Ford poised for hybrid leadership?

New hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs by 2012

We've heard it before. Ford was going to become a hybrid leader, then they weren't. Of course, now there is also a new sheriff in town with new rules and new plans.

Ford's new CEO, Alan Mulally, achieved much success striving for efficiency while at Boeing. Can he do the same with the only US automaker not to yet need any government loan help thanks to Mulally's restructing efforts after taking over Ford's helm?

That's what many are wondering thanks to a recent statement Ford made when it announced new plans for hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs by 2012, which are to be elaborated upon at NAIAS.

In the past, I would have poooh-pooohed such news as just greenwashing, but considering the engineering success of the Ford Fusion hybrid and its new hybrid powertrain, there is reason to be hopeful.

Still, is this all just PR and congressional-pointed propaganda, or do you think Ford is ready to become a real leader in hybrid and EV technology? And, I define real leadership as not just technology, but significant sales. Can Ford become a hybrid sales leader within the next five years?