Ford Celebrates Green Milestone as the 100,000th Hybrid SUV Rolls Off Line at Kansas City Plant
On March 10, Ford celebrated the production of its 100,000th hybrid SUV and reinforced its commitment to ramping up production of hybrid vehicles this year.
Ford launched the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids five years ago, and the vehicles remain the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. As Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant celebrated the hybrid milestone, Ford dealers are preparing to begin selling the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, which will be America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedans at 41 mpg city driving.
A Look Back at the Ford Escape Hybrid
- The Ford Escape Hybrid – the world’s first hybrid SUV – was introduced to the world in 2004.
- In 2005, the Ford Escape Hybrid became the first hybrid vehicle to be used as a taxi in the U.S. There currently are 1650 Escape Hybrid vehicles in service throughout the country.
- In 2008, a fleet of 45 customized Ford Escape Hybrids were put into use as rescue vehicles for the L.A. County Ocean Lifeguards along 72 miles of California coastline.
Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids Today
- The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids are still giving customers what they want – a “no-compromise” sport utility vehicle that combines the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a “full” hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of a small SUV.
- Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named the Ford Escape Hybrid one of its “2009 Best New Family Vehicles.”
Both the 2009 Escape and Mariner Hybrids were recognized with the following awards:
- “2009 Automotive Best Buys” by Consumers Digest magazine
- “Best Crossover/SUV Value Under $28,000” by IntelliChoice.com
- “Greener Choices” by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
- “2009 Best Engines” list for the redesigned 2.5L I-4 Engine by Ward’s Automotive Group
Looking Forward
Ford recently launched the next step in the electrification of vehicles with an aggressive plan to bring pure battery-electric vehicles, next-generation hybrids and a plug-in hybrid to market by 2012.
Quotes
“As we celebrate our 100,000th hybrid, America’s interest in hybrid vehicles keeps a does Ford’s commitment to advanced powertrain technologies that deliver greater fuel economy, lower emissions and help enhance our country’s energy security. No domestic automaker has more real-world experience with hybrid vehicle technology than Ford, and it shows in the quality and fuel economy of our vehicles.”
- Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company
“All of us at the plant feel tremendous pride as we celebrate this important milestone. We are as enthusiastic about building the 100,000th vehicle today as we were at the initial launch.”
- Ken Ward, Kansas City Plant Manager
“Our fuel consumption and costs have gone down dramatically. The money we are saving on fuel has allowed us to maintain our critical front line staffing despite the economic downturn. We also are saving money on vehicle maintenance. It is not a stretch to say that our new fleet of Ford Escape Hybrids is allowing more lifeguards to staff towers and in essence, helping us saving lives.”
- Mike Frazer, chief of Lifeguard Services, Los Angeles County Fire Department
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