Ford urged to go hybrid - GreenHybrid

Jason · #1 (**permalink**) 11-12-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Ford's St. Thomas assembly plant risks losing sales if it doesn't start making more fuel-efficient cars, a senior union official warns.

The Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis models made at the plant are "flex-fuel," meaning they can run on an ethanol and gasoline blend.

But that may not be enough to save the plant, said Scott Smith, chairperson of Local 1520 of the Canadian Auto Workers.

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Business...39523-sun.html

ahijado · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 12:26 PM

Excerpted from ZDNet:

"Ford Motor expects a new generation of more powerful batteries to be on the road in hybrid vehicles in the next three to five years, a senior Ford engineer said Tuesday."

"Ford and its major rivals are all working to adapt the lithium-ion battery technology now widely used in consumer electronics for use in hybrids as a way to boost the fuel economy of vehicles still in the development stage."

Billyk · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2007, 07:57 PM

All automakers are waiting for the newest battery technology to prove reliable and for the prices to drop so the consumer can afford them. Pricing is the biggest hinderance at this instance as the newest battery technology retro-fit can cost an owner 20-$30,000!