Ford P2000 - A practical vision for the future Ford Motor Company is working to deliver next-generation cars and trucks that are extremely clean and fuel efficient while delivering the same safety, cost, performance and features as today's family vehicles. "We're committed to the concept of safer, cleaner and more efficient vehicles," said Jac Nasser, president and chief executive officer. "That means we'll aggressively pursue affordable high-volume solutions. We'll implement them when they're ready and usually ahead of regulations and industry timetables." The P2000 program is at the heart of Ford's research and development efforts. Ford scientists and engineers are developing the industry's most advanced lightweight, family-sized vehicles and adding various powertrains including an aluminum intensive direct-injection engine, hybrid electric, and fuel cell electric drives. Ford's fuel cell family includes the P2000 sedan, a direct hydrogen vehicle, and the P2000 SUV concept, which features a methanol reformer. Hybrid efforts are centered on developing a vehicle that is less complex and lighter than hybrids other automakers have demonstrated. Ford's Lightweight Technology: A Base To Build On Ford's P2000 program is focused on taking a systems approach - designing first-rate powertrains and optimizing the use of lightweight materials. Each P2000 component is designed to reduce weight without compromising safety, strength, stiffness or durability. Engineers also maximize secondary weight savings. For example, the lighter P2000 is able to use smaller and lighter springs and shocks. P2000's lightweight materials include aluminum - the major components for the body and engine - carbon fiber, magnesium and titanium. Combined with extensive engineering analysis, the result is P2000 with a conventional powertrain that is 40 percent lighter than today's Taurus sedan. Today's midsize vehicle contains more than 2,000 pounds of steel and other ferrous materials, compared with only about 500 pounds in P2000.