Can a car be fuel efficient and fun?

Ford wants it both ways: using less fuel, have fun driving. To that end they are working with some engineers at the University of Michigan to test drive and then virtually test drive hyrbids and electric cars to find what works both for saving fuel, and having fun while driving.

“The new hybrid controller design method we have created has the potential to offer consumers more choice in how efficient and drivable their vehicles are,” said Jessy Grizzle, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at U of M. “I envision hybrids of the future featuring multiple modes or offering customers the ability to customize their driving experience.”

I want to mutter, "Fusion, take me to the grocery store."

Ford's encouraged by this year's sales numbers on their hybrids. Ford Motor Company’s hybrid vehicle sales have risen 73 percent this year – compared with a 14-percent decline in overall hybrid sales in the U.S. Ford says their Fusion and Escape, Mercury Milan and Mariner also are winning over customers, many of whom are previous import owners.