2010 Detroit Auto Show: Ford Invests $450M in Michigan for Hybrids & PHEVs

Photo: Michael Graham Richard
Will Also Design Battery and Hybrid Transmission Development In-House
Ford, who just unveiled the new Focus, has also announced that it would invest an additional $450 million in its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan (formerly a SUV plant). That's on top of $550 million already invested to turn that plant into a factory for the new Focus and Electric Focus. On top of this, Ford must have realized that it will very soon be a big competitive advantage to have its own battery and hybrid transmission technology, so they've decided to bring that development in-house.

Photo: Michael Graham Richard
From Ford:
Ford will design advanced lithium-ion battery systems in-house for the next-generation hybrid in Michigan and move production of the battery packs from Mexico to Michigan. The production site will be announced at a later date.Ford's EV plan for the next three years looks something like this:
In addition, Ford has announced it will produce hybrid transaxles at its Van Dyke Transmission facility in Sterling Heights, Mich., beginning in 2012.
-Ford Transit Connect battery electric vehicle commercial van in 2010
-Ford Focus Electric passenger car in 2011
-Next-generation hybrid based on C-car platform in 2012
-Plug-in hybrid based on C-car platform in 2012
More 2010 Detroit Auto Show
2010 Detroit Auto Show: Volkswagen NCC Hybrid Coupe Concept
2010 Detroit Auto Show: Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe Unveiled (Come On, Honda, You Can Do Better)
2010 Detroit Auto Show: BMW ActiveE Electric Car Concept
2010 Detroit Auto Show: Ford Introduces New Focus, Electric Version Production Starts in 2011
2010 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept Might Join Prius Family
2010 Detroit Auto Show: Ford Invests $450M in Michigan for Hybrids & PHEVs
Photo: Michael Graham RichardWill Also Design Battery and Hybrid Transmission Development In-HouseFord, who just unveiled the new Focus, has also announced that it would invest an additional $450 million in its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne,