Ford is responding to the dramatic shift in vehicle sales in recent months by culling truck production and adding passenger car production as quickly as they can. One of the few bright points in Ford's lineup right now is the Focus, which Ford is selling as fast as they can build them. The company will be adding a third shift in the body and paint shops at the Wayne, MI assembly plant that produces the Focus and increasing the line speed on the assembly line to try and keep up with demand. The Kansas City assembly plant that builds the Escape and Mercury Mariner crossovers is also adding a third shift to keep up with demand for those vehicles. At this time, Ford doesn't plan to increase volumes for the Escape hybrid from the current 25,000 per year.

Perhaps more exciting to the those who aren't fans of the styling of the current U.S. Focus, Ford has confirmed that the next-generation Euro Focus will be coming to North America with production starting here in 2010. CEO Alan Mullaly declared, "We view the move to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles as permanent, and we are responding to customer demand." Ford is also slashing production of all large trucks and full-size cars. The big question for Ford is can they move fast enough to meet demand for the cars that drivers want? The Ford press release is after the jump.

Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high res gallery

We've spent plenty of seat time behind the wheel of the Ford Escape hybrid. The last time we had one, it managed to return an average of thirty miles per gallon. This mileage figure is remarkable, since the Vue hybrid, which you just saw at number two on our list, didn't do quite as well. Remember, too, that the Ford Escape hybrid is the same vehicle as the Mercury Mariner hybrid and Mazda Tribute hybrid. Let's take a look at the comparison between the standard Escape and the hybrid model.

According to the EPA, the regular Escape will get 20 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway when its four cylinder engine is paired with an automatic transmission. The hybrid improves those numbers dramatically, coming in at 34 in the city and 30 on the highway. We'll back those numbers as being fairly accurate. This means that an Escape hybrid driver will save a significant $860 per year on fuel compred to the non-hybrid driver. For a vehicle which is priced well under $30 grand, that's a worthwhile improvement, and it makes the Escape hybrid number one on our list.

Ford is providing Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguards with 45 customized Escape Hybrids. The Escapes will be used to patrol 72 miles of Southern California coastline. According to Mike Frazer, chief of Lifeguard Services for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, "We wanted to be the first public safety agency in the country to go green." The Escape Hybrid qualifies for California's PZEV standard. The lifeguards are switching from pick-up trucks to the hybrid SUV after they verified its performance on sand. While the eco characteristics of the hybrid powertrain, such as 29/27 mpg (city/hwy), were a plus, the vehicles needed to be adapted to meet the lifeguards' needs. Therefore, the following changes were made:

• A rescue equipment storage unit - an aluminum box with specially designated spaces for important emergency equipment, such as defibrillators, trauma boxes and oxygen tanks.
• Several radios stacked up in a rack placed where the center console is.
• A custom-fit roof rack for the lifeguards' paddle board and spine board.
• Easy-to-clean rubber floor mats and cargo liners.
• And of course, some iconic yellow paint.

Full press release after the jump.

Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high res gallery

Prior to our drive of the 2009 Ford Escape the other day, several Ford representatives talked about the changes for the new model year along with how the Escape is doing. Since the debut of the 2008 models a year ago, the Kansas City Assembly Plant that builds the Escape, Mariner and Mazda Tribute has been running at capacity including some overtime, a rare occurrence these days at Ford. While sales of many Ford models have been dropping like a stone this year, the Escape has done well, registering a 10 percent increase. One Escape model that hasn't increased sales in the last couple of years is the hybrid which is holding steady at about 25,000 annually and that will remain the case for 2009. Even though gas is now at or above $4/gallon, Ford will only build 25,000 Escapes again this year out of about 220,000 total (including Mariner and Tribute).

The obvious question is why. Although battery supply constraints would seem to be one likely answer, that is apparently not an issue. Ford claims they can get as many batteries as they need. It turns out that it's a business decision. With the plant running at capacity, in order for Ford to build more hybrids, they would have to cut production of the other models. Although no one from Ford was willing to openly admit it, the continued references to building as many Escapes as they can while limiting hybrid production at an arbitrary number indicates that it comes down to profit. Ford can clearly make a larger profit margin on the non-hybrid models and has made the calculation that 25,000 is enough to indicate they are serious while still maximizing cash flow wherever they can. Given Ford's precarious financial situation of late, you sure can't blame them although many who might want a high-mileage crossover might be disappointed. Later this year, Ford will be doubling their total hybrid production when they add the new Fusion and Milan hybrids. Those will apparently use an upgraded, next-generation version of Ford's hybrid system.


[Source: Ford]

Click the 2009 Escape Hybrid for a high res gallery

When we visited with the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid last year, it had just received a whole new look. It went from the softer, rounder appearance of the first-generation model that debuted in 2001 to a sharper-edged look more in keeping with its big brothers in the Ford Truck lineup. The 2008 changes were almost entirely visual with most of the major mechanical bits carried over from 2007. Nonetheless, the changes seem to resonate with consumers. Sales of the Escape were up almost ten percent in the first four months of 2008 compared to last year, even while the market as a whole was down.

