The U.S. automaker unveiled plans for new hybrid and electric models, as well as a wireless vehicle charging station During a press conference this morning held at the company?s Flat Rock production facility in Michigan, Ford released more details about its previously announced $4.5 billion commitment to electric and autonomous vehicles.
According to CEO Mark Fields, the company will stand by its plans to develop 13 new models over the next ten years?promising a hybrid autonomous vehicle by 2021?as well as developing and testing electric vehicle infrastructure, like a wireless charging system.
?Our investments and expanding lineup reflect our view that global offerings of electrified vehicles will exceed gasoline-powered vehicles within the next 15 years,? says Fields. Ford?s announcement positions it as a leader among automakers in electrified vehicle technology. Competing traditional carmakers, such as Audi, Porsche, and Volvo, have also made significant investments in the technology, as have newer companies such as Tesla. But if Ford can meet this roadmap, it?ll have a sizable fleet of options on the road.
The CEO said Ford was encouraged by the ?pro-growth policies of President-elect Trump and the incoming Congress indicated they will pursue,? and that tax and regulatory reforms are critical to U.S. competitiveness for ?driv[ing] a resurgence in innovation and high-tech manufacturing.? Fields also noted that a proposed plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, will be s...