Fusion hybrid: Most patented car ever. So what?
Ford’s most important car ever?
The other day Ford sent me a press release claiming that the Ford Fusion hybrid is the “most patented car in history”.
Then why am I so unimpressed?
While I believe the Fusion hybrid is a fantastic automobile, Ford has no plans to sell more than 25,000 of these hybrid vehicles per year. Other than for marketing purposes, what does that really do for Ford?
Granted, Ford is almost assuredly waiting to finalize lithium development before mass-producing any Ford hybrid vehicle, and such a move probably makes economic sense, especially in the short term. Still, Toyota might roll out more than half a million hybrids this year, and Ford can only manage 50,000?
Anyway, I have high expectations for the future of Ford – or at least high hopes – so let’s end this on a positive note. According to the The Patent Board, “Ford’s patented technologies are closer to cutting edge than its competitors”.
There is no doubt Alan Mulally’s financial moves since assuming the helm of Ford were more cutting edge than Ford’s competitors. If Mulally has been concurrently driving Ford more aggressively towards next generation, cutting edge technologies, then maybe – hopefully – Ford’s small hybrid output today is just the calm before Ford’s hybrid storm.
