for future RWD hybrid systems.... not sure how i feel about that.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/22/f...r-trucks-suvs/

 

interesting

 

What's the big deal? Ford's 3.5L V6 is reverse-engineered from a partnership with Nissan. If you can learn how to do something better, and a competitor is willing to share information, then that's a win-win situation.

EDIT: More info: http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/08...ybrid-pickups/

 

I don't see this as a win-win, Ford already makes better hybrids than Toyota, it really is just Toyota using Ford for its stuff...

 

^agreed.

I hate this. Period.

The only hybrid Toyota can make is the Prius, I almost never see any others. Ford has a couple quite popular, and plans for more on the way. Why do they need Toyota, they seem to have figured out a number of things on their own.


The way I see it, they should concentrate hardest on beating Toyota compared to anyone else, they are the stiffest non-US competition.

 

It will help Ford save money on development costs for new products. I view it as a win-win. Last I checked Toyota was still more profitable than Ford, so if they want to spend some of their money that will make the Ford vehicle that much cheaper for us to purchase in the long run. And Ford has the Escape & Fusion Hybrid...the Prius is still the best selling Hybrid. Don't see this as a bad thing for Ford.

 

Yeah development cost will drop a good amount. Which means cheaper cars and more $$$ if more people buy them. Win win

 

Agreed, these sorts of things happen all the time. On the Brand-X board I frequent, the GM guys called it crossing over to the other side. Some of those guys had very short memories with GM's various partnerships like the NUMMI plant in California and the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix or that alot of GM's outstanding diesel technology was a joint venture with Izuzu

 

Yeah, but Prius alone outsells all other hybrids combined so ... it might be a win-win in the end.