Mazda flies solo in HYBRID development

Japanese automaker edges away from financially stricken Ford

Mazda Motor Corp. is developing hybrid vehicles that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor on its own, Nikkei Business has learned.

Seita Kanai, senior managing executive officer in charge of Mazda's R&D, acknowledged that the company is working independently of Ford and has a hybrid development plan aimed at a market rollout. "With an increasing array of hybrid models in the future, the challenge will be the appeal of the car itself. We're looking to emulate the Mazda brand of driving pleasure in our hybrids, too," Kanai said of the company's development aspirations.


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mstangpny07 - 10/2/2006 9:37:27 PM

+1 Boost

So does this mean that the 2008 Tribute Hybrid will be Mazda sourced?

Sauceboy01 - 10/2/2006 9:39:46 PM

+1 Boost

A possibility yes!

maltbarley - 10/3/2006 12:36:51 PM

+1 Boost

No, the Tribute will be the same as the Escape.

2JZSoarer - 10/3/2006 11:41:30 AM

+1 Boost

Ford also uses Toyota's old Hybrid system.

maltbarley - 10/3/2006 12:38:55 PM

+1 Boost

You mean, Ford licensed Toyota's planetary gear system. I'm not sure what's old about it as Toyota still uses it.