Ford holds nearly 500 patents for various hybrid-engine related technologies, and it plans on putting them to good use.

Ford holds nearly 500 patents for various hybrid-engine related technologies, and it plans on putting them to good use. Ford announced in January that its next-generation Fusion sedan will be available in gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The PHEV model is called the Fusion Energi, and Ford boasts that it will beat Toyota’s Prius plug-in, with a fuel efficiency rating of more than 100 MPGe. It’s scheduled to arrive in fall of 2012.

"Ford continued to invest to develop new products like our new Fusion hybrids during the depths of the economic downturn," said Ford engineer Chuck Gray. "We succeeded in transforming our lineup with leading fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the many Ford inventors who are helping make our Fusion Hybrid America's most fuel-efficient sedan."

One of those inventors is Ming Kuang, whose name is on at least 25 patents that are now being used in production hybrid vehicles.

"The work on the Fusion Hybrid is all about a commitment I made a long time ago to have a positive effect on our environment," said Kuang. "It's about helping make the world my children live in a better place. I'm proud to have always had the resources and freedom to keep pushing forward on innovations for those vehicles. Being part of an organization that has so much respect for research and advanced engineering is what really gets me out of bed every day."

Engineer Eric Kuehn also praised Ford’s tech-oriented culture. "One of the best parts of being involved with Ford's electrified vehicle group is that they are never satisfied. They are always striving to go further and see how far they can push toward creating even larger gaps between Ford and its competitors. That is ingrained in the culture and mindset of the team here and isn't going to change anytime soon."

Image: Ford