Ford Unveils Upgraded 2009 Escape Hybrid

Ford will unveil an upgraded hybrid SUV at the Washington Auto Show this week.

The automaker says the 2009 Escape gas-electric hybrid will show improvements in power and performance.

Ford also announced that it is expanding its commitment to biofuels by adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 -– the E-Series van, as well as the standard and extended-length models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.

These additional product actions are part of Ford’s sustainability strategy, which also includes high-volume introductions of EcoBoost gas turbocharged direct injection engines.

"This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms," Ford Motor Company president and CEO Alan Mulally told the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit. "We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year."

At the Washington Auto Show, Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president for sustainability, environment and safety engineering, outlined the company’s high-volume customer-focused strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.

"Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers," said Cischke. "In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we’re delivering today."

The sport utility vehicle is one of several hybrid developments at the show. Both Ford and Toyota are displaying prototype plug-in hybrids. And General Motors is announcing that new orders from three metropolitan transit agencies will more than double its hybrid bus fleet.

Ford says overall fuel efficiency for the gasoline versions of the 2009 Escape and the Mercury Mariner will increase by 1 mile per gallon compared with the 2008 versions. The vehicles currently get between 18 and 26 miles per gallon, depending on the engine configuration.

The Washington Auto Show opens to the public on Wednesday and lasts through Sunday.