Ford gets bullish on hybrids

"Building hybrids is the right thing to do"

I am very critical of American automakers. While technology has created fuel efficient capabilities, that technology has been combined with larger, heavier vehicles with more horsepower. This has led to ever decreasing fuel economy from American car manufacturers.

The result is average fuel economy that is no different now than it was 20 years ago, which means America has to import more and more oil from foreign countries where the average citizen thinks that America loves Israel and hates all Muslims.

Thus, when I read that Phil Martens, Ford Motor Co.'s group vice president for product creation, not only said that hybrid vehicles were the "right thing to do", but also that Ford would build hybrids focused on fuel efficiency, not performance, a huge smile spread across my face.

Of course Ford already offers two hybrid vehicles, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid, but those vehicles are only available in very limited numbers, especially the Mariner. In fact, the Toyota Highlander hybrid will probably easily outsell both vehicles combined. While this could be just hype, I believe that Ford is being sincere.

While GM can continue to hype its fuel cell program, cost effective fuel cell vehicles are still more than a decade away. America cannot wait a decade to start addressing its ever increasing foreign oil dependency. Additionally, are fuel cell vehicles even needed?

According to Martens, turbo-charged diesel hybrid vehicles could approach "what a fuel cell does at a fraction of the cost." Additionally, they wouldn't require a brand new energy infrastructure.

The other exciting development is Ford's drive to put hybrid technology into sedans, and not just large SUVs, such as GM. By 2008, Ford wants to release the Ford Fusion hybrid, which will be built on a second generation hybrid powertrain. This should provide a solid vehicle to challenge both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Prius hybrid.

Overall, I hope that Ford Corporation is as serious about hybrids as Mr. Martens. If so, it gives me real hope that Ford can bring pride back to American automaking.