Toshiba has been selected by the Ford to supply automotive inverters for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Ford plans to start mass production of new models of both kinds of vehicle in 2012. Toshiba will support Ford with a new inverter production line at its plant in Mie Prefecture, Japan, which has extensive experience in manufacturing for automotive applications. The new line will have a production capacity of 150,000 inverters a year and be ready to start supply in April 2012, following final adjustments to manufacturing equipment and final qualification by Ford.
Toshiba already has a June 2010 contract with Ford under which it will supply high-performance drive motors for HEV and PHEV from 2012, from its facility in Houston, Texas. The automotive inverters will be supplied to Ford with the motors as a set.