Ford plans to triple electric cars by 2013 06/14/2011
Ford aims to shift its focus increasingly toward electric cars in the near future, as the automaker has announced it plans to triple its output of hybrid and electric vehicles by 2013.
The automaker currently manufactures 35,000 hybrid vehicles per year, including eco-friendly versions of the Fusion, Escape and Lincoln MKZ. By 2013, the automaker hopes to crack 100,000 hybrid or electric models per year, an obviously significant upgrade.
"The way we're executing our electric vehicles is a little different than other companies," Jim Farley, Ford's vice president of marketing, told the Detroit News."We're not electrifying a certain vehicle and making a science project for a few people. We're electrifying our core (models)."
Ford plans to introduce an electric version of the Focus next year, while still offering the gas-powered option. In terms of a truly new electric model for the U.S. market, Ford is pulling all its money on the new C-Max, which has already debuted in Europe.
This five-seater vehicle (plans for a version that seats seven were scrapped) will be the only model in Ford's lineup not offered with a gas engine - drivers can either opt for the hybrid or the pure electric vehicle. The C-Max is designed to rival the Chevrolet Volt, and Ford claims that it has more range while charging in less time than the GM model.