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Ford
gets bullish on hybids
"Building
hybrids is the right thing to do"
I am very
critical of American automakers. While technology has
created fuel efficient capabilities, that technology has
been combined with larger, heavier vehicles with more
horsepower. This has led to ever decreasing fuel economy
from American car manufacturers.
The result is average fuel economy that is no different
now than it was 20 years ago, which means America has to
import more and more oil from foreign countries where the
average citizen thinks that America loves Israel and hates
all Muslims.
Thus, when I read that Phil Martens, Ford Motor Co.'s
group vice president for product creation, not only said
that hybrid
vehicles were the "right thing to do", but
also that Ford would build hybrids focused on fuel
efficiency, not performance, a huge smile spread across my
face.
Of course Ford already offers two hybrid vehicles, the Escape
hybrid and the Mariner
hybrid, but those vehicles are only available in very
limited numbers, especially the Mariner. In fact, the Toyota
Highlander hybrid will probably easily outsell both
vehicles combined. While this could be just hype, I
believe that Ford is being sincere.
While GM can continue to hype its fuel cell program, cost
effective fuel cell vehicles are still more than a decade
away. America cannot wait a decade to start addressing its
ever increasing foreign oil dependency. Additionally, are
fuel cell vehicles even needed?
According to Martens, turbo-charged diesel hybrid vehicles
could approach "what a fuel cell does at a fraction
of the cost." Additionally, they wouldn't require a
brand new energy infrastructure.
The other exciting development is Ford's drive to put
hybrid technology into sedans, and not just large SUVs,
such as GM. By 2008, Ford wants to release the Ford Fusion
hybrid, which will be built on a second generation hybrid
powertrain. This should provide a solid vehicle to
challenge both the Toyota
Camry hybrid and the Prius
hybrid.
While I'm
not a big vehicle fan, I also hope that Ford will develop
some hybrid trucks. In fact, I'm not sure what is taking
Ford so long and I think it will be a big mistake if Ford
allows Toyota to offer the first hybrid truck.
Overall, I hope that Ford Corporation is as serious about
hybrids as Mr. Martens. If so, it gives me real hope that
Ford can bring pride back to American automaking.
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