For 2009, Ford has addressed the mechanical side of the Escape equation with new powertrains across the board along with a host of other upgrades. Both the four and six cylinder engines have been upgraded and the former four speed automatic transmission has been replaced with a brand new six speed that we told you about last week. The hybrid model has also been rewarded with a new brake system that provides better pedal feel and finally adds traction and stability control. We headed out to the wilds of Pinkney MI to sample the upgraded Escape and you can read about it after the jump.


Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Ford is really going all-out to promote its hybrids. Latest case-in-point: the last two finalists in this season's popular FOX television series American Idol will receive a Ford Escape hybrid. The American Idol giveaway comes right after a heavily promoted fictional hybrid Ford mustang in NBC's Knight Rider TV movie. Last year, Ford aired a commercial for the Escape hybrid that included a father telling his daughter he didn't think he needed to talk about his hybrid. The corporate mind at Ford has apparently changed concerning this approach; the idea now is to clearly mention Ford hybrids to as many people as possible.

[Source: Ford]

The video above is the Climate Kids ad where children are asked how do cars harm the planet. There responses are what you might expect from kids except for the second to last kid who understands it better than I do. The ad was done by Ibuyeco, an eco-friendly car insurance company that off sets your carbon pollution and adds it your car insurance rate. Kids say the greenest things.

Below the fold is the Ford Escape hybrid ad "Father / Daughter" that shows a daughter asking her father to drop her off a block before she gets to the movie theatre. That part of town, she explains, has people that ride bikes and hybrids and stuff, and she doesn't want to be embarrassed by showing up in an SUV. But this is a hybrid, her father explains. Why didn't he talk about this before she asks. Her father replies I never thought I had to talk about it. Yeah, who talks about their cars?

[Source: YouTube]

One of the things we are really looking forward to reporting back to you from EVS23 (International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition) December 2-5 in Anaheim, California, are details on the first plug-in Ford Escape Hybrid. Ford will have test drives, interviews and photo opportunities Monday, December 3 at 2:45 pm, and we will be there collecting all the green details.

The full press release with the exact times of the photo opportunities, test drives, who will be available for interviews and where media should register, is below the fold. Ford is working with the Edison power utility on getting 20 Escape plug-ins into the hands of regular people for testing in 2009. Stay tuned for more details.

Related:

• Jay Leno samples the plug-in Ford Escape Hybrid

[Source: Ford]

As fuel prices rise and environmental awareness spreads, fuel economy - which has always been a priority to a consumer - has gradually risen to the top of the priority list like cream in old milk. Ford isn't pushing its popular F-150 or Mustang as much anymore. Instead, they're touting the facelifted Focus and Escape as competitive gas-misers. GM is shouting to the rooftops that its line of passenger cars are the greatest things since sliced cheese because of their fuel economy.

The thing is, are we buying it? The reason Ford had so many Mustang and F-150 ads is because they were their most popular models. Now that their sales numbers are dropping like loogies from an overpass, we go to the new Focus that looks like a duck after an accident? I don't know if that's going to work. And the Chevy Impala, whose 3.9L V6 shuts of half its cylinders once in a while, but won't make a lick of difference if you're a little heavy-footed. Yes, both companies are working really hard to turn their businesses around, but in the meantime, we're buying Hondas and Toyotas.

And Ford - you really should have put that new focus on the C-platform. When you're designing a car, think about what you would want to buy, not what a committee wants to sell. That way, when we see your commercials, we won't laugh quite as loud when you say, "Ford is helping you lead a fuller life."


[Source: AutoWeek]

Something tells me that Ford of America and Ford of India do not share any information or assistance when it comes to advertising and marketing strategies. With all of the thought that apparently goes into advertising, one might think that somebody would have realized that this new ad in India - featuring an SUV and polar bears - might upset a few people. For more commentary on why this ad might be a bit insensitive, click here.

I am not going to add any additional commentary on the ad itself, instead I am going to mention the fact that advertising departments are paid to consider all of the aspects of a possible ad. Did an entire division of people pass this ad through without considering that it may upset a few people? Did they care? Thoughts are, of course, welcome.

Related:

• Ford's new pro-green advertising - ever seen a polar bear fetus?

[Source: Orangehues, thanks Manu!]

The hybrid taxi movement is spreading to Chicago today as a brand new Ford Escape hybrid goes into service. Driver Cheikh "Bamba" Dione will be driving the new Escape out the Chicago Carriage Cab on his way to saving $6,000 a year in fuel costs. The Escapes that have been operating New York city for almost two years now have proven extremely reliable and fuel efficient with the first batch having rolled over 175,000 miles earlier this year.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Click on the photo for a huge high-res gallery of the 2008 Escape Hybrid

Last November, Ford introduced the second generation of their Escape compact SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show with a new look to fit in with the latest Ford Trucks. When the original was introduced in 2001 it had a rounder, softer more nondescript look, in keeping with the look of the then-current F-150 that came out in 1996. The latest iteration has a tougher, chunkier appearance that borrows from the style of the Super-Duty pick-ups. The prominent chrome grille stands out in front the headlights and gives the little trucklet a more distinct face that was expanded further by the optional chrome appearance package that wrapped the chrome right down under the front bumper.

