Carmaker Ford has revealed it is planning to invest a total of $135 million in the development of hybrid electric vehicles.

According to the manufacturer, the additional spending will generate 170 new jobs at its Rawsonville plant and positions at other facilities as part of a new Ford Center of Excellence for Vehicle Electrification in Michigan.

These roles include engineering jobs in the US, as the company prepares for the launch of five electrified vehicles in the US by 2012 and within Europe by the following year.

An estimated 50 additional posts for engineering specialists will be created as technologies are brought in-house by the firm, driving forward "innovation and job growth" in the field of green transport.

Mark Fields, president of Ford for the Americas, said: "Today's announcement is another important step in our larger strategy to launch a family of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles around the world."

Headquartered in the US, Ford Motor Company is an international automotive industry leader that distributes its vehicles - including cars, trucks and SUVs - across six continents and within 200 markets worldwide.

Posted by Fiona Summers