Powered, Electric, Hybrid and Plug-In

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Powered, Electric, Hybrid and Plug-In A WORLD FIRST: FORD’S MICHIGAN ASSEMBLY TO BUILD GAS- POWERED, ELECTRIC, HYBRID AND PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLES Ford Motor Company’s retooled Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., becomes the world’s first plant to build not only fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicles, but three production versions of electrified vehicles – battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles Production of the all-new global Ford Focus, in four-door and five-door versions, is under way Michigan Assembly will be home to the with sales to begin early next year. The Focus all-new global Ford Focus. Electric battery electric vehicle goes into Click here to download related images. production late next year followed by a new hybrid and plug-in hybrid in late 2012 Michigan Assembly provides a new level of manufacturing flexibility, allowing it to build multiple models to quickly and efficiently meet changing consumer preferences Ford, Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power teaming up to establish one of Michigan’s largest solar-powered generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations Ford and the United Auto Workers developed a framework of new and leading-edge operating practices at Michigan Assembly to produce the new Focus and other vehicles with industry-leading quality and efficiency WAYNE, Mich., Dec. 14, 2010 – Ford Motor Company’s Michigan Assembly Plant, which once churned out large SUVs, has completed a $550 million transformation that will make it the world’s first factory to build not only fuel-efficient gas-powered cars, but also three production versions of electrified vehicles including battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Michigan Assembly will be home to the all-new global Ford Focus, which has started production and goes on sale early next year. The Focus Electric zero-emission battery electric vehicle goes into production late next year followed by production of a new hybrid and a plug-in hybrid in 2012. “We’ve modernized just about every square foot of this facility to establish a new standard for a high-tech, green, flexible and efficient auto factory,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. “The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant stands as a symbol for the transformation of Ford.” On the outside, a new 500-kilowatt solar panel system will be installed to help generate renewal energy for production of Ford’s all-new Focus and Focus Electric cars. Ten new electric vehicle charging stations on the property will be used to recharge the electric trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. Inside, new cars making the three-mile trip down the assembly line must pass dozens of rigorous quality inspections. A new three-wet paint booth utilizes 66 paint robots with seven axis of movement to precisely apply paint to the cars. In the body shop, 500 new robots capable of 4,000 welds per vehicle add to the plant’s flexibility. And a new internal communications system flashes updates and information to the plant’s 3,200 employees via 163 monitor screens distributed throughout the plant. Flexible: Trends move fast Bright, modern and green – like the car it is building – the refurbished Michigan Assembly Plant is the company’s new benchmark for flexible manufacturing. At 1.2 million square feet – about the size of 22 football fields – the plant becomes Ford’s most flexible, high-volume and modern manufacturing facility in its global operations. Ford will continue to evolve its manufacturing flexibility as the company’s facilities are rapidly being transformed into more nimble, flexible, and technologically advanced operations. The changes at the plant will allow the company to run multiple models down the same production line without requiring considerable downtime for changeover of tooling. Two different models of the Focus can be adjusted between builds without restrictions. “If the last few years have taught us anything, it is that customer wants and needs can change quickly – much more quickly than we have been equipped to efficiently respond to in the past,” said Tetreault. “At Michigan Assembly, we will achieve a level of flexibility we don’t have in any other plant around the world, which will allow us to meet shifting consumer preferences in real time.” Renewable: Power from the sun Michigan Assembly also will boast Michigan’s largest solar power generation system and several electric vehicle charging stations for greener, more sustainable manufacturing when installation is completed next year. Ford is teaming with Detroit Edison and Xtreme Power to install the 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system. The system will be integrated with a 750-kilowatt energy storage facility that can store 2 million watt-hours of energy using batteries – enough to power 100 average Michigan homes for a year. A secondary, smaller solar energy system will be added at a later date to power lighting systems at Michigan Assembly. The combined systems are expected to result in projected energy cost savings of about $160,000 per year. Quality: At every turn To ensure best-in-class quality for the all-new Focus, vehicles on the line will endure rigorous examinations. Workers