Emphasizing Electric Future, Ford to Build Hybrid F-150 and Mustangs

Ford this week detailed seven of 13 new global electrified vehicles it plans to introduce in the next five years, including hybrid versions of its flagship F-150 pickup and Mustang and a fully electric SUV with an expected range of at least 300 miles.

The automaker also announced plans to invest $700 million to expand its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan into a factory that will build high-tech autonomous and electric vehicles.

The moves are part of a $4.5 billion investment in electrified vehicles by 2020 and speak to the company’s expansion to be mobility company.

“As more and more consumers around the world become interested in electrified vehicles, Ford is committed to being a leader in providing consumers with a broad range of electrified vehicles, services and solutions that make people’s lives better,” said Mark Fields, Ford CEO. “Our investments and expanding lineup reflect our view that global offerings of electrified vehicles will exceed gasoline-powered vehicles within the next 15 years.”

Ford’s hybrid Mustang, slated for launch in 2020, will feature a V8 engine, while the hybrid F-150 will operate as a mobile generator. The company is also building pursuit-rated hybrid police vehicles, as well as a high-volume autonomous vehicle designed for commercial ride hailing or ride sharing.

“Ford’s global EV strategy is to build on our strengths,” said Raj Nair, executive vice president, Product Development, and chief technical officer. “While some others seem to be focused on marketing claims and numbers, we’re focused on providing customers even more of what they love about their Ford vehicles. This means more capability for trucks, more productivity for commercial vehicles and more performance for sports cars, plus improved fuel economy.”

https://borndigital.com/2016/12/09/ford-trend-report