Ford Hybrids in Europe by 2013

Ford and the Spanish government say it may cost $36 million to develop, but the end result will be a hybrid electric vehicle for Europe by 2013. The C-Max compact minivan will begin selling in Europe late in 2010, but the hybrid version is three years away.

Ford says the C-Max hybrid will be built at the Valencia Plant in Spain. Ford will spend almost $410 million to develop the C-Max vehicle line-up, including a seven seater to be exported to the US next year.

"These new advanced technology models are key to Ford's commitment to delivering a portfolio of alternative powertrain vehicles globally and to European customers in the next few years," Ford of Europe CEO John Fleming said in the statement.

Overseas, Ford will have five battery-electric or hybrid-electric vehicles ready for the European public by 2013. The company next year will start selling a battery-electric version of its Transit Connect van in Europe, while a Ford Focus EV will debut in Europe the following year. Ford will also introduce an additional hybrid-electric model in Europe by 2013, but hasn't disclosed details.