Ford recently disclosed their long term plan coming to align with governmental laws related with fuel efficiency: by 2020, at least 25% of Ford’s new cars will be either electric or hybrid vehicles. In North America, 7 of 10 vehicles will be gasoline-electric hybrids, such as the current Fusion hybrid version.
Ford plans to introduce at least 5 vehicles that will have reduced fuel consumption by 2013. Considering the U.S. regulations Ford is obliged to increase fuel economy from 25 mpg to 35.5 mpg. Actually Ford sells 4 hybrid vehicles, an electric version of the Transit Connect van will come to the U.S. market this year, while the Focus electric will be the first presented next year. After 6 months these vehicles will be available as well in Europe.
When gas prices increased in august 2008, the sales of hybrid vehicles increased up to 3.3% in the U.S. Now the hybrid market has 2.4 % of the automotive industry sales. Ford’s sales increased to 2% of their fleet and the 25% estimation by 2020 will be split between electric vehicles – 5% and plug-in hybrids – 20%. The EV sales will still be down because of the small autonomy the batteries can get.
The hybrids that will be introduced in 2012 will be based on the small-car platform and will be built at the Wayne factory in Michigan.
Ford claims that the biggest impediment in the sales of hybrids and EVs will be the traditional internal-combustion engines that will be capable of improving fuel consumption: “By 2050, internal-combustion engines will still be on the road — oil, petrol and diesel” said Nancy Gioia, Ford’s director of global electrification.
I live in South Jersey Lumberton and am putting together a town hall type meeting GM already said they would bring out there team and would like to see other companys also attend this town hall. Ford its your turn. contact [email protected]