World's First Hybrid SUV Delivered to San Diego Customer

By: Brad Nevin | Ford Communications Network

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Sept. 16, 2004 -- Bill Hammons made history yesterday when he picked up his new vehicle from Pearson Ford in San Diego. As the first Escape Hybrid customer, Hammons ushers in a new era in vehicle ownership for the environmentally minded consumer.

"I'm excited to get behind the wheel of the Escape Hybrid. My motivation for purchasing this vehicle is simple. It's American made and it's good for the environment," says Bill Hammons. "I am extremely pleased and honored to be the world's first customer."

Hammons, an avid environmentalist, is president of the San Diego Electric Vehicle Association. For over thirty years, Bill has been heavily involved with energy conservation and recycling and often participates in environmental events in his community. He previously owned two Ford battery electric vehicles that required charging overnight and had a limited range. The Escape Hybrid never needs to be plugged in and has a potential range of more than 500 miles in stop-and-go driving.

"The new 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is the industry's first no-compromise, full-hybrid SUV and raises the bar in technological innovation," says Mary Ann Wright, director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs and Escape Hybrid's Chief Engineer, who delivered the vehicle to Hammons. "Today is the first national delivery and this is only a taste of what's to come."

2005 Ford Escape Hybrid.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the cleanest and most fuel efficient SUV on the road, featuring the product strengths that have made Ford Escape the nation's best-selling small SUV. The Escape Hybrid has a full-hybrid system that enables it to run on its gasoline engine, electric battery power, or both together. Its responsive steering and handling and available four-wheel drive deliver a driving experience unlike any other hybrid vehicle available. It has earned the highest fuel economy numbers for an SUV as certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - the front-wheel-drive model achieves 36 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.