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Ford Introduces 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid; Projected 41 mpg City

Green Car Congress

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Ford’s Lincoln brand revealed its first hybrid—the new mid-size 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid—during the press preview to the New York International Auto Show. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses Ford’s second-generation hybrid system, based on the 2.5-liter Click to enlarge. Earlier post.) Click to enlarge.

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Ford demonstrating cloud-based technology to optimize plug-in powertrain efficiency at ITS World Congress

Green Car Congress

At the Google I/O conference in May, Ford introduced its research and innovation into using the cloud to predict driver behavior in order to optimize vehicle control systems and improve vehicle performance attributes such as fuel or hybrid-electric efficiency. Earlier post.). Earlier post.). Earlier post.).

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Two case studies outline how Houston and Loveland are saving money with EVs in their fleets

Green Car Congress

The Electrification Coalition released two case studies outlining how two cities— Houston, Texas and Loveland, Colorado —are saving money by using electric vehicles (EVs) in their vehicle fleets. found that the city’s LEAFs will cost 41% less to own and operate than gasoline-powered vehicles. Earlier post.).

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Ford to apply start-stop technology to non-hybrid vehicles in North America in 2012

Green Car Congress

When Auto Start-Stop debuts in North America, it will be available on gasoline-powered cars and utilities with either a manual or automatic transmission as well as vehicles that use Ford’s patented dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission. The fuel-saving system eventually will be offered in all of Ford’s global markets.

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GSA To Make 5,600 Hybrids Available To Federal Agencies, Including 100 Plug-In Hybrids; Cost Still An Issue

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The Department of Energy (DOE) plans to switch to an all-hybrid fleet within three years, and is leasing 753 hybrids from GSA this year: 334 Ford Fusions, 273 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks, 145 Ford Escape sport utility vehicles and one Honda Insight. DOE paid for the additional cost of leasing hybrid vehicles.

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Ford and Smith Terminate Partnership on Electric Transit Connect Project for US; Ford Now Partnering with Azure Dynamics to Deliver the Vehicle in 2010; Smith Partnering with AM General on Electric Vans for USPS

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Ford Motor Company and Smith Electric Vehicles US (SEV US) have mutually agreed to terminate the development project of an electric car-derived van based on Transit Connect. It was concerned that the market for electric car-derived vans would become increasingly competitive. Earlier post.). Ford and Azure. Oak Park, Mich.-based

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More Details on the Lexus CT 200h Hybrid Powertrain; 42 mpg US Combined

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2011 Lexus CT 200h. Toyota has released more detail on the powertrain of the new Lexus CT 200h premium compact dedicated hybrid ( earlier post ); Toyota plans to introduce it to the US market in early 2011. To reduce mechanical losses, an electric system replaces the water pump drive belt. Click to enlarge. Hybrid Transaxle.

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