Henry Ford’s Ghost Behind the Wheel

Ford Motor Co. is now doing what great grandfather Henry Ford did with the Model T – reshaping the auto industry, according to great grandson Bill Ford, executive chairman at Ford. Ford unveiled three new hybrid and electric vehicles at the Detroit auto show as part of its plan to provide more choices for fuel efficient transportation than any other manufacturer, as well as a seven-passenger small minivan called the Ford C-Max, according to Detroit Free Press.

The Ford executive team has been making bold statements about the company being ever bolder than any carmaker on the planet as the industry digs out of its post-Great Depression, Jr. era and faces steep fuel economy and emissions standards. Here’s a taste of what Ford is bragging about and displaying at the North American International Auto Show:

 

Ford C-Max Hybrid And C-Max Energi

Ford will build two five-passenger hybrid versions of its C-Max compact minivan: a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid called the Energi. Both will feature a gasoline engine, electric motor and lithium-ion batteries and are expected to go on sale in 2012.

 

Ford Focus Electric - Electric Compact Hatchback

The Focus Electric is Ford’s first battery-powered car for consumers. Ford says its electric Focus will cover up to 100 miles on a full charge — and recharge in about half the time of the Nissan Leaf.

Ford C-Max - Compact Seven-Seat Minivan

The Ford C-Max is a compact, seven-seat minivan. It is about the size of the 1984 Plymouth Voyager that gave birth to the minivan craze. Ford’s new C-Max minivan aims to offer young parents a well-equipped, fuel-efficient family hauler for around $25,000.

2012 Ford Focus And Focus ST -- Compact Sedan And Hatchback

The sleek and technically advanced Focus will bring an unprecedented range of features to mainstream compact cars when it goes on sale this year. In addition to a sleek new look and European ride and handling, the Focus can count on an EPA rating of 40 m.p.g. on the highway, thanks to the 160-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine’s direct fuel-injection and variable valve timing.