Ford’s electric vision
With fuel prices still rising car manufacturers have had to research quickly into creating a safe, reliable and efficient alternative. A few years ago Low Pressured Gas or LPG was introduced; it cost half the price of petrol and almost achieved the same miles per gallon. Electric or hybrid vehicles were also being introduced but at a much slower and smaller rate, the Prius and the Civic Hybrid were the pioneers of petrol-electric hybrid technology.
Looking at how well the Japanese manufacturers had done with their Hybrid models other manufacturers have started to design and build their own Hybrid and even full electric models. It is quite common now to have an electric version of any new model mentioned in a new car launch.
Ford has recently announced its electric car vision; it aims to have five electric and hybrid vehicles in its range by 2013. The first of these will be an electric version of the very popular Transit Connect light commercial van in 2011; the first passenger vehicle will be the electric new Focus in 2012 which is replacing the Seat used Focus.
Before 2013 Ford intend to introduce two more petrol-hybrid models and a plug in electric, Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development said, “We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers. Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers’ needs. Leveraging our global platforms is also central to this strategy and allows us to build on our strong product line-up in the most customer-driven, affordable way”.
Before 2013 Ford intend to introduce two more petrol-hybrid models and a plug in electric, Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development said, “We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers. Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers’ needs. Leveraging our global platforms is also central to this strategy and allows us to build on our strong product line-up in the most customer-driven, affordable way”.