5.9Ford 09 Escape to sell in China market next year

Shanghai, May 9 - Ford Motor unveiled the all-new Fiesta and 2009
Escape at the recent Beijing auto show. The Ford 2009 Escape, the first
gas-electric hybrid SUV, is expected to go on sale in the Chinese market
next year. 

The sport utility vehicle (SUV) was one of several hybrid developments at
the show. The new 2009 Ford Escape makes strides in fuel economy and
emissions with a new, 2.5-liter engine and a smooth new fuel-saving 6-speed
automatic transmission. Not only is the new powertrain expected to improve
the Escape fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon, the new 2.5-liter engine will
also boost power 11% to 170 horsepower. 

The Ford Escape has been well received in the U.S. since its
first-generation model was launched in the local market in 2001. Only seven
months after its release, the Ford Escape became the top seller of compact
SUVs in the U.S., edging behind it even the popular SUVs such Honda CR-V,
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4.

The popularity of Escape in the U.S. market is attributed mostly to the Ford
SUV brand, which is characterized by its safety, comfort and durability.
Another reason is that the Ford Escape has many Japanese elements -- its
concept model was designed by Japanese carmaker Mazda Motor.

The first batch of Ford Escape SUVs sold in mainland China in 2004 were made
by Ford's Taiwan unit. However, they did not sell well due to their
relatively high prices. Now the Chinese auto market is growing fast, and
Ford's all-new hybrid SUV will not miss this opportunity. The current Escape
price in China is 278,000 yuan ($39,800).