January 5th, 2011
Executive Chairman Bill Ford has shared his vantage point of the Ford Motor Company electric future. Here is the play by play of the event.
| 2:01 |
|
Good afternoon! We’re live in New York City for the simultaneous announcement (along with CEO Alan Mulally’s keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas) about our electrification plans. We’re going to be joined shortly by Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Company, who will share Ford’s vision for an electrified future. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:01 |
| 2:01 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:01 |
| 2:02 |
|
We’ll be bringing you play-by-play coverage of the press event here in New York City today. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:02 |
| 2:04 |
|
The audience is taking its seat and the announcer has said that the program will begin in just a few minutes. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:04 |
| 2:05 |
|
Nancy Gioia, Ford Motor Company’s director of Global Electrification, welcomes the crowd, saying “Welcome to our home!” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:05 |
| 2:05 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:05 |
| 2:06 |
|
Nancy Gioia: “Households that are waiting for the right auto company … to deliver the right electric vehicle choices … to suit their individual driving needs. Providing consumers with the Power of Choice is what makes Ford’s electrification plan different than others. “ |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:06 |
| 2:06 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:06 |
| 2:07 |
|
She continues, saying that Ford understands you can’t put everyone in a single electric vehicle – there is no silver bullet EV solution. Consumers want options and need choices. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:07 |
| 2:07 |
|
Nancy Gioia: “That is why Ford will set itself apart by introducing five different electric vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:07 |
| 2:07 |
|
Ford started with Transit Connect Electric commercial van at the end of last year; the company’s first global full battery electric passenger car – the Focus Electric – comes later this year, followed by two next generation lithium-ion hybrids in 2012 and a plug-in hybrid in 2012. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:07 |
| 2:08 |
|
Nancy is introducing Bill Ford:
“No one has been more instrumental to delivering on the promise of our plan than the man I am about to introduce … Bill Ford, the executive chairman of Ford Motor Company.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:08 |
| 2:08 |
|
To give us an idea of his commitment to the environment, Nancy tells a story from 40 years ago from Bill: on the very first Earth Day Bill talked his friends into skipping the car pool and riding their bikes to school to save on gasoline. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:08 |
| 2:09 |
|
Nancy Gioia: “Under Bill’s guidance, Ford Motor Company went from complying with regulations to creating a business plan that is built around choices for the future and environmental leadership.”
“Bill has also remained committed to global sustainability initiatives beyond vehicles … from supporting our decision to become the first automaker to join The Chicago Climate Exchange … to working to lessen our environmental footprint by reducing global energy use at our facilities by 34 percent since 2000.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:09 |
| 2:09 |
|
Bill Ford is taking the podium |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:09 |
| 2:10 |
|
“We are here today to mark a milestone moment in Ford Motor Company’s history.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:10 |
| 2:11 |
|
Bill explains how today’s event fits into the heritage of Ford’s past and connection to the future. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:11 |
| 2:11 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:11 |
| 2:12 |
|
Bill Ford: “My great-grandfather, Henry Ford, had a simple idea: he wanted to improve people’s lives by making cars affordable for the average family. Henry’s masterpiece, the Model T, helped put the world on wheels. But it also did something else – it offered leading-edge technology on a large scale.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:12 |
| 2:12 |
|
Those lessons became part of Ford’s DNA. Today, Ford is focused on providing better fuel economy for millions of customers, not just for those who can afford expensive, low-volume niche cars. Fuel-saving technologies – EcoBoost engines and advanced transmissions across many vehicles. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:12 |
| 2:12 |
|
Ford is committed to being a leader in fuel economy in every segment.
Also working on advanced technologies such as fuel cells, biofuel and clean diesel engines. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:12 |
| 2:13 |
|
Bill Ford: “One of the biggest and most immediate game changers will be electrified vehicles. These days everyone is rushing to bring electric vehicles to market.
