The US Government has loaned US$ 5.9 billion to Ford, for the development of fuel-saving technologies including hybrid-electric systems, alternative-fuel power plants, direct-injection as well as other developments that are related to help reduce fuel consumption such as dual clutch transmissions, vehicle weight reduction and aerodynamic efficiency.
On that note, Ford has revealed more information about its electric car programs. First on the list, is a ‘pure battery electric’, or (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van that would be introduced next year. Ford will be working hand in hand with Smith Electric U.S on the development of the electric Transit.
Next on the list is something that is more interesting, which is the production of a BEV Focus. The emissions-free Focus would be co-developed with Magna, and can hit the streets by 2011. Both the BEV Transit Connect and BEC Focus are expected to deliver up to anywhere between 160 and 257 kilometers in terms of driving range.
Ford’s CEO Alan Mulally revealed, “This green partnership between Ford and the U.S. Government will help accelerate the development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions. Ford is absolutely committed to fuel economy leadership with every new model we introduce. In fact, we plan to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years.”
FoMoCo will also work on plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) as well as “next generation” hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). Both the PHEV and the HEV could be introduced by 2012.
Harvinder Singh Sidhu thinks there's nothing better than Formula 1, not even sliced bread. Having written about cars since 2006, he plunged head first into the industry out of a passion for all things four-wheeled and everything in between. The F1 enthusiast has been following the sport since 1999 and has been keeping up with it since. In between races he keeps himself busy as the host of the Driven motoring TV programme and as our version of the Joker.
Well, at least the money's gonna be used to further Clean Energy, rather than to pay off debt…
At this kind of economy status still can loan 5 bil USD to Ford.
5bil x 3.5 = RM17.5Bil ….. sooo generous.
Better excuse than the other 2 idiots.
maybe PROTON can consider to team up with Ford.. fuel-saving technology is very interesting..
No, Prototon already teamed with DetroitElectric. Also, This "loan" is a masked for a instant capital injection so that Ford has money to do some R&D
If malaysian government do this to Proton or Perodua, we will go berserk.:)
america can print as much money as they wish… the money goes to ford, then ford can buy best technologies or hire the best brain around the world to develop the tech for them… and the rest of the world love the greenback, so just print it, there always demand for it.
Ok gak team ngan proton….just rebadge proton models hehe
If this news is no ford but proton
will be lot of ppl start bashing on it d
n more than 100+ comments d
That is bloody hell stupid, they should stop focusing on petrol fuel saving and try focusing on converting to other fuel resources. Electric cars perhaps? It doesn't cause as much pollution and it doesn't use up any oil.