Former Ford SUV Factory will Now Produce Compact Electric Cars
May 9, 2009 · Print This Article
Who would have thought that among the Big 3 Detroit automakers, Ford would emerge as the strongest -–and most sustainable? Of course, that’s not saying much. American automakers are way behind in terms of clean, green vehicles. But at last, Ford seems to be realizing that it’s the 21st century, and has invested $550 million to turn an SUV factory into a small car plant that will produce an all-electric version of the Focus.
From Green Inc.:
The Michigan Assembly Plant, known as one of the world’s most profitable manufacturing sites during the S.U.V. boom of the 1990s, was once the hub for the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. The plant is expected to begin building the new Ford Focus next year, followed by production of the all-electric Focus in 2011.
The electric Focus will be Ford’s first all-electric passenger car for the mass market. In addition to the electric Focus, the company plans to sell an electric version of its Transit Connect commercial vehicle in 2010.
“The transformation of the Michigan Assembly Plant embodies the larger transformation under way at Ford,” said Ford’s president and chief executive, Alan Mulally, in a statement. “This is about investing in modern, efficient and flexible American manufacturing. It is about fuel economy and the electrification of vehicles.”
While one electric vehicle factory does not a green car company make, this is a step in the right direction for Ford, which has in recent decades built its brand around gigantic, gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs. Hopefully, it’s the first of many – that is, if Ford has learned anything at all from this whole automaker bailout debacle.
Link [Green Inc.]
Photo credit: Mike Cassese/Reuters
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It’s about time! If you catch wind of anyone used hydrogen generators/electrolysis to increase mileage, I’d be all ears (or eyes… email, ya know).
Nice article.