Ford's ready-made electric car
 The electric Ford Focus, due out in 2011, will be based on the the next-generation Ford Focus. It will resemble the European version of the car, shown here. |
Ford saved big money by partnering with parts supplier Magna to develop its competitor to the Chevy Volt.
NEW YORK March 20, 2009; Peter Valdes-Dapena writing for CNNMoney.com reported that Ford is preparing to sell an electric car developed almost entirely by an outside supplier. While that may cut down on bragging rights - General Motors created the Chevy Volt in-house - Ford says it also cut down on costs and risk.
In other words, why invent the electric wheel when somebody else can do it for you?
Meanwhile, Ford's partner, auto supplier Magna International, is offering to do for other carmakers what it's done for Ford, and possibly more. If you're a carmaker and you want to sell an electric car, Magna says it's ready to design it and build it for you.
The electric Ford Focus, due out in early 2011, is largely the product of Canada-based auto parts and assembly supplier Magna International (MGA). Magna developed the car mostly on its own, building it inside a Ford Focus body for demonstration purposes.
