2005 Ford Escape Hybrid delivers on promise to help heal the bay

September 16, 2004

SANTA MONICA, Calif., September 16, 2004 – A highly prized 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is heading to Santa Monica Bay today to help Ford make good on its pledge to help "Bring Back the Beach." Customers Klaus and Jami Heidegger will drive away in one of the world’s first full-hybrid SUVs, having placed the winning bid for the vehicle at Heal the Bay’s auction this past June.

Ford Motor Company donated a 2005 Escape Hybrid to Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica-based environmental group dedicated to improving water quality along California’s coastline. Long-time Heal the Bay supporters Klaus and Jami Heidegger were among the auction attendees who bid on the Escape Hybrid, the premier auction item, to raise $40,000 at the group’s annual charity event.

"The new 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is the industry’s first no-compromise, full-hybrid SUV and the cleanest, most fuel efficient SUV on the road," says Mary Ann Wright, director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs and Escape Hybrid’s Chief Engineer. "I am pleased to be delivering this vehicle to the Heideggers and am excited that more customers will soon be getting in the driver’s seat." The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid begins arriving in dealerships this month.

"The Escape Hybrid is a natural choice for our family and a great fit with our busy lifestyle," said Klaus Heidegger. "It gives us the roominess and capability we need, as well as the environmental benefits that we feel so strongly about."

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a no-compromise full-hybrid sport-utility vehicle, featuring the product strengths that have made Ford Escape the nation’s best-selling small SUV. The Escape Hybrid has a full-hybrid system that enables it to run on its gasoline engine, electric battery power, or both together. Its responsive steering and handling and available four-wheel drive deliver a driving experience unlike any other hybrid vehicle available. It has earned the highest fuel economy numbers for an SUV as certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – the front-wheel-drive model achieves 36 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

About Heal the Bay
Heal the Bay, founded in 1985, is dedicated to making Santa Monica Bay and Southern California coastal waters safe and healthy again for people and marine life. It is one of the largest nonprofit environmental organizations in Los Angeles County, with more than 10,000 members. The organization focuses on education, outreach, research and advocacy through programs like Coastal Cleanup Day and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. For more information, go to www.healthebay.org