Ford TH!NKs ahead with electric car

FORD plans to demonstrate its commitment to alternative fuel technology by launching a small electric car called the TH!NK in Scandinavia this month.

The innovative two-seater will be available in the rest of Europe next year and in North America by 2001, a Ford spokesman was quoted as saying on Monday.

TH!NK will not be offered in Australia in the near future as the local market does not as yet support alternative fuel technology.

The zero emission vehicle is made by Pivco, a Norwegian firm in which Ford acquired a majority interest earlier this year.

Ford will supply its car rental subsidiary Hertz Corp with TH!NK cars to reach more potential customers, the spokesman said.

The group is targeting 5000 sales next year.

TH!NK has a lightweight plastic body and can travel 85km before the battery needs to be recharged.

Ford chief executive Mr Jacques Nasser is expected to inaugurate the first TH!NK factory on Friday.