http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/31/ford-bucks-trend-will-hire-1-000-workers-at-f-150-plant/

I think this is going to be a good thing. Making an investment in the numer one selling vehicle of all time is not a bad idea. The best thing Ford can do for F150 though is to get that Hybrid model out ASAP.

and the diesel...

The hybrid is more important than the diesel. The F150 could live without the diesel, but in today's economic times, it's imperative they get that 35 mpg hydraulic hybrid out. That will change everything. F150 sales will go through the roof if truck buyers find out they can get 35 mpg.

If Ford can provide us with a diesel that can achieve the economy of diesels from 15 years ago while giving us the massive power of a modern diesel, they have a hit. Hydraulic launch assist is overly complex and most likely adds a good chunk of weight to the truck. Not what you want when you need to stay below 8500 lb GVWR to be considered a half ton.

Sean .. they've been testing the hybrid motor for several years now. I'm pretty sure they've taken care of the GVWR issue, even if there was one to begin with. Ford has already stated that the 4.4L diesel will see a 25% increase in fuel economy over the 5.4L.

I've just noticed something: they gave the 5.4 more gears and more advanced fuel injection for 2009 and it isn't much more fuel efficient than it was for 2008..... If they have this hydraulic launch assist then they need to BRING IT OUT already.

Eaton corp and the EPA own the patents for the hydraulic hybrid systems. There is a small fleet of UPS trucks using the test, but there really hasn't been anything other then mules. Ford had a concept truck with the tech, someone did a expedition with it, there has been a 740I with it. All are saying about 30% MPG increase. Someone needs to bring it out soon