Ford is claiming a world first for its Focus-building Michigan assembly plant, once a large SUV haven that will, eventually, make petrol-powered cars alongside battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
After US$550m was spent, Michigan recently started production of petrol Focus models for sale from early next year. The battery electric model goes into production late next year followed by production of a new hybrid and a plug-in hybrid in 2012.
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A new 500kW solar panel system will be installed to help generate renewal energy for car production. Ten new electric vehicle charging stations on the property will be used to recharge the electric trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities.
