Ford's hybrid program not affected by head's resignation

Just a couple of weeks ago, Ford's head of hybrid vehicles program resigned (more). Amidst the financial restructuring that Ford is exploring, many wondered whether the axe was coming down on Ford's hybrids, thus resulting in this resignation.

Today, Ford, which makes the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid, announced that its hybrid plans had not changed and that Ford was moving forward with its plan to make 250,000 hybrids by 2010.

Still, it isn't hard to speculate as to whether Ford is really serious about hybrids. By 2010, there is a very good chance that Toyota will sell as many, or even more, than a million hybrids.

Currently, Toyota is selling 3 hybrids, the Toyota Prius, the Highlander Hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h. Soon, Toyota will add the Camry hybrid and a Lexus GS model won't be far behind. Additionally, work on the Toyota Tundra hybrid has already begun and who knows what else Toyota has up its sleeve, such as a hybrid minivan.

In terms of production capability, Toyota could climb several years ahead of Ford by 2010. Then, Ford won't be just competing with Toyota and Honda, but GM, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and more.

Ford's hybrid plan will enable them to compete in the hybrid market in 2010, but their current plan won't let them keep the leadership role they currently maintain into 2010.