New Upcoming Ford Hybrids - GreenHybrid

sdctcher · #1 (**permalink**) 01-10-2005, 07:15 PM

In a press conference on Sunday, January 9th, FMC Chairman Bill Ford, Jr. announced that Ford was planning to add a total of six gas-electric-powered hybrid cars and trucks to the market by 2008. This was the final salvo coming out of a futuristic North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV was named the Truck of the Year. Many dealers are reporting back orders of up to three months.

Mr. Ford stated that based on the acceptance of the Escape Hybrid, Ford has accelerated production of the Mercury Mariner SUV which will go on sale later in 2005 instead of 2006. The Mazda Tribute SUV will follow in 2007 and two mid-size hybrid sedans, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan will be unveiled in 2008.

It is my opinion that the Escape Hybrid is not a perfect car but a customer will find it an acceptable alternative to other gasoline-powered SUVs for sale at the moment both from a standpoint of emissions and mileage.

I look forward to the expansion of the hybrid market and I totally believe that this embrace by FMC (and other manufacturers) will lessen the previously estimated bridge-time between regular gassers and Hydrogen or Fuel Cell vehicles.

Mike

blueskies · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2005, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdctcher

In a press conference on Sunday, January 9th, FMC Chairman Bill Ford, Jr. announced that Ford was planning to add a total of six gas-electric-powered hybrid cars and trucks to the market by 2008. This was the final salvo coming out of a futuristic North American International Auto Show in Detroit

Mike

Whew.... SIX new hybrids by 2008? That´s amazing... and also comforting since by the time I need a new car there will be loads of hybrids to choose from. Of course, if the HCH holds up as well as a normal Civic, that won´t be for 15 years....

Hybrid_SUV · #3 (**permalink**) 01-13-2005, 04:38 AM

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone had a line on when the Mariner hybrid was going to be launched? I heard Mr Ford at the Detroit Auto Show say the project was going to be accelerated....so are we talking fall 2005 now? Late 2005?
The reason I asked is I was planning on possibly buying an Escape hybrid late 2005...but may hold off for the Mercury version. IMHO the Mercury SUV looks better/more upsacle than the ford version.

NG

lars-ss · #4 (**permalink**) 01-13-2005, 06:19 AM

Looks like Fall 2005:

"Ford is accelerating its development of full hybrid-electric vehicles. Although the company has announced no additional models to those already targeted for deployment as hybrids, the time to production has been compressed for some. The previously announced Mercury Mariner Hybrid will go onsale this year—12 months ahead of the prior schedule. "

Read entire article at:

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2005...ccelerate.html