FORD DEVELOPS A BETTER HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE POWERTRAIN

When it debuts in 2003, the Ford Escape HEV sport utility vehicle will feature a new PowerSmart transaxle system that will offer improved power, performance and fuel economy compared to hybrid electric vehicles currently on the road. This is achieved through improved initial acceleration in electric launch — when the vehicle takes off using the electric motors and battery — and improved overall system efficiency during highway driving.