While Ford has plans for electric vehicles as well, what I am excited about is that we are rolling out these vehicles by doing it the Ford way, which means doing everything we can to make it easier for our customers to embrace this fuel-saving technology.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:13 |
| 2:13 |
|
What is the Ford way? Offering customers a variety of choices. Something that truly differentiates Ford from the competition. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:13 |
| 2:14 |
|
Bill Ford: “In the next two years, we will introduce five new advanced lithium-ion battery charged vehicles including next-generation hybrids, a plug-in hybrid and two all battery electric vehicles. We began with the first deliveries of the battery-powered Transit Connect commercial van to fleet customers late last year.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:14 |
| 2:14 |
|
“We are offering a range of electrified vehicles because we recognize our customers will have a range of needs that can’t be satisfied by one single solution. In addition, we are doing everything we can to make these vehicles as affordable as possible.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:14 |
| 2:15 |
|
Building electrified vehicles on highest volume global vehicle platforms to lower costs and take advantage of proven quality.
Also gives flexibility to build what works best for any region in the world – and to ramp up production if demand exceeds projections. The Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan will be the first facility to build gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrids and full battery electric vehicles all under one roof. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:15 |
| 2:15 |
|
Bill Ford: “We are investing more dollars to design, develop, and build electrified vehicles, along with key components such as the transaxles and battery packs that power them. We are working to create a center of excellence for electrification, bringing much of the work in-house.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:15 |
| 2:15 |
|
Electrification is now a core competency for Ford. Potential benefits – to customers, companies and communities – are enormous. Electric vehicles reduce the use of gas and lower CO2 emissions. Can help Ford make automobiles affordable in every sense of the world – not just economically, but environmentally and socially too. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:15 |
| 2:16 |
|
There is now a vehicle that will get a better miles per gallon equivalent than the Chevy Volt, while providing more than enough range for the average American commute. A real electric vehicle that can fully charge in three to four hours using a 240v at home charging station – less than half the time it takes to charge a Nissan Leaf. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:16 |
| 2:16 |
|
Bill Ford: “Ford also will help reduce the cost of owning an electric vehicle by allowing Focus Electric owners to take advantage of off-peak and reduced utility rates through value charging powered by Microsoft.”
“This is truly a milestone moment. For our company, for me personally, and for the thousands of Ford employees around the world who are making our vision a reality.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:16 |
| 2:16 |
|
Bill Ford introduces, the Ford Focus Electric.
The audience is now standing. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:16 |
| 2:17 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:17 |
| 2:17 |
|
Getting out of the vehicle is the Chief Engineer for Focus Electric, Eric Kuehn. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:17 |
| 2:17 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:17 |
| 2:17 |
|
Eric Kuehn: “The entire Ford team is truly excited about the Focus Electric. We think it has a great look, offers some great features and is a great car for customers who want a full battery electric vehicle.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:17 |
| 2:17 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:17 |
| 2:18 |
|
Focus Electric is based on five-door Focus mode. Powered entirely by an advanced 23 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that helps it reach a top speed of 84 mph. Power “you can really have fun with, thanks to instant torque on the electric motor.” No gasoline. Zero emissions. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:18 |
| 2:18 |
|
The seats are made from 100% sustainable materials; insulation under the floor of each car contains about two pairs of recycled jeans. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:18 |
| 2:18 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:18 |
| 2:18 |
|
Eric Kuehn: “Like its gasoline-powered counterpart, Ford Focus Electric offers SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information, Sony Audio with HD Radio and iTunes tagging, in-car WiFi capability, Push Button Start, and MyFord Touch which is enhanced for the electrified driving experience.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:18 |
| 2:19 |
|
Most EV buyers are prepared to embrace reality that a full battery does not last as long as a full tank of gas. That they’ll have to do more planning around how far they can go, how much charge they’ll need, and where to find a charge station. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:19 |
| 2:19 |
|
Ford offers some helpful tools for that. Like the SmartGuage eco guide on the Fusion Hybrid, an EV-enhanced MyFord Touch system goes further, acting as a co-pilot that helps the driver plan and manage the vehicle’s energy budget. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:19 |
| 2:20 |
|
This MyFord Touch system can …
