Ford taps Toshiba to make hybrid motors

According to an Agence France-Presse news item posted today on IndustryWeek.com, Toshiba will produce high-performance drive motors for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) under "a major contract for Ford Motor Company" at a Toshiba plant in Texas.

The report noted that Toshiba, already building motors for bullet trains, elevators and machinery, is looking to expand its business ahead of rivals in anticipation of increased demand for electric vehicles.