Ford Motor Company is spending $550 million to turn its Michigan SUV plant into a small car plant for the fuel-efficient Ford Focus. The plant will eventually manufacture the 2011 battery-electric version of the Focus as well.
The 52-year-old Michigan plant has been a mirror for trends in the auto industry, manufacturing station wagons, SUVs, and now electric cars. But when production of the Focus begins next year, 3,200 jobs will be created--something that decidedly bucks current auto industry trends. In addition to converting the Michigan Assembly Plant to a small car factory, Ford is also converting the Mexican Cuautitlan Assembly and the Louisville, Kentucky Assembly into small car manufacturing plants.
Ford's battery-electric Focus contains a high-voltage electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The vehicle, which is part of Ford's plan to produce four electric vehicles by 2012, can be charged in any 110-volt or 220-volt outlet. Ford is also working on a Transit Connect battery-powered commercial vehicle for next year, a 2012 plug-in hybrid, and something it calls "a next generation hybrid vehicle", also scheduled for release in 2012.
[Via Ford]
Related Stories: | Topics:Innovation, Technology, Ethonomics, Ford, focus, fiesta, car, vehicle, phev, ev, electric, battery, Michigan, Ford Motor Company, Ford Focus, Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, Capital Goods Sector, Manufacturing Sector |
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Recent Comments | 17 Total
June 3, 2009 at 5:49am by schmitt carrie
I long for the day that I see Al Gore driving one of the 40mph green car. I remember the 4 cylinder smoke blowers from the 80's and how sick our economy was during that time. We rose above it as the power of our trucks began to rise. Green Vasoline drive cars will not get us out of this mess. Look at what China folks are buying, big and powerful.
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June 3, 2009 at 5:52am by schmitt carrie
Please lets not talk about the Old Ford Pinto. That was Ford’s feable attempt in the early 1970’s at the time at small cars. albeit it sold well. But I have ridden in one or two of those death traps and its not to be model after today. As for the Excursion which is at the size of a Veryh large White Shark is probably good as you say A4 with Diesel option. Please avoid V-10 I understand it is a gas guzzler to be sure.
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June 5, 2009 at 6:50am by Hedge G
Ford Motor always bring a new innovation, and good for consumer and also for the environment..
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June 16, 2009 at 1:47am by gamex worth
Wow! this is really a good ideology of the Ford members., Ford is also converting the Mexican Cuautitlan Assembly and the Louisville, Kentucky Assembly into small car manufacturing plants which near the wine clubs.
June 16, 2009 at 1:51am by gamex worth
But I feel that the 52yrs old Michigan plant is better for them instead of transferring it to the new small car plant.And it is waste of such money to spend.Have a free music to make your minds free.
June 16, 2009 at 1:54am by gamex worth
It is good for the consumers to change the environment.But I feel it is a huge amount money is passing over.dating services
July 14, 2009 at 3:02am by dgfsdf dfg
This is a good way of improving the society. And it is providing with less effort and offers more things for us. Really finds helpful Dissertation Help and all.
July 18, 2009 at 7:19am by sade fade
Thats the easiest way of earning money free games needs to learn from this.
July 21, 2009 at 11:24am by Mira Moses
It was about time! I hope the monstrous and ugly american vehicles will soon be a bad dream. Mira - Teeth Whitening Gels Specialist
July 23, 2009 at 2:21pm by Shibi Glen
I support the idea. We all have to learn to drive smaller cars, environmentally friendly vehicles. In Europe they drive small efficient cars and they are doing fine.
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July 23, 2009 at 4:59pm by Trisch Applegate
This is really to see how things are turning around because of this crisis for the better. It has been a lot of hard work and times with job losses in motown, but its great to see the upside of things. And that this new change will also lead to new jobs as well as making the world better for the future.
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July 23, 2009 at 11:12pm by Lexus Lambert
Ford is the only one US car manufacturer that performs well nowadays, especially under bad economic. So, I guess Ford might have a great plan to stay in business somehow.
July 28, 2009 at 6:24am by nils wecker
all car makers must think for the future. it becomes simple for none.
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September 9, 2009 at 1:38am by Brandon Paul
Well, it is obvious that the automotive industry is quickly fading nowadays and this move by Ford is for them to reduce some expenses. Moreover, they are also making ford parts that are cheaper in order for them to survive. Just like GM/chevy where in chevy parts and chevy truck parts are being modified to make its price much cheaper.
September 11, 2009 at 10:47am by Michael Jameiosn
We've needed to go in this direction for a long time now. We've been seriously lagging behind Europe and Asia in this respect.
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November 15, 2009 at 11:43pm by realexams.com realexams.com
Its also a turning point in auto industry.Its a environment friendly car....