Q2 2010 - Automotive Industries

preferences. We will see the first manifestation of this over the next
two and a half years, we will have a C-Segment car with a choice
of full hybrid, full electric and conventional propulsion systems.
Once we can offer the full range, it will be up to the marketing
teams to determine the right offerings for a particular market.
AI: What is expected of suppliers in terms of electric
powertrain development?
Samardzich: The same type of thing from suppliers of
existing technology. We are looking for the latest and greatest
technology innovation delivered to our standards of quality.
One of the keys to delivering full electric vehicles is the battery
pack. We are looking at new core technology in terms of the
“We are focused on sustainable technology solutions that
can be used not for hundreds or thousands of cars, but for
millions of cars, because that’s how Ford will truly make a
difference,” says Barb Samardzich, Ford’s vice president of
powertrain engineering.
The technologies include:
Electrification
Ford has committed US$1-billion to build plug-in, hybrid and
battery electric vehicles and a plant that will assemble battery
packs for these vehicles. The Transit Connect Electric is being
launched in 2010, while the Focus Electric is due in 2011. A
hybrid and a plug-in hybrid will be built off Ford’s global C
TOP LEFT: J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief
creative officer, Ford Motor Company, unveiled the Ford
Start Concept at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. The smallestyet
Ford EcoBoost engine, is a 3-cylinder, 1-litre, which is
due to go into production.
BOTTOM LEFT: Ford EcoBoost Engine.
BOTTOM RIGHT: The 2011 Transit Connect Electric will
use a Force Drive electric powertrain manufactured and
integrated by specialty outfitter Azure Dynamics.
cell chemistry and the cooling of the battery pack. So, we are
looking for partnerships through which we can integrate their
technology.
AI: What is the “next big thing” in terms of Ford powertrain
development?
Samardzich: I am just as anxious to see that. One would
have a hard time putting a bet on that as there are so many external
factors. They include the price of fuel, the type of fuel being used
in a region, such as ethanol in Brazil, diesel in Europe, gasoline
in North America, and a case of “wait and see” in China. Right
now, Ford is making sure we are technology capable. The solution
globally is going to be a lot of different answers. AI
SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY
platform, which underpins the Focus. Ford also plans to move
battery pack production from Mexico to Michigan to support
the production of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Six-speed transmissions
By the end of 2012, 98% of Ford North American vehicles will
be equipped with fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions. A sixspeed
transmission can improve fuel economy between 4 and
6%, according to Ford.
Stop/Start systems
By 2014, as many as 20% of Ford’s global nameplates could be
equipped with stop/start systems. Ford says a stop/start system
can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by around 5%,
depending on conditions. AI
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