Ford to sell electric car Focus by early 2011

Early this week, the auto company Ford announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit its plan next year to market Focus – the electric version of Ford.

The car company said that Focus will be assembled at a manufacturing plant in Michigan that was previously used to produce sport utility vehicles. Ford will have two models for Focus: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback.

The assembly of Focus will begin late this year, with selling activity expected to start early next year. Mark Fields, President of Ford, informed that the price of the vehicle will be competitive with other green cars, such as Volt from competitor Chevrolet.

In other news, Ford’s Fusion Hybrid was awarded as the ‘North American Car of the Year’, while its Transit Connect was named as the ‘North American Truck of the Year’. This year marks the third time that Ford won both titles in 17 years.

Fusion Hybrid, a mid-size hybrid car that can travel about 40 miles per gallon, edged out other car finalists, including Volkswagen Golf/GTI and Buick LaCrosse. This year is Ford’s second hybrid win after its Escape Hybrid received the same award in 2005.

Meanwhile, Transit Connect, a cargo van suitable for small businesses, beat out Subaru Outback and Chevrolet Equinox. It is the sixth truck made by Ford to win the award.

The awards recognize vehicles based on several factors, including design, driver satisfaction, innovation, safety and value for money. A panel of 49 automotive journalists from Canada and the US served as the judges.