Los-Angeles Area National Park Among First in Nation to Get 2005 Ford Escape Hybrids

MALIBU, Calif., Oct. 22, 2004 -- Ford Motor Company today donated two Ford Escape Hybrids -- Earth's first and only full hybrid SUV -- to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to meet the demanding vehicle needs of the rangers and officials who serve "LA's backyard National Park" while reducing the impact of Park vehicles on the environment and the visitor experience.

The donation was made through Ford's relationship with America's national treasures as a Proud Partner of America's National Parks. The Proud Partner program is an initiative of the independent, congressionally chartered nonprofit National Park Foundation.

"Ford Motor Company has been a tremendous partner of America's National Parks, helping develop innovative and environmentally sustainable transportation solutions," said Michael Bento, Senior Vice President of the National Park Foundation. "The Escape Hybrid is another important contribution to sustainable transportation in the National Parks -- a vehicle that works in the demanding environment of a National Park and protects that environment at the same time."

Perhaps the most anticipated vehicle to hit the market in a generation, the advanced-technology 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid provides maximum functionality to Park rangers with a minimum impact on the parks it serves. The Escape Hybrid can meet the many needs of a Park Service vehicle while at the same time delivering high fuel efficiency, low noise and near zero emissions. Ford is donating Escape Hybrids to eight National Park sites nationwide.

"We are pleased to be a Proud Partner of America's National Parks," said Sheri Shapiro, Escape marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. "The National Parks are a great way for the Escape Hybrid to demonstrate what it does best -- deliver outstanding handling and capability with virtually no impact on the environment."

NOTE TO EDITORS: For photos from the event, visit http://65.222.152.5/CLIENTS/NATPARKS/photo.htm