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The Ford brand has been an American icon signifying excellence, innovation and dedication. Among the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, Ford has time and again come up with cutting edge technology for automobiles that cater to every need.
Growing global environmental concerns has spurred Ford to become a serious player in the Hybrid car market.
Accepting that Americans love the space and power that SUVs provide and considering that the Hybrid sedan market was getting crowded with the Japanese Hybrid cars, Ford has zeroed in on a Hybrid vehicle that is sure to appeal to the American public. It is a Hybrid SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle} branded as the Ford Escape Hybrid.
First launched in 2004, the Ford Escape Hybrid is a gas electric powered compact SUV. Customer demand was so strong for the Ford Escape Hybrid that production had to be stepped up sharply for the gas saving SUV.
In a tactical move to avoid legal issues, Ford entered into agreements with Toyota to use some of the latter’s patented Hybrid technology already used in the vastly successful Toyota Prius. Innovations since then have enabled Ford, in 2006 to offer more advanced technology. The Ford Escape Hybrid is currently available as a full Hybrid automobile. Offering different options to adjust to driving styles, it enables better power conservation, optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Compared to the regular gas powered Ford Escape, the Hybrid provides comparable performance and comfort with less fuel consumption.
Alongside the Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford has launched another Hybrid SUV under a popular brand name - Mercury Mariner. The Mercury Mariner is very similar to the Ford Escape Hybrid and it’s stable mate, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Ford also plans to enter the sedan segment in the near future while focusing their short-term goals on the SUV Hybrid offerings.
Obviously Hybrid cars offer many advantages and benefits that address environmental issues as well as economy to the consumer. Since this is the clearly indicated path to the future, Ford’s research and development efforts are full up with committed plans for alternate powered vehicles.
The Ford Hybrid car enables you to drive longer distances with less fuel refilling stops as you get more miles per gallon than the conventional vehicles. With constantly escalating oil prices, this is indeed a welcome development. New technology has enabled less noise from the engine as an added advantage. Some states offer tax concessions on the purchase of Hybrid vehicles, which also means more economy for the consumer.
Ford now has over a hundred patents pending development of their Hybrid technology. These are sure to make out lives better. With Ford Hybrid vehicles, while you get comparable comfort, room and performance, you also end up with less polluting emissions and more economy.