Ford of Canada will become the first automaker to bring hybrid vehicle production to Canada when the Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC) adds hybrid versions of the all-new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX to its assembly line later this decade.
- Volume hybrid production of Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX by 2010
- By 2010, Ford will sell 250,000 hybrids globally and offer the option in up to half of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury nameplates
- Ford will have five hybrid vehicles on the road by 2008
OAKVILLE, ON – Ford of Canada will become the first automaker to bring hybrid vehicle production to Canada when the Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC) adds hybrid versions of the all-new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX to its assembly line later this decade.
Canada will officially enter the hybrid age by 2010 – that’s when OAC will begin volume production of the near-zero emission, high fuel economy vehicles. In preparation, the 5.4 million ft 2 (486,000 m 2) complex west of Toronto is under going a massive $1 billion conversion to flexible manufacturing allowing it to build multiple models on unique architectures.
“Hybrids will put Ford at the forefront of vehicle assembly innovation in Canada, forever changing the landscape by producing vehicles that significantly reduce smog-forming emissions and are extremely fuel efficient,” said Bill Osborne, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “It’s a forward-thinking decision for the environment and our Oakville operations.”
Production of the 2007 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) will occur in the fourth quarter of this year with hybrid production scheduled to begin by 2010. Specific product details for the Canadian-made hybrids will be revealed closer to launch. Ford’s current hybrid lineup is classified as “full hybrids” with these key technological attributes:
- Electric drive: moves the vehicle, in certain situations, under electric power alone.
- Engine stop-start: saves fuel by automatically shutting off the engine when not needed.
- Engine assist: teams an electric motor with the gasoline engine for higher performance.
- Regenerative braking: recovers and stores energy that would otherwise be lost as heat.
“Our employees are ready to lead as innovators. Hybrid vehicle production joins a list of innovations at Oakville that include flexible manufacturing, on-site research and development and an initiative to convert paint fumes to clean electricity,” said OAC plant manager Frank Gourneau.
“We are committed to building the first and best hybrids in Canada for consumers around the world,” he added.
Ford’s Canadian-made full hybrid vehicles will provide greater choice to consumers seeking gas-electric engine technology. Recognizing the technology is priced above conventional gasoline engines, the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island have led the way with $1,000-$3,000 hybrid consumer tax incentives. Ford of Canada is encouraging other provinces and the federal government to follow suit and provide similar hybrid consumer tax incentives for all Canadians.
Ford Motor Company will introduce hybrid versions of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and the Canadian-made Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX – to total nine high-volume models available as full hybrids. Today’s Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner ( U.S. only) hybrids – already the world’s cleanest, most fuel-efficient small SUVs – will be joined by a Mazda Tribute Hybrid in 2007 and the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid in 2008. Overall, Ford Motor Company plans to sell 250,000 hybrids a year globally by 2010.
Bold design distinguishes the 2007 Ford Edge in the red-hot CUV market – along with a dynamic driving character and innovative features. The 2007 Lincoln MKX – the first volume Lincoln ever to be built in Canada – is loaded with comfort and convenience as a modern new choice in the luxury CUV market. Lincoln MKX’s elegant design is combined with a sporty stance, powerful engine and quiet interior.
Ford of Canada’s operations include a national headquarters, threeregional offices, two branch offices, five vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, two parts distribution centres, and affiliates including Ford Credit, Jaguar, Volvo, and Land Rover. Ford employs more than 13,000 people in Canada, while an additional 19,000 people are employed in the more than 470 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across the country. For more information, please visit www.ford.ca.
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