Ford Spending Big to Bring Ford Focus to Market

Ford is shelling out $550 million in an effort to accellerate its Ford Focus hybrid to market.  While rivals Chrysler and GM are looking to avoid bankruptcy, Ford is forging ahead with plans to shift its product line and grow the company.  The new Ford Focus will provide a shift away from the traditional truck to smaller more efficient cars.  The battery-electric version Ford Focus expects will run up to 100 miles without using gas or emitting greenhouse gas.

"We're building the highest tech vehicle in our fleet here in Michigan," Ford said. "It going to be a critical step toward the commercialization and ultimately the acceptance of electric vehicles."

In addition to Ford's zero-emission Focus battery-electric car, the company is working on several other product plans. The company is working with Smith Electric to sell a battery electric commercial vehicle for North America in 2010, the Transit Connect. It also plans to introduce in 2012 a next-generation hybrid car and a plug-in hybrid car.