Innovation is sparking a manufacturing renaissance. Perfect example: Ford is adding new green jobs, doubling its battery-testing capabilities and
speeding electrified vehicles to market by at least 25 percent, creating even
more fuel-efficient choices for customers.
“The
good news for customers is that they not only have more choice, but they have
faster access to Ford’s latest and greatest in fuel-saving technologies and
vehicles,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “This
stems directly from our decisions to deliver true power of choice by expanding
our dedicated electrified vehicle team and further investing in our
facilities.”
Ford
is investing $135 million in the design, engineering and production of key
components – including advanced battery systems – for its next-generation
hybrid-electric vehicles going into production this year.
For
example, Ford’s battery-testing capabilities will double by 2013 – to a total
of 160 individual battery-test channels. This includes investing in more of the
highly specialized machines that can test and simulate everything from power and
performance to life and thermal behavior over a complete range of temperatures
and possible operating conditions.
Also,
Ford is dedicating a 285,000-square-foot research and development lab in
Dearborn, Mich., to focus almost entirely on hybrids and electrification. The
building formerly known as the Advanced Engineering Center is renamed the Ford
Advanced Electrification Center and houses most of the 1,000 engineers working
on hybrid and electrification programs.
Ford
continues to build its electrified team with 60 engineers hired in the past
year and dozens more positions to be filled this year.
Power
of choice
Customers
benefit from Ford’s investments in two ways – more fuel-efficient vehicle
options and even better value.
- Focus Electric: Production began late 2011; America’s most
fuel-efficient compact with 110 MPGe city; charge time of four hours with
the available 240-volt charging station, which is nearly half the time as
Nissan Leaf
- C-MAX Hybrid: EPA-certified to deliver 47 mpg highway, 47 mpg city –
at least 3 mpg better than Toyota Prius v – and 47 mpg combined with more
performance and technology, and all at a $1,300-lower base price
- C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid: Coming this fall; a
projected electric-mode miles per gallon equivalent that is more than
three times that of Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid per EPA testing methods;
95 MPGe; total range of 550 miles
- All-new Fusion Hybrid: Coming this fall; 47
mpg expected to beat Toyota Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg highway
- Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Will begin production
by the end of 2012; aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in
the world
More
information about Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup – including press releases,
technical specifications and other related material – can be found online here.
“We
know what it takes to build world-class hybrids and are building on that
expertise,” said Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs and
Engineering. “We’re continuing to invest so Ford can continue to lead in the
delivery of top fuel economy, durability and driving dynamics in our
electrified vehicles.”
Author's note: Last Chance Mile: The Reinvention of an American Community, the story of the transformation of Grand Rapids, Mich. hit #1 on the Abbott Press Book Store Best Seller's List Aug. 14, 2012.
For more stories on the Manufacturing Renaissance by Rod Kackley, click here.
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