Ford 'focus' on electricity

Ford has confirmed plans to introduce five new full electric and hybrid models to the European market by 2013.

Van insurance customers may be among the first to benefit from the new product launches, as the company has confirmed that the Ford Transit Connect Electric will be the first model to be launched as part of the scheme.

Drivers hoping to cover a new electric model on their car insurance will have to wait until 2012 for the launch of the full electric Ford Focus, the company added.

After the release of these electric models, Ford has unveiled plans to release a number of hybrid vehicles.

Commenting on the development, vice-president of global product development at Ford Derrick Kuzak, said: We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers. Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers' needs."

He added that the company intends to make full use of its global platforms in order to deliver the new electric models in the most efficient and affordable way possible.

The electric version of the Focus will be based on the next-generation Focus model, using the company's global C-car platform. Ford claims it will launch in the US and Canada in 2011, one year before it is due to be released in the European market.

The Ford Focus remains one of the most common cars on UK roads.

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The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of the BGL Group