Ford, U of M Explore New Ways To Speed Development of Future Hybrid Vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 21, 2009 -- --  Ford and the University of 
Michigan are conducting pioneering new research to speed the development of advanced 
hybrid vehicle technology
  --  Through virtual testing, researchers are conducting as many as 175,000
      design simulations of hybrid control systems a week to further improve
      fuel efficiency and drivability

  --  The research creates the potential for future hybrid owners to select
      software to customize how their hybrid performs

Ford Motor Company and the University of Michigan are working together on a new project to accelerate the development of future hybrid vehicles.

Researchers are analyzing data from 2,500 road trips to determine how internal electronic vehicle controls could be tweaked to further improve fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive attributes.

"The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan available, and its performance is second to none. Our work with U of M is helping us develop the next generation of Ford hybrids and bring them to market even faster," said Ryan McGee, supervisor of Vehicle Controls Architecture and Algorithm Design in Ford's Research and Advanced Engineering.

Working with U of M, Ford has tested nearly 1 million design simulations of hybrid vehicle control systems to date and continues to conduct about 50,000 a week - a development speed that otherwise would not be possible.

Other academic work in hybrid vehicle technology primarily has been focused on fuel economy - often at the expense of drivability. Ford and U of M are looking at the marriage of both.

"The new hybrid controller design method we have created has the potential to offer consumers more choice in how efficient and drivable their vehicles are," said Jessy Grizzle, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at U of M. "I envision hybrids of the future featuring multiple modes or offering customers the ability to customize their driving experience."

The research is still in its early research stages, but initial results are promising.

"Working together with the University of Michigan research team, we are testing the boundaries of hybrid vehicle technology, exploring innovative ways to raise the bar on fuel economy and drivability," said Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, chief technical officer, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. "This joint work on hybrid software development shows great promise in helping us lead the development of more efficient hybrid systems for the future."

Ford now has four hybrid vehicles on sale - with more electrified vehicles coming.

The new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid deliver 41 mpg in the city - 8 mpg better than Toyota Camry Hybrid - making them the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans in America. The Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid deliver 34 mpg in the city - also better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Ford Motor Company's hybrid vehicle sales have risen 73 percent this year - compared with a 14-percent decline in hybrid sales across the industry. The fuel economy and durability of hybrid versions of Ford Fusion and Escape, Mercury Milan and Mariner also are winning over large numbers of conquest customers, many of whom are previous import owners.

Through September, Ford has sold 26,016 hybrid vehicles, up 73 percent versus the same period in 2008, according to figures from Autodata Inc.

Moving forward, Ford also plans to produce a pure battery electric Transit Connect commercial van in 2010, a battery electric Focus compact car in 2011, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle in 2012.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

The University of Michigan College of Engineering

The University of Michigan College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. At more than $130 million annually, its engineering research budget is one of the largest of any public university. Michigan Engineering is home to 11 academic departments and a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. The college plays a leading role in the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Energy Institute and hosts the world class Lurie Nanofabrication Facility. Michigan Engineering's premier scholarship, international scale and multidisciplinary scope combine to create The Michigan Difference. Find out more at http://www.engin.umich.edu/.