Ford Says Peace Prize for Gore Will Not Inspire Hybrid Sales

I've noticed that local radio pundits have been talking about the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Al Gore (positively or negatively depended on their viewpoint of Gore). According to Nancy Gioia, Ford's hybrid chief, the award won't inspire sales of hybrids, unlike the Academy Award.

"I hate to say it, but I think the Academy Awards, seen by millions on television, was probably more of a boost in raising awareness levels. I think the Nobel Prize just reinforces it," she said.

Nancy also had this to say:

• Ford is putting lithium-ion batteries on the fast track (who isn't?)
• Ford is not rushing to beat Toyota or GM (in other words, they are probably too far behind to compete).
• Milan and Fusion hybrids are on track and on budget.
• Start-Stop systems will most likely become part of most vehicles.
• Ford will most likely use diesels, rather than two mode hybrids (e.g. GM) for rear-wheel-drive transmission for light trucks

Source: Ford exec: Gore got more mileage from Oscar than Nobel - Automotive News