Hybrid development is getting more serious when it comes to American automakers because the US government is continuously pushing domestic ailing companies towards this kind of vehicles. In order to emphasize its efforts, Ford will attend the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress on April 20-23 and will demonstrate several hybrids and powertrain solutions, including the company's EcoBoost engine technology.
Ford's EcoBoost is a direct injection turbocharge gasoline unit that is capable of producing an impressive amount of power while delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent less emissions compared to a traditional naturally-aspirated engine.
"What we are discovering is that the notion of a hybrid and its outstanding fuel economy is what may draw the consumer to the showroom, but it's the cool factor - the HMI displays, the next-generation navigation system, Ford SYNC functionality - that is a significant dynamic in the customer purchase decision," said Sherif Marakby, chief engineer, Ford Global Hybrid Engineering.
"Improving fuel economy involves optimizing every aspect of a vehicle's energy consumption, including aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance and electrical loads. These actions, coupled with state-of-the-art powertrain technologies, can be seen in many of our newly-launched vehicles," Paul Mascarenas, vice president of engineering for Global Product Development, added.
Furthermore, the SAW will also honor Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, chief technical officer and vice president of Ford Research and Advanced Engineering as the winner of the organization's all-new Franz F. Pischinger Powertrain Innovation Award.
"As a former Ph.D. student of Professor Pischinger, this award is particularly meaningful to me," said Schmidt. "This award truly recognizes the team of talented people I've been honored to work beside throughout my career."
Ford's EcoBoost is a direct injection turbocharge gasoline unit that is capable of producing an impressive amount of power while delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent less emissions compared to a traditional naturally-aspirated engine.
"What we are discovering is that the notion of a hybrid and its outstanding fuel economy is what may draw the consumer to the showroom, but it's the cool factor - the HMI displays, the next-generation navigation system, Ford SYNC functionality - that is a significant dynamic in the customer purchase decision," said Sherif Marakby, chief engineer, Ford Global Hybrid Engineering.
"Improving fuel economy involves optimizing every aspect of a vehicle's energy consumption, including aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance and electrical loads. These actions, coupled with state-of-the-art powertrain technologies, can be seen in many of our newly-launched vehicles," Paul Mascarenas, vice president of engineering for Global Product Development, added.
Furthermore, the SAW will also honor Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, chief technical officer and vice president of Ford Research and Advanced Engineering as the winner of the organization's all-new Franz F. Pischinger Powertrain Innovation Award.
"As a former Ph.D. student of Professor Pischinger, this award is particularly meaningful to me," said Schmidt. "This award truly recognizes the team of talented people I've been honored to work beside throughout my career."