Dominion Virginia Power, a subsidiary of Dominion Resources Inc., is teaming up with Ford Motor Co. to help prepare Virginia for electric vehicles.The Richmond-based utility said it will partner with Ford to develop consumer outreach and education programs.

The companies also will share information on charging needs and requirements to make sure the electrical grid can support the necessary demand.Dominion said Monday the companies also will work with state and local governments on the charging station permitting process as well as overall infrastructure."Electric vehicles will be an exciting part of our future at Dominion Virginia Power and we are ready for it," Ken Barker, vice president of customer solutions and energy conservation at Dominion, said in a news release.Both companies say the growth and adoption of electric vehicles is dependent on ensuring the electric system is reliable and that rates are responsible. [Read the full article]

All-new Ford Focus will be powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), direct gasoline injection and E85 flex fuel capability that will deliver a projected 40 mpg highwayNew 2.0-liter is one of the most powerful, fuel-efficient and refined engines in its class and one of the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powerplants Ford has ever offeredNew engine reinforces Ford powertrain strategy that delivers on fuel economy leadership without sacrificing driving fun throughout its global offeringsThe 2.0-liter engine coming early next year to the North American version of the 2012 Ford Focus will be one of the first on the market to combine the technology of gasoline direct injection (DI) with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and E85 flex fuel capability. [Read the full article]

Mazda Motor Corp. President and Chief Executive Takashi Yamanouchi speaks during a news conference on the "Next-Generation Technology Forum" in Tokyo, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010. Yamanouchi said his company's partnership with Ford remains unchanged amid speculation the U.S. automaker plans to further reduce its stake, and ruled out tie-ups with other companies. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)TOKYO (AP) -- Mazda's chief executive said his company's partnership with Ford remains unchanged amid speculation the U.S. automaker plans to further reduce its stake, and ruled out tie-ups with other companies.The comments Wednesday from Mazda Motor Corp. President and Chief Executive Takashi Yamanouchi come after Japanese media reports that Ford, which has an 11 percent stake in Mazda, is thinking about reducing its stake to raise cash for investments in booming emerging markets. [Read the full article]