Ford plans to make electric cars in China

With the auto industry shifting towards more fuel efficient vehicles, Ford Motor Co may make electric cars with its partner in China according to chief executive officer Alan Mulally.

Mullaly, 66, said in a Bloomberg Television interview on 24 September that with the move towards more electrification, more hybrids and plug-in hybrids would be seen. He was speaking from Chongqing, China.

In China for the groundbreaking of an engine transmission plant at Ford's venture with Changan Automobile Group, Mullaly did not, however, offer a time frame for the Dearborn, Michigan-based company starting rolling out electric cars. Rivals Daimler AG and General Motors Co have also announced plans to introduce such vehicles in China as the country, the world's largest polluter, seeks to cut emissions.

According to the ministry of science, the government aimed to have 1 million electric-powered vehicles on the roads by 2015. Mulally said the roll out of electric vehicles would depend largely on infrastructure and advances in battery technology.

Ford would also consider introduction of its Lincoln luxury brand in China to tap the growing high-end sedan market, Mulally said.

According to Mulally the company had a great luxury brand in Lincoln. He said the vehicles would have great demand in China.