Ford, utility join to promote plug-in vehicles

DETROIT (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co and power utility Southern California Edison will announce an unusual alliance on Monday aimed at clearing the way for a new generation of rechargeable electric cars, the companies said.

Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally and Edison International Chief Executive John Bryson are scheduled to meet with reporters at Edison’s headquarters in Rosemead, California, the companies said.


The two chief executives will announce a “joint initiative” that represents a first-of-its-kind tie-up between a major automaker and a major utility in the area of “plug-in” hybrid vehicle technology, representatives of both companies said.

Further details were not immediately available, but environmental advocates said the tie-up showed the momentum building for developing rechargeable hybrid vehicles as a way to reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Reuters