will perform hundreds of comprehensive quality tests and checks to ensure every bolt, seam and joint has been thoroughly inspected before continuing down the line. “We are leveraging our people, processes and products to consistently build cars that will surpass the competition,” said Tetreault. “This plant embodies everything we as a company strive to become – modern, efficient, flexible, global and sustainable.” Contributing to Focus’ best-in-class quality and Michigan Assembly’s transformation: Virtual manufacturing technology to improve ergonomics for easier, safer work Redesigned water soak testing booth to ensure zero water entry for long-term durability Highly efficient and environmentally friendly painting process Best-in-class squeak and rattle track that shakes and rolls vehicles for noises New energy-efficient illumination lighting for better vehicle inspections Moving platforms with real-time height adjustments for better operator ergonomics Vision-guided automation for better installation, fit-and-finish of doors, decks and hoods New robotic paint spray booths for more consistent and environmentally friendly application Electric tools capable of precisely measuring torque and the number of rotations required to secure bolts, screws and other attachments Adding to the physical transformation of the plant, Ford and the United Auto Workers have developed a framework to establish a strong, progressive culture that encourages joint problem solving and continuous improvement of the production process. “This plant is an inspirational example of how a modern manufacturing facility should look and work,” said Tetreault. “It’s bright, high-tech and efficient, while also being environmentally and ergonomically friendly.” # # # About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com..
Recommended publications
  • Ford Media Center Ford Media Center FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES SAFETY RECALL for SELECT 2020 FORD RANGER, F-150 and EXPEDITION VEHICLES
    4/9/2020 Ford Motor Company Issues Safety Recall for Select 2020 Ford Ranger, F-150 and Expedition Vehicles | Ford Media Center Ford Media Center FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES SAFETY RECALL FOR SELECT 2020 FORD RANGER, F-150 AND EXPEDITION VEHICLES Apr 7, 2020 | DEARBORN, Mich. DEARBORN, Mich., April 7, 2020 – Ford Motor Company is issuing a safety recall for select 2020 vehicles. They include 2020 Ford Ranger and 2020 F-150 vehicles with 10-speed automatic transmission and 2020 Expedition vehicles with the police package and 10-speed automatic transmission. Units equipped with a rotary gearshift dial are not affected. In affected vehicles, a clip that locks the gearshift cable to the transmission may not be fully seated. Over time, a partially seated clip may allow the transmission to be in a gear state different from the gearshift position selected by the driver. This could allow the driver to move the shifter to Park and remove the ignition key, without the transmission gear actually being in Park. If the parking brake is not applied in those cases, the vehicle could move unintentionally, increasing the risk of injury or crash. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition. This action affects 55,158 vehicles in the United States and federal territories, 12,090 in Canada and 681 in Mexico. Affected vehicles include: 2020 Ford Ranger vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant from Feb. 28 to March 18, 2020 2020 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant from Feb. 18 to March 19, 2020, and Kansas City Assembly Plant from Feb.
    [Show full text]
  • Ford Issues Two Safety Recalls and Two Safety Compliance Recalls in North America
    Aug 31, 2017 | DEARBORN, Mich. Ford Issues Two Safety Recalls and Two Safety Compliance Recalls in North America DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 31, 2017 – Ford Motor Company is issuing two safety recalls and two safety compliance recalls in North America. Details are as follows: 2017 Ford F-150 and Mustang vehicles • Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 935 2017 Ford F-150 and Mustang vehicles for ARC passenger air bag inflators. Ford was notified by Takata, a supplier that uses the inflators in airbag modules, of an abnormal deployment of ARC’s passenger airbag inflator during testing conducted at Takata’s engineering facility. • In the affected vehicles, the ARC inflator may rupture during a front passenger airbag deployment resulting from a crash which may result in metal fragments striking vehicle occupants and causing serious injury and death. • Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue. • Affected vehicles include: • 2017 Ford F-150 built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, July 20, 2017 to Aug. 1, 2017 • 2017 Ford Mustang built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, July 20, 2017 to Aug. 1, 2017 • The recall involves approximately 935 vehicles in North America, including 650 in the United States and federalized territories, 279 in Canada and six in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 17S26. • Dealers will replace passenger airbag modules. 2017 Ford Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles • Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 263 2017 Ford Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles with incorrect steering gear heat shield fasteners.
