Ford recalls its hybrid pledge

DEARBORN, Mich., June 30 (UPI) -- Ford Motor Co. is dropping its pledge to build 250,000 gas-electric hybrid cars per year by 2010.

 

Instead, the No. 2 U.S. carmaker will focus on other fuel-saving technologies in a switch that has provoked environmentalists, The Washington Post reported Friday.

 

Ford said the 250,000 goal was "too narrow" to substantially improve vehicle fuel economy or curb carbon dioxide emissions.

 

Among alternate technologies the company is considering are diesel, biodiesel and ethanol fuel blend E85.