Category: Technology, Ford, Ford Fusion, Sedans, Hybrid
As Ford claws its way back to profitability, the Dearborn automaker has made advanced technology one of its top priorities, and that has been reflected by a new independent report that lists Ford as the top automaker globally in terms of the quality and significance of its patents.
"Ford's patented technologies are closer to the cutting edge than its competitors," said Christine Wren, director of business development for The Patent Board. "Ford's overall patent portfolio plays a significant role in serving as a foundation for other technology innovation, as shown by receiving 20% more citations than the average portfolio in this industry."
The Patent Board tracks and analyzes patents in 17 industries across the globe. The company recently released its Top 10 Innovators in Automotive & Transportation Patent Scorecard for the fourth quarter of 2008 and ranked Ford as the top automaker in Research Intensity and Industry Impact. The Research Intensity field looks at how many patents in Ford's portfolio have strong scientific support, while the Industry Impact field looks at the impact and significance of the patented technology on the industry and how Ford's patents have been built on by other others, found by looking at patent-to-patent citations. Ford's Research Intensity score was twice the industry average.
"Ford is using technology to remake our lineup with the green, high-tech vehicles customers want," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president for Global Product Development. "The Fusion Hybrid team set the bar high - to develop America's most fuel efficient mid-size sedan - and that's what they delivered."
Some of the patents in question include the Fusion Hybrid's powertrain technology, its SmartGuage with EcoGuide and its Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert.
Ford is apt to point out that while it has taken a similar approach to hybrid technology as rival Toyota, Ford has its own patents and its technology was developed in house. Ford is also happy to point out that the Fusion Hybrid, with its Ford-exclusive technology, received better estimated fuel mileage numbers than Toyota's Camry Hybrid.
"We focus on getting high-quality patents that have the best breakthrough potential for the company," said Bill Coughlin, president and CEO of Ford Global Technologies.
Source: Ford
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