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Where
is Ford's hybrid vehicle program going?
Ford's head
of hybrid programs, Mary Ann Wright, gave her resignation
on Friday according to the AP.
A strong proponent of Ford's hybrids, Mrs. Wright, had
often stated that clean vehicles were a lifelong passion.
"Recycling and reusing were not just fads for
us...they were a way of life that I still practice today,
from being a vegan to not buying products that have been
tested on animals," Mrs. Wright once said about her
background. "But, beyond the personal choices I make
in my everyday life, I have channeled my love of the
environment into my profession...which, for me, is the
ultimate high."
So what does it mean for Ford's hybrid
vehicles when their leader gives up the "ultimate
high"? While one can only speculate, it is obvious
that Ford isn't nearly as bullish on hybrids as Toyota is,
for example. Toyota will produce more hybrids this year
than Ford plans to produce in 2010.
Was this the source of Mrs. Wright's angst? Was Ford
failing to live up to her expectations?
It will be interesting to see if Ford's new hybrid head,
Nancy Gioia, will make any strong statements about the
future of Ford's hybrid program to squash any negative
speculation about Mrs. Wright's departure.
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