Following Hybrid Ford Escape, Ford Announces Expansion of Hybrid Car & Truck Models

Ford Motor Co. announced at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit that it is planning to expand the selection of Ford gasoline-electric hybrid car models. The move is viewed to be a part of CEO, William Clay Ford Jr.'s, mission to create cleaner fuel burning Ford cars and trucks. A gasoline-electric version of the Mariner SUV is reported to be available to the public sometime this year. Ford also said hybrid versions of the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan will go on sale as early as 2008.

An auto industry expert explained the mechanics of hybrid car and truck engines as using an electric motor at lower speeds, which burns less gasoline and therefore less emissions. In 2004 the Ford Escape Hybrid was unveiled as the first such vehicle available from the company.

Industry analysts report that the 2004 Ford hybrid Escape SUV came after Toyota Motor Corp.'s launching of its line-up of hybrids by seven years and Honda Motor Co.'s hybrid car debut by five. Recently, GM and DaimlerChrysler announced they partnered up in a joint effort to design a gasoline-electric hybrid engine by 2007.

In May of 2004, Mr. Ford stated that improvement of fuel efficiency in Ford cars and trucks presents a 'business opportunity'. Ford also stated previously that it is planning to unveil a test fleet of hybrid Mazda Tribute SUVs on the road sometime in 2005 with production forecasted for 2007. Ford manufactures the Mazda Tribute for affiliate Mazda Motor Corp.

The Ford Escape, Mariner and Mazda Tribute all have several common components. The hybrid versions of each model will be produced in the same assembly plant in Kansas City.