Ford Planning New Hybrid Lineup to Compete with Prius

Numerous automakers are preparing competitors to the Toyota Prius and Ford is next on the list.

According to a recent report, the American automaker is working on a new Prius fighter and while it already offers several hybrids in its current lineup, the new model will be built from the ground up to be a hybrid. Currently, Ford’s hybrid offerings are all variants of existing gasoline models such as the Fusion. And following in the footsteps of the Prius lineup, Ford will likely spawn variants from its new hybrid to take on the Prius plug-in, Prius v and maybe even the Prius c.

SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Review

The company plans to build the new hybrid at its Wayne assembly plant in southeastern Michigan at a rate of about 120,000 units per year. As a 2019 model, it will likely feature better technology than what is offered today and will be built on Ford’s new C2 global compact platform that is also underpinning the next-generation Focus and Escape.

Expect Ford’s Prius fighter to make its debut in late 2018.

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Automotive News]

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