    [Show full text]
  • A Message to UAW Members at Ford
    FORD CONTRACT SUMMARY: HOURLY WORKERS NOVEMBER 2019 HIGHLIGHTS ● New Jobs/New Investments: Over $6 billion of product investment creating or re- taining over 8,500 jobs. Nineteen facilities will receive investments. ● Ratification Bonus: The contract establish- es a ratification bonus of $9,000 for senior- ity employees and $3,500 for temporary employees. ● Wage increases: The contract provides for 3% GWIs in the second and fourth years of the contract and 4% lump sums in the first and third years for eligible permanent seniority employees. The 2019 UAW Ford Hourly National Negotiating Committee. ● Health Care: There will be no reduction in health care benefits or increase in costs to members. New discount costs for retail clinics and telemedicine. ● Temporary Workers: Current temporary A Message to UAW Members workers are eligible to become full-time seniority employees with the potential to reach top rate during the life of the con- at Ford tract. Dear Brothers and Sisters: ● Progression: All current permanent employees will grow in to parity in the life of the contract. Your bargaining committee appreciates the solidarity of our membership ● Profit Sharing Formula Maintained as we worked to achieve key gains through the collective bargaining pro- cess. ● Pension/TESPHE: A one-time contribution of $1,000 to the Tax-Efficient Savings Plan From the outset, your brothers and sisters, Local leaders, and bargaining for Hourly Employees (TESPHE) accounts team members identified key areas of concern to focus on throughout this for employees hired or rehired before Nov. process: a clear pathway for temporary workers to permanent status, short- 19, 2007 or in a skilled classification prior ening the in-progression period, maintaining our current health care benefits to Oct.
    [Show full text]
  • Ford Media Center Ford Media Center FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES TWO SAFETY RECALLS in NORTH AMERICA
    6/10/2020 Ford Motor Company Issues Two Safety Recalls in North America | Ford Media Center Ford Media Center FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES TWO SAFETY RECALLS IN NORTH AMERICA Jun 10, 2020 | DEARBORN, Mich. DEARBORN, Mich., June 10, 2020 – Ford Motor Company is issuing two safety recalls in North America. Details are as follows: Select 2011-15 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for a door latch issue Affected vehicles may not have had all door latches replaced or correctly replaced when repaired by dealerships under safety recalls 15S16 or 16S30. Safety recalls 15S16 and 16S30 were issued to replace door latches with latch pawl spring tabs that were susceptible to cracking and failure in areas with high thermal loads (i.e., a combination of outdoor air temperature and solar radiation). A door latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a “door will not close” condition. If the door latches after repeated attempts to shut it, there is potential for the door to unlatch while driving, increasing the risk of injury. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition. This action affects approximately 2.15 million vehicles in the United States and federal territories. Affected vehicles are as follows: 2011-14 Ford Fiesta vehicles built at Cuautitlán Assembly Plant, Jan. 26, 2010, to Oct. 31, 2013 2012-15 Ford Focus vehicles built at Michigan Assembly Plant, Oct. 4, 2010, to Jan. 31, 2015 2013-14 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, May 11, 2012, to Oct. 31, 2013 2013-14 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 19, 2012, to Oct.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Change and the Environment - Sustainability 2011/12 - Ford Motor Company
