Ford’s fuel-saving Fusion and C-MAX hybrids are attracting new commercial buyers searching for ways to save money at the pump.

Con-way, Esurance, Quest Diagnostics and AT&T are among the newest companies to purchase Ford hybrid vehicles for their national fleets. Many of their regional employees drive more than 24,000 miles annually.

“New commercial fleet customers are turning to Ford as they look for fuel-efficient, durable vehicles that can withstand the daily use and duty cycles of their businesses,” said Jon Coleman, Ford commercial fleet sustainability and technology manager. “Ford’s Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid give them the tools they need to get the job done, including leading EPA-estimated fuel economy, technology, great quality and durability.” Continue reading →

Porsche is introducing its first plug-in hybrid and two new extended wheelbase variants with the second generation of the Panamera. The new Panamera S E-Hybrid produces 416 total system horsepower (310 kW) and is joined by Panamera 4S Executive and Panamera Turbo Executive models in the revised Panamera lineup.

The new Panamera S E-Hybrid improves upon the hybrid powertrain offered by the previous Panamera S Hybrid —which is not listed in the new generation Panamera line-up—with a more powerful electric motor, and a higher-performance battery that supplies more energy and is able to be recharged from home or public vehicle charging stations.

The electric drive produces 95 hp (71 kW), more than double the power of the previous model’s electric motor (47 hp, 35 kW). Electricity is stored in a newly developed lithium-ion battery, which at 9.4 kWh has increased capacity over the previous battery (1.7 kWh). Continue reading →