Ford Edge Hybrid

The Ford Edge is a crossover SUV based on the Mazda 6 sedan. It combines the looks and height of an SUV with the fuel economy of a sedan, although the small foundation on which the Edge is built means there won't be a third-row seat option. Power comes from a new 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that's also going in the Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan, and the Lincoln Zephyr (all based on the Mazda 6) later this year. A six-speed automatic and fully independent suspension should help fuel economy (claimed to be among the best in class) and handling. Fancy options like satellite navigation and a panorama roof are available, and safety equipment like six air bags and stability control is standard. Ford is five years late to the mid-size crossover game, but at least its entry is a solid and attractive one. Next up, in the 2008 to 2010 time period, will be hybrid versions of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego full-size sedans, and the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers.

E85 is a fuel blend that contains 85 percent ethanol and only 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol is a completely renewable fuel that in the U.S. most commonly is made from corn. Gasoline sold in the U.S. frequently contains up to 10 percent ethanol, but an increasing number of vehicles on the road today can operate on blends containing up to 85 percent ethanol.

If just 5 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet were powered by hybrids operating exclusively on E85, imports of oil could be reduced by about 140 million barrels a year. Such a savings would increase U.S. energy security, improve the nation's balance of payments and support America 's agricultural economy.

Additionally, ethanol-fueled hybrids could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ford Escape Hybrid, already the world's most fuel-efficient small SUV, would produce about 25 percent less carbon dioxide if operated exclusively on renewable E85 ethanol fuel instead of carbon-rich gasoline.

Ford recently announced a project with VeraSun Energy Corporation to encourage the further availability of E85 fuel at retail filling stations. Today, E85 is most commonly available in parts of the Midwest.

Production has been slated for Ford's Oakville assembly plant, an expansion at the plant is underway.

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:

Pricing

Normally aspirated Ford Edge models range in price from the SE FWD to the $25,000 to the $29,000 of the SEL AWD. Many individual options will also be offered over and on top of the two trim levels. Items such as HID headlights, back up warning sensors, 20 inch wheel packages, rear DVD entertainment system and power tailgate are all planned.

Expect Ford Edge Hybrid pricing over top of the SEL AWD Edge. Prices starting from the low to mid $30,000 range would include unique Hybrid features and many of the optional features listed found on lesser Edge models.