Ford is to commit further funding to the development of fuel cell vehicles as part of a raft of new measures to help the company meet environmental regulations.

Alan Mulally, Chief Executive of Ford, revealed a series of proposals which he claimed will result in "more fuel-efficient vehicles that emit fewer greenhouse gases" for which it has earmarked a "significant" sum.

Among these are the introduction of smaller engines augmented by turbochargers and lighter vehicles to improve fuel economy.

Mr Mulally also pledged to introduce more gasoline-electric hybrid models, diesel engines and higher efficiency transmissions.

Meanwhile, energy use in the marque's fleet will be improved by developing electronic steering which is not powered by the engine and more aerodynamic designs, with the current programme to advance technology for plug-in hybrids also set to continue, Mr Mulally said.

News of the firm's strategy follows Chairman William Clay Ford Jr's announcement that it is setting up a team of independent specialists to help it meet environmental targets.

Sources:

Ford Plans New Engines, More Fuel-Saving Technologies (Update3), 15/11/07
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aoXRv5a9j.M8&refer=us

Ford Forms 'Transformation Advisory Council, 14/11/07
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/CLTU14713112007-1.htm

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