    Climate Change and the Environment - Sustainability 2011/12 - Ford Motor Company Home Contact Downloads GRI Index UNGC Index Site Map Glossary corporate.ford.com Sustainability 2011/12 CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT Design for Lifecycle Sustainability Climate Change Greening Our Products Greening Our Operations Data Climate Change 105 miles per Voice: Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri and the gallon Environment equivalent achieved by Focus Electric, which we began selling this year Ford is focused on minimizing the environmental impacts of 100 percent our vehicles and operations, including reducing our of Ford Motor Company vehicles built in contribution to climate change. North America have soy foam in their seat cushions and backs, as of 2011 Ford is committed to doing our part to prevent or reduce the potential for environmental, economic and social harm due to climate change. We have a science-based strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our products and operations that focuses on doing our share to stabilize carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the atmosphere. We are on track to meet the Vehicle CO2 Reductions central elements of our strategy: Each of our new vehicles is a leader, or among the leaders, in fuel economy, and we are reducing GHG emissions across our We reduced fleet-average global product portfolio. We have also set a goal to reduce our facility CO2 CO2 emissions from our emissions by 30 percent per vehicle by 2025 compared to a 2010 baseline, 2011 model year U.S. new building on our reduction of 31 percent from 2000 to 2010. vehicles by 9 percent compared to the 2007 We are also committed to reducing the overall environmental footprint of our model year.
    [Show full text]
  • Ford Media Center Ford Media Center FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES ONE SAFETY COMPLIANCE RECALL and TWO SAFETY RECALLS in NORTH AMERICA
    10/13/2020 Ford Motor Company Issues One Safety Compliance Recall and Two Safety Recalls in North America | Ford Media Center Ford Media Center FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES ONE SAFETY COMPLIANCE RECALL AND TWO SAFETY RECALLS IN NORTH AMERICA Sep 30, 2020 | DEARBORN, Mich. DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 30, 2020 – Ford Motor Company is issuing one safety compliance recall and two safety recalls in North America. Safety compliance recall for multiple 2020 model year vehicles for intermittent rearview camera operation Affected vehicles have insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board internal to the camera. A rearview camera that intermittently displays a blank or distorted image would not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and requires corrective action by the manufacturer. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition. This action affects 620,246 vehicles in the U.S. and federal territories, 76,566 in Canada and 4,302 in Mexico. Affected 2020 vehicles include: Ford Explorer vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant from Nov. 16, 2019, to May 18, 2020 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Assembly Plant from Oct. 26, 2019, to May 18, 2020, and Kansas City Assembly Plant from Nov. 2, 2019, to May 18, 2020 Ford Mustang vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant from Nov. 18, 2019, to May 26, 2020 Ford Transit vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant from Oct. 28, 2019, to May 20, 2020. Ford Super Duty vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant from Nov. 3, 2019, to May 18, 2020, and Ohio Assembly Plant from Oct.