The sharper contours extend to the rest of the body giving it a more grown up look, even though all the dimensions are within an inch of the 2007 model. Unlike most vehicles that seem to grow longer, wider, heavier, more powerful with successive generations, the new Escape is more than a facelift but less than an all-new vehicle. Of course that's not necessarily a bad thing, if the original had a decent platform and was the right size to begin with.

Find out what it's like to live with the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid after the jump.

In the wake of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's announcement that all taxis in the city would be hybrids by 2012, Ford is doing their part to make sure they keep a significant market share after the Crown Vics are phased out. The Escape Hybrid first entered service as a cab in San Francisco in 2005 and there are now 40 there and another 288 in New York City. Cabbies in Escapes can save over $6,000 a year in fuel costs or $30 per shift.

The Crown Victoria has been a staple of big city taxi fleets since the old Checker cabs were retired twenty years ago, and Dearborn obviously wants to keep that revenue stream going. So far the Escape has proved reliable in taxi service with the first batch of eighteen all accumulating over 175,000 miles in the first year and a half of service. The only problem with the Escape is the limited rear seat room. Ford has a hybrid Fusion coming later this year and if they create a hybrid version of the Taurus it could be the ideal replacement for the Crown Vic.

[Source: Ford]

We've mentioned fuel cell manufacturer Quantum a few times recently in conjunction with their hydrogen storage systems being selected by General Motors for the fleet of fuel cell powered Equinoxes GM are building, plus via their supply of hydrogen fuel systems and storage to Ford for its Escape Hydrogen Hybrid.

Working with the major auto makers to test cutting edge fuel cell technology in the real world isn't the extent of Quantum's operations however. Another important aspect of their business is in military vehicles where they have just been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army to expand its hydrogen vehicle and infrastructure programmes. The army's Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Centre (Tardec), issued the contract to expand Quantum's existing Mobile Hydrogen Infrastructure programme. Key to this new contract will be development of Quantum's own transportable HyHauler Plus hydrogen refueling stations to military specifications which will allow the military to further integrate hydrogen fuel cell technology into its array of vehicles and operations.

Analysis: Again, the U.S. military is proving itself to have both the budget and the will to pursue next-generation transportation technologies which will eventually filter down to commercial and consumer vehicles. It's great to see military money put towards hydrogen fuel cells.

Related:

• Ford E450 Shuttle buses powered by Quantum hydrogen injectors
• Team Fate beefing up a GM Equinox with li-ions for Challenge X
• GM selects Quantum Fuel Systems to produce H2 storage for Equinox Fuel-Cell Fleet

[Source: Fuel Cell Today]

Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of the Ford E85 Escape Hybrids.

Ford unveiled the Escape Hybrid E85 flex-fuel SUV last month at the DC Auto Show. The 85 percent ethanol-capable Escape looks like its just the start of many projected flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) models being produced Ford, which has committed to doubling its FFV line-up by 2010. This could be expanded to 50 percent of total vehicles produced by as early as 2012 if the market dictates.

Certainly the U.S. Federal Government is mandating that petrol producers ramp up biofuel output, including ethanol and biodiesel, from 4 billion gallons / 15 billion litres in 2006 to 7.5 billion gallons / 28.4 billion litres in 2012. President Bush, who wants to reduce petrol use by 20 percent over the next ten years, proposed an alternative and renewable fuel output of 35 billion gallons / 132.5 billion litres by 2017 in his recent State of the Union address.

Ford is pushing for more incentives on biofuel production as well as for plans to be drawn up for the long-term move to cellulosic ethanol production, created from crops such as switch grass and sugar cane. Ford already has a partnership with biofuel producer VeraSun Energy Corporation designed to expand E85 fuel availability along the Midwest Ethanol Corridor for drivers of flexible-fuel vehicles. Ford is also working with BP to develop a variety of sustainable mobility solutions that optimize fuel economy and powertrain performance as well as reduce carbon emissions.

"Working with BP we aim to propose solutions that are acceptable to the government as well as the oil and auto companies," said Christophe Mangin, corporate alliance manager in Ford Business and Product Strategy.

Analysis: With the U.S. Federal Government dedicated to the widespread adoption of ethanol, we can expect to see a lot more E85 FFVs on the roads over the next few years. But what we really need is a wholesale switch to cellulosic ethanol production to gain the massive efficiency increase this promises over corn-based ethanol production.



Related:

• AGB POLL: Best way to spend the DOE's money
• AutoblogGreen Drives the HySeries Ford Edge and fuel cell Explorer
• Ford sending E85-capable Ford Escape Hybrids out for testing

[Source: Ford press release]