To qualify, dealers are required to train at least 80% of their sales and service staff, have at least one Focus Electric or C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid available as a demonstrator at all times and advertise with window signage and on-site promotional materials.

Each site must also have at least two charging points, one for customers and another in the service area, and undertake the Ford Go Green Dealer assesement, identifying ways to cut carbon and costs.

C.J. O’Donnell, Ford electrified vehicle marketing manager, commented: ‘Research indicates that 60% of new vehicle shoppers are considering hybrid products. With this demand for more fuel efficient vehicles, early sales of Ford’s five electrified vehicles has been phenomenal, creating a tremendous amount of excitement among our dealers.’

Ford has recently more than doubled the number of engineers working on its future models, including plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. A team of over 1,000 are employed at the new Advanced Electrification Center in Dearborn, Michigan, a recently converted 285,000 sq.ft facility now focused on developing electric drivetrains.