Ford has had great success with its acclaimed Fusion Hybrid sedan; the company has new hybrids planned for the next-generation versions of its midsize car and crossover lineup, such as the Escape and the Focus. The goal is to launch five new hybrid electrics in the U.S. by 2012, and in Europe the following year.

The decision has added benefits for Ford workers, as well, as the move adds about 220 jobs -- 50 electric vehicle engineers and 170 plant worker jobs -- to the current capacity.