Hybrid Car Review

GM pointed out how they are investing $700 million to build the Volt in Michigan in the next year. Now Ford wants you to know they are also investing in Michigan to build up their hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and batteries. To the tune of $500 million (Source: Detroit News).

Ford expects the $500 million to create 1,000 jobs.

Ford wants Michigan lawmakers to create tax credits in an effort to support their investment.  With an additional $85 million for advanced battery packs and another $35 million if battery cells are produced in Michigan, Ford isn't looking for pocket change.

"In the capital constrained world that we live in and the need to have a sustainable business going forward we think Michigan is a great site to work with," Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of global electric strategy, said. "If we can't make it work here, we are committed to our product plans and to identify the best total business solution."


Ford is planning to bring their next generation of hybrid development and battery pack production 'in-house' with production to begin in 2012 (Source: Reuters).

“We see it as a potential win for both Ford and the state of Michigan to become a center of excellence for vehicle electrification,” said Jennifer Moore, a Ford spokeswoman.

Currently, hybrid and electric battery development is done by Delphi Corp. 

Kuzak, Ford's global vice president of product development, said the change isn't a reflection on Delphi but rather Ford's belief that it can use battery development to differentiate itself from its competitors.