Ford Plans Multiple Models with Hybrid Drivetrains

With more reported buyers for gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles than Toyota and Honda can currently cope with, Ford is walking into an enviable market as the third automaker in the race for green customers. Whats more, the worlds number two car company will be giving North Americans exactly what they want, a clean, fuel efficient SUV.

The Escape Hybrid is based on Fords compact gasoline powered sport utility vehicle, a proven favorite among youth oriented car buyers. It will offer all the convenience of a compact SUV, including flexible seating from two to five adults, as well as ample cargo capacity, plus the rugged, go-anywhere exterior design that has become

After witnessing the success that Toyota and Honda have been enjoying recently with their hybrid vehicles, Ford will be joining the market next year with a clean, fuel efficient hybrid SUV. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Ford Motor also will become the first domestic producer to offer the environmentally friendly technology, targeting 10,000 to 20,000 per year, according to an announcement made on Thursday.

As of yet no prices have been announced, but fuel savings nearing 40 mpg in the city should cause buyers to be willing to spend more immediately to save in the long run.

With analysts

Ford Motors will become the first domestic producer to offer the environmentally friendly technology, with its Ford Escape hybrid. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

While this news will be good for the bottom line, a final date of production will be music to the ears of environmentalists, who have petitioned the domestic Big 3 to push forward with greener technologies such as gasoline-electric hybrid systems.

Both Toyota and Honda have garnered strong

The Escape Hybrids 40 mpg city fuel consumption rating is a dramatic improvement over the current 2.0-L 4-cylinder gasoline powered Escape, delivering 23 mpg in the city. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Also an important note, Toyota wont be sitting idly by watching Ford steal its SUV customers. The Japanese automaker has a Lexus RX Hybrid planned for next year, based on the popular RX 330, with a less expensive Highlander based hybrid to follow. Whats more, now that Toyota is producing its hybrid on regular production lines,

Ford plans to adapt the the Escape Hybrids engine system to other models, with plans afoot to sell a hybrid version of its upcoming Futura sedan. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

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