Fresh from Ford

Think ahead. By 2009, car enthusiasts can expect a more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner models - two of Ford Motor Company's best-selling sports utility vehicles (SUVs). This was announced by Ford during the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress held last January 22 at Detroit.

The new 2009 Ford Escape and Mariner are expected to bear Ford's expanding commitment to fuel economy and greenhouse gases reduction.

Their features include a new 2.5-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, an improved powertrain with an estimated 1 mile per gallon fuel economy and a refined engine that has dual-mode crankshaft damping, electronic throttle control and PowerPC engine electronic control. In addition, it adopts a 170HP 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed automatic gearbox replacing the previous 153HP 2.3-liter unit.

According to Ford Motor Company Senior Vice President Sue Cischke, sustainability, environment and safety engineering comprise Ford's vision of a customer-focused greenhouse gas emissions reduction and fuel economy strategies.

"In the near term, we will leverage existing technologies to achieve those goals, including advanced engines and multi-speed transmissions. The 2009 Escape and Mariner are great examples of how we're delivering today," Cischke said.

Included in Ford's 2009 E85-capable flexible fuel line-up are three more vehicles - the E-Series van and the Expedition and Lincoln navigator SUVs.

"This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms," Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company president and CEO, said.

Produced at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant, the 2009 Ford Escape and Mariner will soon be available in the market.