RENEE MONTAGNE, Host:
Ford Motor Company and Toyota say they will still be rivals, even though they're teaming up to develop more fuel-efficient and affordable hybrid trucks. The partnership could help both companies compete against a common rival, as Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton reports.
TRACY SAMILTON: Toyota has the Prius, the best-selling hybrid car in the U.S. Ford has hybrid cars, too, and it has the F-series truck, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. But as J.D. Power's Michael Omotoso points out, neither company has a hybrid technology suitable for big SUVs and trucks.
MICHAEL OMOTOSO: Unlike GM, that has hybrid version of the Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, as well as their pickups, the Sierra and Chevy Silverado.
SAMILTON: Although it has to be noted that GM's hybrid SUVS and trucks aren't exactly flying off dealer lots.
OMOTOSO: Mainly because of the reduced towing capacity of the hybrid versus the non-hybrid.
SAMILTON: For NPR News, I'm Tracy Samilton in Ann Arbor. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
