Ford 09 Escape to sell in China market next year

Shanghai, May 9 (Gasgoo.com) 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).