Ford's new hybrid vehicle instrument cluster: Cool, but big deal
Looks great, now build some hybridsFord is touting its new instrument cluster for the Fusion and Milan hybrids today. The SmartGauge with EcoGuide is an instrument cluster geared towards helping hybrid drivers optimize fuel economy using high resolution LCD screens on both sides of the speedometer that show things like fuel level, battery charge, EV mode, etc.
“SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good ‘coach,’ engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy.”
Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster’s science and technology.
I think the cluster looks great, but if Ford is only going to make a total of 50,000 hybrid vehicles per year, I'm just not that impressed. The Escape hybrid is a very nice vehicle, and I'm sure that Milan and Fusion hybrids will be equally as good - in fact they could achieve a 60 percent improvement in city fuel economy - but commit to making at least 100,000 hybrids per year or what's the point?
Labels: Ford, Ford Escape hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
11:00 AM
8 Comments:
Yeah, and to those Blue Blooded Americans that can't stand to hear any of their big 3 disparaged (I work with one such person)...I love this line from the Article: "The Fusion and Milan Hybrids will be built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and a will arrive in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2009."
Yes, my friends, Mexico.
That line caught my attention as well.
I'm sure those in the nationalistic cohort will just respond that hybrids are stupid in the first place, or that global warming is a conspiracy - something along those lines.
Quit getting sidetracked about who's patriotic and whose stupid. Let stick to the point guys and gals. If Ford can make a Milan hybrid that gets comparable mileage to a Camry hybrid and costs about the same as a Camry hybrid, I'd buy it. It's not about the cost of gas, it's about becoming energy independent and saving the envirinment.
I agree with you anon, the problem is, since Ford has launched the Escape hybrid, production has basically remained stagnant. Between the Escape, Tribute and Mariner hybrids, Ford produces a total of 25,000 hybrids per year. That's it.
Thus far, I've heard Ford is going to produce about 25,000 Fusion/Milan hybrids per year.
50,000 Ford hybrids per year just doesn't accomplish very much.
I like Ford's hybrids, but they need to get serious about production. Otherwise, their hybrid program is little more than an engineering exercise and PR program.
Anonymous said...
Quit getting sidetracked about who's patriotic and whose stupid. Let stick to the point guys and gals. If Ford can make a Milan hybrid that gets comparable mileage to a Camry hybrid and costs about the same as a Camry hybrid, I'd buy it. It's not about the cost of gas, it's about becoming energy independent and saving the envirinment.
OK..let's not get sidetracked. If you're truly a concerned citizen...then why wait? Go and buy a Camry Hybrid and you still get a better, more reliable, more sophisticated car to boot. And it's on sale...NOW.
Saving the environment and reducing pollution knows no borders.
since we're talking about "the point". I'd say that's a very good point, Noz.
This post has been removed by the author.
I am a big fan of hybrid cars and decided to do a project on them for my college class. I was asked to put together a survey and collect some data. It would be greatly appreciated if you could take the 4 minutes to complete this short survey at http://www.questionpro.com/akira/gateway/1078902-25663442-0 . Feel free to pass it on to others who may find it interesting. Thanks.
Post a Comment
<< Home