The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Tuesday that the probe affects an estimated 730,000 Escape and Tribute SUVs in the United States.
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In more detail, the Escape's entry-level 168hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine returns 31 mpg on the highway, which is a 3 mpg improvement over the previous model's standard engine, and 22 mpg in the city.
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Today we can confirm that aside from the world premiere of the production B-MAX small MPV that we've already covered extensively, the Blue Oval will debut the European version of the 2013 Escape as the new generation of the Kuga SUV and the production version of last year's Fiesta ST Concept 3d.
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Ford has followed this recipe to the letter with its EcoBoost “family of engines and so far it has paid off nicely, recording 127,883 sales in 2011.
The best-selling F-150 pickup truck is the perfect example. In 2010, all units sold in the U.S. were powered by V8 engines. Last year, more than half of F-150 buyers (56 percent, to be precise) downsized to a V6, choosing either the base 305HP 3.7-liter or the 365HP 3.5-liter EcoBoost.
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The first action concerns 205,896 units of the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans from the 2004 and 2005 model years as they may have defective torque converter output shafts.
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And since all three crossovers will compete against each other not only in North America, but around the world as well, we thought it would be good idea to run a poll to determine which is the best looking model. We'll brief you on all three before we give you the chance to cast your vote.
We'll start of alphabetically with the 2013 Ford Escape that will be marketed as the Kuga in other regions, including Europe and China. The 2013 Escape marks a radical departure from the outgoing model not only in looks, but under the hood as well with Ford offering two small displacement turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines with up to 237HP, alongside a conventional, naturally aspirated 2.5L four-pot.
We've already brought you a boatload of pictures and all the juicy details that were available at the time, so now we're going to share with you two new videos of the compact SUV, including some B-Roll footage shot on the road and a clip from the media presentation in L.A.
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The new Escape is definitely more modern than the best-selling model it replaces, something that Ford’s design boss, Martin Smith, is keen to stress out: “The Escape’s athletic good looks are no accident”, he says, adding that “we wanted to create the impression of an athlete like a runner or swimmer in the new body – right down to the defined muscles that convey movement and energy.”
The new Escape measures 178.1 inches (4.52 m) in length, 72.4 inches (1.84 m) in width, 66.3 inches (1.68 m) in height, while it rides on a 105.9 inch (2.69 m) wheelbase.
In the U.S. market, it will be available in both front- and four-wheel layouts with three gasoline engines, all of which are combined with a six-speed automatic transmission.
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The teaser photo is part of the Ford social media team's efforts to create some additional buzz on the brand-new Escape that will be officially unwrapped at next week's Los Angeles Auto Show.
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In the beginning of the month, Ford released the first video of the 2013 Escape showing us how the hands-free power liftgate works. Now, we have two more clips that concentrate on the interior providing us with our first glimpse of the dashboard styling.
Ford also tells us that the compact crossover model will feature the latest iteration of its MyFord Touch interface, which promises to be faster and easier to use.
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Fortunately though, there's not much time left before the 2013 Ford Escape makes its world premiere at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show that will stay open for the public from November 18 to 27.
Following some revealing details on the new global Escape's engine lineup, Ford today released a single teaser image and a video highlighting the SUV's "segment-first hands-free power liftgate", which opens with a kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to search for the key (though you will need to have it in your pocket).
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As is the case with the current Fiesta and Focus, the compact SUV will be offered in the same form worldwide, replacing the current North American Escape as well as the Kuga in Europe and other markets around the globe.
Ford gave us a preview of the 2013 Escape with the Vetrek concept study at this year's Detroit Motor Show in January. Aside from the presentation date, Ford also revealed details about the SUV's powertrain options.
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The safety agency said it received 18 complaints noting that “the liftgate window glass shattered spontaneously, while opening the liftgate or while closing the liftgate. In one alleged injury incident, the complainant and her 10 year old son were cut by glass fragments."
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The compact-sized model is based on the underpinnings of the Focus hatch and is powered by Ford's 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine featuring start and stop technology for improved fuel efficiency.
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The announcement comes after officers across the five boroughs began testing copped-out Nissan Altima hybrids this time last year.
NYPD spokesman John McCarthy explains, "These [Altimas] were the first hybrids outfitted with a police package being used for patrol. We wanted to see how they held up after being subjected to use on patrol. After a year of use, the feedback has been positive."
Today, Ford Motor Company celebrated the production of its 100,000th hybrid SUV at the Kansas City Assembly Plant, which employs 4,100 people. The U.S. automaker launched the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrid SUVs five years ago. The 2009 model year Escape and Mariner hybrids deliver 34 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway.
"As we celebrate our 100,000th hybrid, America's interest in hybrid vehicles keeps growing, as does Ford's commitment to advanced powertrain technologies that deliver greater fuel economy, lower emissions and help enhance our country's energy security," said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford.
