Ford Motor has announced it will significantly increase its investment in the development of fully electric and hybrid vehicles. The carmaker's strategy shift has been in the making for over six months.
"We're all in on this and we're taking our mainstream vehicles, our most iconic vehicles and we're electrifying them," Ford told reporters. "If we want to be successful with electrification, we have to do it with vehicles that are already popular."
Mainstream carmakers are reacting in part to pressure from regulators in China, Europe and California to slash carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
They are also under pressure from Tesla's success in creating electric sedans and SUVs that inspire would-be owners to line up outside showrooms and flood the company with orders.
Ford's shift to e-mobility has been more than six months in the making, after CEO Jim Hackett replaced his predecessor Mark Fields in May.
The carmaker said it had formed a team to accelerate the global development of electric vehicles, adding that the team's mission was to "think big and make quicker decisions."
Detroit flexes its muscle cars
Strictly speaking, the Detroit Motor Show is the first big auto event of the year. But many carmakers are now more attracted to the CES in Las Vegas. So, what's left for Detroit? Well, a lot of horsepower for one...
Image: GM Corp
Pickups are must-haves
... at least in Detroit. Americans always seem to have to transport something that doesn't quite fit in the trunk, right? This picture shows GM's new Chevrolet Silverado. Made of high-strength steel, it weighs less than the previous model.
Image: GM Corp
The RAM revs up...
Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) has something big to offer as well. Have a look at its RAM 1500. This four-wheel drive monster boasts up to 400 PS, depending on its engine type. Production of the vehicle will shortly move from Mexico to Michigan — much to the liking of US President Donald Trump.
Image: FCA US LLC
Picking up the pace
Here comes another pickup — Ford's F-150 in a diesel-engine variety. While Ford are among those automakers still invested in the Detroit show, the Ford Mobility Platform for robo-taxis was presented at the CES in Las Vegas this week.
Image: Ford
Bulky but high-tech
With its X-class series, Mercedes-Benz also has a range of pickups. And it has modernized its cross-country G-class. The off-road beast looks as bulky as before, but its high-tech interior will help the occupants stay connected, even inside a deep forest.
Image: Daimler AG
Mercedes rival
With its G-class, Mercedes certainly has rivals such as Jeep in mind. The picture shows the new Cherokee from Fiat-Chrysler, which owns Jeep. The designers have given it a thorough facelift.
Image: FCA
'i' means innovative and modern
BMW's i8 Coupe and Roadster side by side. Both feature a modern design and drive experience. An electric engine contributes 143 PS to the cars' 374-PS total.
Image: BMW AG
Made in Germany — for America
It's not easy to buy a Volkswagen Jetta in Germany as VW produces the model almost exclusively for the US market. In Detroit, VW will present the Jetta's seventh edition in a low-PS version.
Image: Volkswagen
In the fast lane
By contrast, the Corvette ZR1 from Chevrolet boasts 750 PS. The GM subsidiary will most likely present its G8 at the Detroit show. There are rumors that an 8-cylinder car with 860 PS under the hood could be revealed.
Image: GM Corp
Big in Japan
Infinity, Nissan's luxury brand, is to showcase the Q Inspiration Concept in Detroit to show the company's future design philosophy. In the places where you might expect to find side-view mirrors, there are mounts for cameras.
Image: Nissan
The what and when
Officially known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Detroit gala opens to the media on January 15. It will open to the general public on January 19 and continues until January 28. Last year, the show attracted 800,000 visitors. For more, go to www.naias.com