    [Show full text]
  • 2015 UAW-FORD Unpublished Letters
    2015 UAW - FORD Unpublished Letters 2015 UAW-FORD Unpublished Letters Table of Contents Section Pages Working Agreement Joint Programs Benefits Unpublished Letters Topic Page # Working Agreement Unpublished Letters 1U 2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement 2U 2015 Settlement Agreement 3U-13U Administrative Guidelines - PS&L Chairperson's Pay - Unplanned Overtime (Allerton to 14U Settles) Appointed Representation Structure at Brownstown/Parts Depots (Allerton to Settles) 15U Current And Future Product Commitment (Allerton to Settles) 16U-25U Entry Level Employee Conversion to New Traditional Status (Allerton to Settles) 26U-32U Outsourcing Moratorium (Allerton to Settles) 33U Remote email access - UAW Representatives (Allerton to Settles) 34U Sourcing - Advanced Manufacturing/Product Intelligence and Sourcing Alignment 35U-36U (Allerton to Settles) J Three Crew Schedules - Jury Duty (Allerton to Settles) 37U-38U I ! Joint Programs 39U Line Work Experience for Engineers (Allerton to Settles) 40U Benefits 41U Ambulatory Intensive Care Unit (AICU) Model (Swartout to Settles) 42U-43U Handling of Benefits for Alternate Work Schedule Employees (Swartout to Settles) 44U-54U Handling of Benefits for Alternate Work Schedule (3 Crew) Employees at Michigan Truck 55U-57U Plant (MTP) (Quarterman to Pokerwinski) Life Insurance Appeals and the UAW-Ford Group Life and Disability Appeal Committee 58U (Popp to Settles) Pension Eligibility Service for Certain Hourly Employees who returned to Ford from Ford 59U I New Holland Inc. (Swartout to Settles) Prescription Drug Management Understandings (Swartout to Settles) 60U Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Plan Funding (Swartout to Settles) 61U Working Agreement 1U UNPUBLISHED xx/xx/xxxx Mr. Jimmy Settles Vice President and Director UAW-Ford Department 8000 East Jefferson Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48214 Dear Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Ford Motor Company, a Global Automotive Industry Leader Based in Dearborn, Mich., Manufactures Or Distributes Automobiles Across Six Continents
    FORD VISIT OUR WEBSITE (HTTPS://CORPORATE.FORD.COM/) Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and more than 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford is laser-focused on building a strong business that delivers great products leading in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design, value, and that contribute to a better world. Ford Motor Company Location Employees Ford Credit National Recovery Center Mesa AZ 106 Arizona Proving Ground Wittmann AZ 16 Ford Credit Colorado Springs Business Center Colorado 381 Springs CO Denver High Velocity Center VC Denver CO 29 Denver Regional Office Greenwood 20 Village CO Hartford High Velocity Center Windsor 34 Locks CT Washington Affairs Washington 19 DC Lakeland High Velocity Center Davenport FL 33 / Ford Motor Company Location Employees Ford,FC&FCSD Orl Reg Ofc Maitland FL 27 Ford Credit Tampa Business Center Tampa FL 509 Atlanta High Velocity Center McDonough 35 GA Southeast Regional Office Milton GA 67 Chicago Assembly Plant Chicago IL 4000 Chicago High Velocity Center Chicago IL 27 Chicago Stamping Plant Chicago 1300 Heights IL Chicago Regional Office Downers 75 Grove IL Evansville High Velocity Center Princeton IN 34 Kansas City Regional Office Overland 20 Park KS Kansas City High Velocity Center Shawnee KS 56 Kentucky Truck Plant Louisville KY
    [Show full text]
  • Release at 00:01 A
    NEWS www.twitter.com/ford www.facebook.com/ford www.instagram.com/ford www.medium.com/@ford Ford Motor Company Issues One Safety Compliance Recall and Two Safety Recalls in North America DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 30, 2020 – Ford Motor Company is issuing one safety compliance recall and two safety recalls in North America. Safety compliance recall for multiple 2020 model year vehicles for intermittent rearview camera operation Affected vehicles have insufficient electrical conductivity within the printed circuit board internal to the camera. A rearview camera that intermittently displays a blank or distorted image would not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and requires corrective action by the manufacturer. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition. This action affects 620,246 vehicles in the U.S. and federal territories, 76,566 in Canada and 4,302 in Mexico. Affected 2020 vehicles include: • Ford Explorer vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant from Nov. 16, 2019, to May 18, 2020 • Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Assembly Plant from Oct. 26, 2019, to May 18, 2020, and Kansas City Assembly Plant from Nov. 2, 2019, to May 18, 2020 • Ford Mustang vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant from Nov. 18, 2019, to May 26, 2020 • Ford Transit vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant from Oct. 28, 2019, to May 20, 2020. • Ford Super Duty vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant from Nov. 3, 2019, to May 18, 2020, and Ohio Assembly Plant from Oct. 30, 2019, to May 18, 2020 • Ford Expedition vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant from Oct.
