14 DAY TRIAL // Automotive manufacturer Ford Motor Co. recently made it public news that it intends to spend as much as $135 million (roughly €110 million) on doubling its battery-testing capabilities and thus speeding up the development of its green-oriented vehicles, be they hybrid or electric.
Naturally, this major investment in technological efficiency will translate in new job opportunities for engineers who specialize in vehicle electrification.
Apparently, the end goal is that of providing the company's customers with cars which are both more efficient in terms of fuel consumption, and cost less to purchase.
Ford Motor Co.'s official website states that said $135 million are to be spent as follows: quite a large sum of money will go into coming up with advanced battery systems, whereas the remaining funds will be used to run a research and development laboratory whose main focus will be to improve on hybrid and electrification programs.
In order to meet its targets, the automotive manufacturer will be forced to hire “dozens more” engineers, who are to make sure that the development of new hybrid and electric vehicles is sped up by as much as 25%.
“The good news for customers is that they not only have more choice, but they have faster access to Ford’s latest and greatest in fuel-saving technologies and vehicles."
"This stems directly from our decisions to deliver true power of choice by expanding our dedicated electrified vehicle team and further investing in our facilities,” explains Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering.
Kevin Layden, director of Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering backs up Joe Bakaj's statements, arguing that, “We know what it takes to build world-class hybrids and are building on that expertise. We’re continuing to invest so Ford can continue to lead in the delivery of top fuel economy, durability and driving dynamics in our electrified vehicles.”
As part of its agenda to provide customers with more choices as far as green-driving is concerned, Ford is expected to soon launch five new models: the Focus Electric, the C-MAX Hybrid, the C-MAX Energy plug-in hybrid, the all-new Fusion Hybrid and the Fusion Energy plug-in hybrid.