Today, Ford unveiled the 2009 MY Ford Escape & Mercury Mariner SUVs at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Additional improvements in the Escape and Mariner range include a new front fascia chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers while the 3.0-liter V6 engine gets a 30-hp increase over last year raising output to 230 HP. It, too, will offer an estimated 1 mpg fuel economy improvement and better acceleration, thanks to the new 6-speed transmission and engine enhancements. Sales of both models will start this summer. -Details after the jump
PRESS RELEASE
FORD DELIVERS BETTER FUEL ECONOMY, MORE POWER FOR ESCAPE, MERCURY MARINER; EXPANDS E85 FLEET
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 22, 2008 – Today at the Washington Auto Show and Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Ford Motor Company announced its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year.
Ford also announced that it is expanding its commitment to biofuels by adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 – the E-Series van, as well as the standard and extended-length models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. These additional product actions are part of Ford’s sustainability strategy, which also includes high-volume introductions of EcoBoost gas turbocharged direct injection engines.
Speaking today at Automotive News World Congress in
“This year, we make good on our commitment to freshen our showrooms,” Mulally said. “We just introduced the new 2009 Ford F-150 last week, and it was a hit. We also have Lincoln MKS and Ford Flex coming, as well as a new Mustang early next year.”
At the Washington Auto Show, Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, outlined the company’s high-volume customer-focused strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy.
“Ford Motor Company is increasing fuel economy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions with affordable technologies for millions of customers,” said Cischke. “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.”
Fuel-efficient new 2.5-liter Engine
The new 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner make 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 and Mariner’s EPA estimated fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon, it will also give the customer an 11 percent increase in horsepower to 170 horsepower.
The new 2.5-liter engine with intake variable cam timing (IVCT) boasts a 17-horsepower increase in output over the outgoing 2.3-liter engine.
Responsive with its peak 166 ft. lb. of torque, the engine also is refined, with dual-mode crankshaft damping, electronic throttle control and PowerPC engine electronic control.
The anticipated 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy will make Escape and Mariner more than competitive in the segment. With the improvements, Escape and Mariner also achieve ULEV II emissions certification.
The new engine also is the new basis for Ford’s hybrid models, ushering in a host of improvements that will make the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid even more appealing. Adapted to the Atkinson cycle, the engine is the first for Ford to incorporate variable valve timing on a hybrid engine.
“More than ever, the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the ultimate vehicles for commuters in the daily battle with urban traffic congestion,” said Cischke. “For every eight Escape and Mariner vehicles we sell, one of them is a hybrid, and the appeal is growing.”
An optional, 230-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 engine – a 30-hp increase over last year – also is offered. It, too, will offer an estimated 1 mpg fuel economy improvement and better acceleration, thanks to the new 6-speed transmission and engine enhancements, including new pistons, cylinder heads and fuel injection system.
Spotlight on Fuel Efficiency, Even in the Performance Version
The new, more fuel-efficient automatic 6-speed transmission featured in the Escape and Mariner offers a significant improvement in powertrain smoothness and drivability, replacing the four-speed automatic previously offered.
Its flexibility allows Escape and Mariner to feature a longer final-drive ratio for optimal fuel economy, while its smooth-shifting quality provides an enhanced experience for the driver, especially in combination with the more powerful engines in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner family.
Fuel savings also come from additional design and engineering features, including:
All Escape and Mariner models now feature Easy Fuel™, a capless refueling system. This feature is not only a convenience for customers but also helps to prevent evaporative fuel emissions.
Escape and Mariner also incorporate new features to improve dynamic handling and ride characteristics, including a new 18.5 mm rear stabilizer bar and revised suspension tuning. Powertrain sound quality is enhanced by a new air induction system for V-6 engine models and a new exhaust system on all models.
Ford Hybrids: More Refinement, Safety and Performance
The new 2.5-liter engine also is the new foundation for the Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid models. Adapted for hybrid use, the engine is Ford’s first to use variable valve timing on an Atkinson cycle hybrid engine. Advancements in engine processor technology enable a nearly imperceptible transition from gas to electric mode.
A new brake system also provides a more seamless transition from regenerative braking to traditional braking. It incorporates a new pedal sensor that gives the driver better feedback and pedal feel similar to that of a traditional vacuum-assisted hydraulic system.
Also new this year is a new standard safety feature – AdvanceTrac® with RSC®. Already standard on gas-powered models, this patented Ford Motor Company stability control system includes roll stability control. Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid are the only small hybrids to offer such an advanced safety technology.
At the Washington Auto Show, Ford will display a Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) alongside the production Escape Hybrid. The plug-in research vehicle uses high voltage, lithium-ion batteries and can travel up to 30 miles on battery power alone before switching to full hybrid mode, delivering the equivalent of up to 120 miles per gallon for far fewer trips to the gas station.
Ford is collaborating with Southern California Edison in a unique partnership to advance the commercialization of PHEVs, demonstrating the potential for two industries to change the transportation and energy future.
This is part of Ford’s sustainability strategy, which also includes a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions on half a million Ford,
The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology and will be used in a range of global vehicles – from small cars to large trucks. Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today’s affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.
More Technology, Connectivity
The popularity of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner reflects a trend of continuous improvement and product enhancement, including the most “connected” driving experience available today.
New optional equipment includes:
Growing Popularity
With the continuous improvements to the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, the vehicles are primed to build on their sales success in the 2007 calendar year, which included record hybrid volume. Highlights include:
The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are produced at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant, and the 2009 models will go on sale this summer.