    [Show full text]
  • Economic Contribution of the Ford Motor Company Michigan Assembly Plant to the Michigan Economy
    Economic Contribution of the Ford Motor Company Michigan Assembly Plant to the Michigan Economy Prepared for: Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Ford Motor Company Prepared by: 3005 Boardwalk, Suite 200 Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Kim Hill Bernard Swiecki Deb Menk Joshua Cregger Michael Schultz March 2013 All statements, findings, and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Ford Motor Company or MEDC. Contents List of Figures and Tables .................................................................................................................ii Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3 Section 1: North American Industry Overview ............................................................................... 5 The North American Automobile Industry ................................................................................. 5 Recent North American Developments ...................................................................................... 5 Sales and Analysis ................................................................................................................... 6 Employment ............................................................................................................................ 6 Section 2:
    [Show full text]
  • 2014 Global Fleet Product Guide Contents Page
    FORD GLOBAL FLEET 2014 Global Fleet Product Guide Contents Page Meeting Your Needs Around the World 1 Go Further with Ford 2 Behind the Blue Oval 3 Global Vehicle Platforms 4 Global Product Reach 12 The Lincoln Motor Company 13 Global Dealer Coverage 14 Global Manufacturing Facilities 16 Ford Global Fleet Contacts 21 Meeting Your Needs Around the World Ford Motor Conpany's Global Fleet Team is comprised of fleet representatives from each of Ford's five geographic business units. The team is uniquely dedicated to supporting multinational customers engaged in global fleet consolidation initiatives. Global DNA - ONE FORD. ONE TEAM ONE PLAN. ONE GOAL - Quality, Green, Safe and Smart leadership - Fuel-efficient and sustainable vehicles with bold design Global Reach - Unrivaled worldwide product portfolio that meets drivers' needs - Extensive worldwide sales and service network - Worldwide manufacturing footprint Global Value - Efficiencies through fleet consolidation and standardization - Improvements in vehicle total cost of ownership - Dedicated team with in-depth knowledge of worldwide markets 1 Go Further with Ford Ford focuses on developing vehicles that deliver exceptional value to our customers across global markets. No matter where we do business, however, our product strategy stays the same. All our vehicles sport bold exterior designs, while offering great handling and performance. Not only are they great to drive – with interior enhancements in comfort and connectivity – but fuel economy across every vehicle in our portfolio is a reason to buy. From distinctively-styled sedans, offering an unmatched combination of power, technology and safety on the road, to versatile utility vehicles and tough, durable trucks, Ford delivers the balanced range of world-class vehicles that our customers want and value.
    [Show full text]
  • Michigan Assembly Plant Transformed to Produce Fuel-Efficient Cars of the Highest Quality
    Michigan Assembly Plant Transformed to produce fuel-efficient cars of the highest quality Flexible manufacturing Michigan Assembly Plant formerly produced large SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Today the plant is the most flexible, high-volume and modern manufacturing facility in Ford’s global operations. The flexible manufacturing system means Ford can build multiple models on one or more platforms in one plant, responding quickly to customer needs and preferences with minimal retooling. One platform, multiple models Thanks to a $550 million transformation, Michigan Assembly Plant is the world’s first factory to build not only fuel-efficient, gas-powered vehicles, but three versions of electrified vehicles – battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Today, the plant celebrates production of the new Focus Electric, a zero-emissions battery electric vehicle. Production of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi is slated to begin in 2012. Global production of the Ford Focus began at Michigan Assembly Plant in early 2011. Going green Michigan Assembly Plant is the first in the U.S. to commercially use a three-wet paint application that will save about $3 million in production in natural gas and electricity – all without compromising Ford’s paint quality or durability. Outside the plant, a new 500-kilowatt solar panel system has been installed to generate renewable energy for production of Ford’s all-new Focus and Focus Electric. Ten new electric charging stations on the property are being used to recharge the electric trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. That saves an estimated 86,000 gallons of gas a year.
    [Show full text]