Production of the conventional 2007 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) begins later this year. Specific product details for the Canadian-made hybrid versions will be revealed closer to launch.

Our employees are ready to lead as innovators. Hybrid vehicle production joins a list of innovations at Oakville that include flexible manufacturing, on-site research and development and an initiative to convert paint fumes to clean electricity.

—OAC plant manager Frank Gourneau

The provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Prince Edward Island currently offer C$1,000-C$3,000 hybrid consumer tax incentives. Ford of Canada is encouraging other provinces and the federal government to follow suit and provide similar hybrid consumer tax incentives for all Canadians.

Ford Motor Company is planning to introduce hybrid versions of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego, and the Canadian-made Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX to make a total of nine models available as full hybrids (offering stop/start and regenerative braking; electric motor assistance; full limited electric drive).

Today’s Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (US only) hybrids will be joined by a Mazda Tribute Hybrid in 2007 and the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid in 2008. Overall, Ford Motor Company plans to sell 250,000 hybrids a year globally by 2010.