

autonut

Now LLN recycles the same article with different picture. yesterday it was Milan today escape. Saves on ink I guess.

01/17, 1:47 PM

posted by:

F3INT))AP3X

I would grab a Highlander hybrid LP but I don’t know about Honda =/. As for the hybrid sedan segment I think I would rather drive the Fusion than be caught driving in something as lame as a Prius/Camry.

01/17, 1:54 PM

posted by:

frylock350

LP640 what If I don’t want a small car but want a large car but would like to use hybrid technology to save on fuel? What’s Japan got for me? Absolutely nothing.

Ford has the hybrid smaller ute which is the most efficient SUV sold in the US period. More efficient than a Highlander Hybrid.
GM has a hybrid full-size ute that gets better City MPGs than a Camry 4cyl. The 2-mode Vue may threaten Escape’s lead.

Malibu was rated a more cost-efficient hybrid than Camry.
GM sells countless hybrid buses and other commercial vehicles.

GM’s 2-mode system is far more flexible than HSD is and can be put in more applications with better returns. The design is also more space efficient, packaging the whole thing into a CVT.

Toyota may have started the hybrid craze but GM and Ford are running faster with it.

01/17, 2:05 PM

posted by:

F3INT))AP3X

LOL like you could really afford a 600h LP hahaha. I’m talking about cars for non-CEOs.

01/17, 2:11 PM

posted by:

Gary

Just ignore LP640, I don’t think I’ve ever ready a comment he/she has made that makes any sense.

01/17, 2:19 PM

posted by:

F3INT))AP3X

LP640: “well, id buy the RX300h or the LS600h.” If you can’t afford it then why/how would you buy it??? Owned

01/17, 2:21 PM

posted by:

voltroniski

Hi lp640 want to come to my place and clean my underwear? Its very soiled and I need your mouth to clean it all up. I know you will like it because last night I had lots of vegetable soup with onion bread.

01/17, 2:38 PM

posted by:

Impulsive

You people are idiots for dealing with ‘Limp Penis’ … he is worthless. Ignore.

01/17, 3:07 PM

posted by:

F3INT))AP3X

It doesn’t matter if you would or not, were talking about a supremely expensive car. It would be the same as me posting on an article about a Civic Si about how I would rather have a McLaren F1, retarded!

01/17, 3:19 PM

posted by:

jonnycat

LP is poor. Haha.

01/17, 3:31 PM

posted by:

441Zuke

if they made an edge hybrid that would cell

01/17, 3:41 PM

posted by:

gizmo2

I think Ford is saving the Edge Hybrid to compete in the plug in hybrid market. They are currently testing the Hyseries tech (Li-ion batt and fuell cell) in an Edge. I think the fuel cell is for the future but if all goes well with the plug in system expect an ICE to replace the fuel cell. Notice it’s also series hybrid like GM Chevy Volt.

01/17, 3:46 PM

posted by:

Astonman12

since the Edge and its sibling, the Lincoln MKX, are selling so well, ford should really make a hybrid version in order to increase ford hybrid profitability even more.

01/17, 3:48 PM

posted by:

Astonman12

oops, i should have read the comments before I left mine. Im glad some people had the same idea though.

01/17, 4:14 PM

posted by:

WEKS

Oh jesus christ, you call yourself auto “enthusiast”, but all you do is bitch, whine, and insult each other. Grow the f*ck up.

(BUT with that said, I must say LLN wouldn’t even be half as entertaining if people like LP640, commodore, and all you other Toyota/GM haters weren’t here)

01/17, 4:15 PM

posted by:

CTS DRIVER

lol at all of you guys today, brilliant work, who cares about the damn writers strike, you guys are way more entertaining. lmao

01/17, 4:36 PM

posted by:

Gary

Sounds like someone is crying…snicker snicker…….
LP640 place ignorant comment here-

01/17, 5:21 PM

posted by:

inline6

Wow…LP640 has homosexuals on his mind a lot. Talks about them all the time. Can someone say PROJECTION?

01/17, 5:46 PM

posted by:

autonut

If we are talking about fuel economy, then Escape hybrid front wheel drive is as fuel efficient as Civic. Four wheel Escape hybrid drive is comparable to an Accord and on the highway about the same as CR-V. That if you are not prejudice to drive Japanese moniker and pay less for a car.

01/17, 6:41 PM

posted by:

Gary

I like to have fun with LP640, apparently he likes it too.

01/17, 7:25 PM

posted by:

global_lightning

While you all are having your toddler pottymouth moments, you’re missing the great news:

TURBO HYBRIDS

Wait until the aftermarket gets a hold of these…

 
 
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