| Recently, Ford Motor Co. proudly announced that | | | | worlds." |
| Escape has surpassed the million mark. The | | | | The redesigned 2008 version uses Escape's |
| automaker reported that it has sold more than 1 | | | | original success formula. It has passed Ford Tough |
| million of Escape models since November 2000. | | | | Truck standards and was subjected to durability |
| To put on record, Ford Escape is the best-selling | | | | testing in the heat of the Australian outback and |
| SUV in the market today. In addition, it is also the | | | | the sub-zero cold of Manitoba, Canada. The |
| best-selling crossover of any size for six years | | | | vehicle was also used in pulling a 3,500-pound |
| now. | | | | trailer up the severe grades of the Davis Dam in |
| "From day one, the Escape has offered a | | | | Nevada to prove its towing capabilities as well as |
| combination of traditional SUV traits and | | | | performance. |
| crossover construction," said Cisco Codina, group | | | | The 2008 version of Escape is scheduled to be |
| vice president, North America Marketing, Sales | | | | introduced at the Greater Los Angeles Auto |
| and Service. "Escape offers refined ride and | | | | Show on Nov. 29. Said model combines superb |
| go-anywhere capability; impressive fuel economy | | | | off-road performance and the fun of on-road |
| and up to 3,500 pounds of towing; and a | | | | driving. Auto Escape Ford parts will accumulate |
| comfortable interior in a compact, agile package. | | | | several styling cues from Edge, Explorer and |
| And Escape keeps getting better, as we will show | | | | Expedition. Modifications include new grille with |
| at the LA auto show." | | | | bigger headlamps in the fascia, rounder wheel |
| Ford Escape is the automaker's first crossover | | | | arches, redesigned sides, and cleaner lines. In |
| SUV. It can be recalled that the 2001 version of | | | | addition, the interior of Escape is also redesigned |
| the vehicle is a bit unrefined and crude. "It was | | | | for a more functional and stylish appeal. |
| clear that there was an unmet opportunity in the | | | | "As the utility market is changing, we are seeing |
| market place," said Barry Redler, Ford SUV Group | | | | an increasing number of people who find the small |
| marketing manager. "The other entries were | | | | SUV best fits their needs and lifestyles," said |
| one-dimensional, either focused only on off-road, | | | | Redler. "In 2001, 25 percent of small SUV owners |
| SUV attributes at the expense of refinement, or | | | | left the segment for larger SUVs. Today we're |
| focused on car-like ride and handling at the | | | | seeing increasing number of large SUV buyers |
| expense of off-road adventure. Escape was an | | | | moving into small SUVs like Escape. We're also |
| instant success because it offered customers | | | | seeing an increasing number of small SUV owners |
| something no one else did: The best of both | | | | who replace their vehicle with another small SUV. |