Battery Shortage Will Cap Ford Hybrid SUV Sales At 20,000 In MY 2005

[hatrack]

DETROIT -- The fuel-sipping Ford Escape Hybrid SUV is likely to be in short supply for the 2005 model year. Limited availability of nickel-metal hydride battery packs from supplier Sanyo will cap Escape Hybrid production at around 20,000 units in 2005, says Ford Division President Steve Lyons.

Ford Motor Co. is negotiating with the Japanese company to boost battery production. But additional capacity from Sanyo will require the company to expand its factory or build another.

"The only thing for sure is that 20,000 won't be enough for next year," Lyons said. "What I don't know ongoing is what the annual demand will be. ... We've got to get more battery capacity," he said.

Ford also needs batteries for the hybrid versions of the Mercury Mariner and Ford Fusion. Both are planned for 2007 introductions."

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http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101092