Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of the Ford Motor Company, recently gave a speech to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Rouge, the historic auto plant that he called “the heart of Ford,” and the place “where the industrial revolution took hold.”

Mr. Ford says the Rouge is “as environmentally progressive as heavy manufacturing can be,” with a living roof and extensive recycling programs in place. “We recycle enough aluminum to build another 400,000 F-Series truck bodies each year.”

The Rouge has seen some changes in the auto industry, and it’s going to see a lot more. “Our business is changing in dramatic ways,” said Bill. “Everything from how we build our cars, to what they run on, to the way we buy them, hail them, or even drive them at all.”

One big change that’s coming soon: a hybrid pickup truck. “I am excited to confirm that the revolutionary 2020 Ford F-150 Hybrid will be built right here,” said Ford. “It’s going to be a truck that takes you farther without sacrificing power and a truck that helps you do more when you get there, with electricity for everything from your tools to your camping gear.”

“And then we’ll keep innovating,” Ford continued. “When it comes to building the best trucks in the world, we never rest. Whether they’re gas, diesel, hybrid – or when the time comes, fully electric – we will ensure they power the world in a sustainable way and remain Built Ford Tough.”

Source: Ford via Green Car Congress