tarabell
08-16-2006, 12:38 PM
Tax breaks and fresh ads bring jump in sales. (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/08/13/MTGMQKH2PC1.DTL)
Jerry Garrett - San Francisco Chronicle - August 13, 2006
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/FEH_Incentives.jpg
Arguably, one of the best things the Ford Escape Hybrid has going for it is the name recognition that comes from belonging to the popular Escape gang.
That may also be its big drawback.
Since the car-based utility wagon made its debut as a 2001 model, it has been one of Ford's few recent success stories. But as the design has aged, demand has softened. The hybrid arrived as a 2005 model in a dated body.
Further, while gasoline-powered Escapes start below $20,000, the all-wheel-drive hybrid version is some 40 percent more expensive -- $27,820 and up.
But here's the kicker: The less expensive conventional Escape gets mileage comparable to the hybrid's. With a manual transmission, a four-cylinder front-drive gasoline Escape is rated 29 mpg on the highway, equal to the all-wheel drive hybrid. (The front-drive hybrid is rated 31 mpg.)
Ford had incorrectly predicted that its first hybrid would sell as easily as Toyota's wildly popular Prius, and largely without advertising. By last winter, some dealers reported that Escape Hybrids sat on their lots so long that the batteries died.
In February, Ford changed its hands-off marketing approach and gave the hybrid a full-blown ad campaign, including coveted Super Bowl spots and a green spokesman, Kermit the Frog. Buyer incentives of $1,000 were offered on 2006 models. (For 2007, the incentives were dropped, but the base price was lowered by $1,000.)
In addition, Ford has sought to educate its dealers about tax breaks available for hybrid buyers. The Escape Hybrid qualifies for either a $1,950 (all-wheel drive) or $2,600 (front drive) federal tax credit and some state and local incentives as well.
The result, said Jim Cain, a Ford spokesman, was "a doubling of sales in some markets." The backlog of unsold models has disappeared and "we are now selling as many as we make," he said.
I tested a 2006 model, and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. In previous testing, I'd found the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h disappointing, since my observed mileage proved to be much lower than the advertised claims. I expected little better from the Ford.
Nor was the Escape immediately endearing; even before I turned the key, odd noises emerged here and there as motors and circuits engaged and disengaged. Once I started driving, though, it began to impress.
The 133-horsepower gasoline engine combines with an electric motor that generates the equivalent of 93 horsepower; the resulting output is not quite as powerful as the conventional Escape's optional 200-horse V-6, but it feels as though it is. From a stop, the hybrid can reach 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, compared with 8.9 seconds for the V-6.
The most pleasant and unexpected surprise was my mileage. I didn't baby the Escape or try to coax high mileage from it, yet I had no trouble achieving -- even exceeding -- the EPA estimates.
Another advantage is this: While premium fuel is recommended for the Toyota and Lexus, the Escape Hybrid does fine on regular unleaded. Ford says this is the first hybrid with alternative-fuel capability, having been approved to run on E85 ethanol.
Later this year, the 2008 Escape will make its debut on the auto show circuit with updated styling. Hybrid versions will also receive a welcome upgrade with second-generation motors and battery packs. These improvements should help the Escape Hybrid accelerate its transition from forgotten to famous.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 Ford
Escape Hybrid
Type: Compact sport utility wagon with a hybrid gas-electric power train.
Cost: Base price $26,215. As tested, $32,120 with $1,605 all-wheel drive, $1,995 navigation and upgraded sound system, $180 AC power outlet, $585 power sunroof, $695 appearance package, $595 safety package, $595 leather group.
Engine: A 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine plus a 70-kilowatt electric motor; continuously variable transmission.
Mileage: Rated 36 mpg in town, 31 on the highway (33/29 with all-wheel drive).
Jerry Garrett - San Francisco Chronicle - August 13, 2006
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/FEH_Incentives.jpg
Arguably, one of the best things the Ford Escape Hybrid has going for it is the name recognition that comes from belonging to the popular Escape gang.
That may also be its big drawback.
Since the car-based utility wagon made its debut as a 2001 model, it has been one of Ford's few recent success stories. But as the design has aged, demand has softened. The hybrid arrived as a 2005 model in a dated body.
Further, while gasoline-powered Escapes start below $20,000, the all-wheel-drive hybrid version is some 40 percent more expensive -- $27,820 and up.
But here's the kicker: The less expensive conventional Escape gets mileage comparable to the hybrid's. With a manual transmission, a four-cylinder front-drive gasoline Escape is rated 29 mpg on the highway, equal to the all-wheel drive hybrid. (The front-drive hybrid is rated 31 mpg.)
Ford had incorrectly predicted that its first hybrid would sell as easily as Toyota's wildly popular Prius, and largely without advertising. By last winter, some dealers reported that Escape Hybrids sat on their lots so long that the batteries died.
In February, Ford changed its hands-off marketing approach and gave the hybrid a full-blown ad campaign, including coveted Super Bowl spots and a green spokesman, Kermit the Frog. Buyer incentives of $1,000 were offered on 2006 models. (For 2007, the incentives were dropped, but the base price was lowered by $1,000.)
In addition, Ford has sought to educate its dealers about tax breaks available for hybrid buyers. The Escape Hybrid qualifies for either a $1,950 (all-wheel drive) or $2,600 (front drive) federal tax credit and some state and local incentives as well.
The result, said Jim Cain, a Ford spokesman, was "a doubling of sales in some markets." The backlog of unsold models has disappeared and "we are now selling as many as we make," he said.
I tested a 2006 model, and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. In previous testing, I'd found the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h disappointing, since my observed mileage proved to be much lower than the advertised claims. I expected little better from the Ford.
Nor was the Escape immediately endearing; even before I turned the key, odd noises emerged here and there as motors and circuits engaged and disengaged. Once I started driving, though, it began to impress.
The 133-horsepower gasoline engine combines with an electric motor that generates the equivalent of 93 horsepower; the resulting output is not quite as powerful as the conventional Escape's optional 200-horse V-6, but it feels as though it is. From a stop, the hybrid can reach 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, compared with 8.9 seconds for the V-6.
The most pleasant and unexpected surprise was my mileage. I didn't baby the Escape or try to coax high mileage from it, yet I had no trouble achieving -- even exceeding -- the EPA estimates.
Another advantage is this: While premium fuel is recommended for the Toyota and Lexus, the Escape Hybrid does fine on regular unleaded. Ford says this is the first hybrid with alternative-fuel capability, having been approved to run on E85 ethanol.
Later this year, the 2008 Escape will make its debut on the auto show circuit with updated styling. Hybrid versions will also receive a welcome upgrade with second-generation motors and battery packs. These improvements should help the Escape Hybrid accelerate its transition from forgotten to famous.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 Ford
Escape Hybrid
Type: Compact sport utility wagon with a hybrid gas-electric power train.
Cost: Base price $26,215. As tested, $32,120 with $1,605 all-wheel drive, $1,995 navigation and upgraded sound system, $180 AC power outlet, $585 power sunroof, $695 appearance package, $595 safety package, $595 leather group.
Engine: A 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine plus a 70-kilowatt electric motor; continuously variable transmission.
Mileage: Rated 36 mpg in town, 31 on the highway (33/29 with all-wheel drive).