help you find a charge point destination
constantly update you about your energy budget
help you manage driving habits that limit your range
and coach you to get the most possible energy back from your regenerative braking system. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:20 |
| 2:20 |
|
“MyFord Touch even offers easy assurance that you can reach your destination … with a choice of animations like these butterflies. As long as you see at least one butterfly on your screen, you know you have more than enough battery power to make it to your destination.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:20 |
| 2:21 |
|
Ford designers chose butterflies as a connection to “the butterfly effect,” – a small change can have an enormous impact. One person’s choice to drive electric can influence other people to make the transition. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:21 |
| 2:21 |
|
But what about when they’re not in the car? Electric vehicle owners need real-time info too. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:21 |
| 2:21 |
|
Eric Kuehn: “To meet this need, we extended the MyFord Touch experience to the owner’s smartphone with MyFord Mobile.“ |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:21 |
| 2:22 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:22 |
| 2:22 |
|
“MyFord Mobile communicates directly with the car’s onboard wireless module. All smartphone users have to do is download the app, and as long as there’s a mobile signal, they can interact with their car from virtually anywhere.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:22 |
| 2:22 |
|
MyFord Mobile – a complete suite of tools designed to help drivers manage the EV ownership experience. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:22 |
| 2:23 |
|
It gives you access to key, real-time vehicle info
– enables you to schedule charging
– allows you to start or stop charging with the touch of a button
– offers tips on more energy-efficient driving
– rewards you for your emissions-free driving achievements
– help you find charging stations and plan trips based on the current charge level of your vehicle The charging process is an important one Ford had to consider as well.
Ford saw an opportunity to shape the customer’s charging experience from installation to usability. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:23 |
| 2:23 |
|
“First, we worked with a leading supplier partner to create the absolute best charge station on the market. We also put a lot of thought into the design of the charger unit, knowing that this is something customers will use every day. But the coolest design feature is actually how the box is installed.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:23 |
| 2:24 |
|
“Our key competitors offer a one-piece, hardwired box. Once it’s on your wall, it’s on your wall. But … what if you move?” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:24 |
| 2:24 |
|
Ford’s solution: a unit that mounts on a bracket with no tools required and then easily unplugs again for servicing or relocation. If you move, just unplug your charge station and take it with you. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:24 |
| 2:24 |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:24 |
| 2:24 |
|
Ford is also offering purchase, installation and service experience via Best Buy and the Geek Squad. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:24 |
| 2:24 |
|
Erick Kuehn: “With Best Buy, you make one call or visit to buy your charge station and set up installation. Then Geek Squad takes it from there – to complete the charger installation. Together, all of these advantages make the set-up process quick and easy for our customers … and saves them as much as $700 on their charge station.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:24 |
| 2:25 |
|
“We’re doing all this because it all comes back to our commitment to bring affordable fuel-efficient technology to millions of people.” |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:25 |
| 2:25 |
|
That concludes the formal remarks. The media are now asking questions. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:25 |
| 2:26 |
|
Pricing and range are key questions.
We’ll be announcing pricing closer to the launch. For range, we’ve targeted up to 100 miles. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:26 |
| 2:28 |
|
Q: When can we anticipate a charging unit that is transportable to plug in as you travel?
A: Depends on the infrastructure development, and Ford is working with utility partners and municipalities to ensure that the infrastructure supports customer choice. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:28 |
| 2:31 |
|
Q: When will Focus electric be in the dealerships? And do we have the capability to produce many, if fuel prices spike?
A: Rollout begins later this year in 19 key metropolitan markets. Volume, ramp up and scale is going to be supported by the Michigan Assembly Plant, built to accommodate shifting consumer attitudes – same platform, one assembly line. |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:31 |
| 2:33 |
|
Q: What are Ford’s plans for electric Lincolns, pickups, etc.
A: The ultimate question is one of affordability. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the battery, and the harder the battery has to work. There are certain powertrains that are compatible with mass market and function-specific vehicles. We’ve already electrified our C/D car platform (Fusion, Mondeo, MKZ). |
Friday January 7, 2011 2:33 |
Visit Ford.com and see the recently launched electric vehicle section on fordvehicles.com. On the site, you can find video, text and diagrams to help understand the differences in the technologies of electrified vehicles.
