Ford Intends to Continue to Go Green;

Ford has been making much progress in the alternative fuel vehicle market. Models like the Ford Fusion, Ford Escape Hybrid, Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, and other upcoming or current hybrid models are taking larger market shares. Ford has also gone greener with their regular gasoline fueled models, used models can be purchased at any Exeter used car dealer with Kansas city used car loans. Ford's EcoBoost technology that improves fuel mileage, lighter chassis on the new 2011 Explorer, and other fuel saving improvements have given the manufacturer a greener image in the consumer eye.

Ford intends to have anywhere from 1o to 25 percent of their total global sales be from alternative fuel models such as the above mentioned models and upcoming models. The figure could be as low as 10 percent because of the rapidly changing nature of the industry, demand changes, and consumer acceptance of hybrid technology.

The cost of batteries for electric models will continue to drop as the technology to create batteries improves and batteries become more efficient and powerful. Lithium-ion technology has been the most common type of battery technology included in current and upcoming hybrid models.

Within 5 years, Ford will introduce 5 completely new models that are powered in part or completely with lithium-ion batteries. The Transit Connect small van will be launched next year as an electric model. A Ford Focus electric model will be released in 2011. In 2012 Ford plans on introducing a plug-in hybrid model and a new powertrain development with that model.

By 2020, Ford will have 70 percent of its electrically powered vehicles as hybrids and 20-25 percent of its vehicles as plug-in fully electric vehicles. Although Ford has made much progress recently, time will tell how the markets develop for these models and electric car technology. Ford will continue to improve their technology research and manufacturing by spending $1 billion over the next 2-3 years on improvement.