Ford Hydraulic System Said to Help Fuel Efficiency
Ford Motor Co. said it has a system of releasing hydraulic energy stored during the braking process that may make commercial vehicles more fuel efficient, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The Detroit automaker said its Hydraulic Launch Assist system, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit Jan. 6, reduces fuel use by as much as 35% in city driving. The system was displayed in a concept version of Ford’s Class 3 F-350 large pickup truck.“We believe this technology holds promise for making large trucks more fuel efficient and environmentally sound,” said Richard Parry-Jones, Ford’s group vice president for global product development.For the full story, see the Jan. 14 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.