DEARBORN, March 16, 2000 - The all-new Ford Escape, Ford's newest sport utility vehicle, marks the company's expansion into the growing small SUV market. It has been designed to meet customer needs while providing good fuel economy, low emissions and an outstanding package with nimble maneuverability on the road and a rugged capability for off-road driving.

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for the 2001 Ford Escape range from $18,160 (including destination and delivery charges of $515) for the XLS series to $21,335 (including destination and delivery charges) for the XLT series equipped with Ford's new Control Trac II four-wheel drive system.

"We believe the Escape will attract a whole new group of buyers to our Ford dealers' Outfitters showrooms - buyers who may not have considered, or owned, an SUV before," says Jim O'Connor, Ford Division president and vice president of Ford Motor Company. "The small SUV segment is one of the fastest growing in the industry today. The Escape undoubtedly will be a formidable competitor, loaded with many standard features that are optional on other SUVs in the segment."

Major Escape Equipment
The versatile Escape will be sold in two trim models - the well-equipped entry XLS series and optional XLT - both providing standard front-wheel drive and independent rear suspension. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter Zetec I-4 mated with a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission. A 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 engine with automatic transmission is optional, as is Ford's Control Trac II four-wheel drive system which provides confidence off the beaten path and through snow and rain or any other uncertain driving conditions.

An XLS model Escape equipped with the I-4 engine and Control Trac II four-wheel drive system will carry an MSRP of $19,785 (including D&D charges). The volume model - expected to be an XLT equipped with the optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine and Control Trac II four-wheel drive system will carry an MSRP of $22,300 (including D&D charges).

The new Ford Escape is designed to appeal to younger buyers, as well as the "young at heart" - drivers who want fun, agile, sporty, durable yet affordable transportation for their active lifestyles.

Based on an all-new platform, the Ford Escape offers customers many standard and optional features that make it stand out from the competition. Some of those product features include:

• Unibody construction that provides nimble maneuverability while offering maximum bodyshell safety protection.
• A four-wheel independent suspension for refined ride and handling.
• A choice of DOHC 2.0-liter Zetec I-4 or 3.0-liter 200-horsepower DuratecV-6 engine, with average fuel economy ranging from 24 to 28 mpg.
• Certified to low emissions vehicle (LEV) standards with emissions among the cleanest in its class.
• Front-wheel drive drivetrain or the all-new Control Trac II four-wheel drive system with full-time automatic 4x4 with a driver-determined switch to select four-wheel drive automatic or "4x4 Lock."
• 3,500 pound towing capacity (with V-6 engine and towing package) - enough to pull jet skis, snowmobiles or a small boat.
• Four doors and rear liftgate with flip-up glass.
• "LATCH" child safety seat attachments and tether anchors a full year before required by U.S. government regulations. Rear-seat-mounted rigid anchors allow a properly designed child safety seat to be clipped into position quickly and accurately. Combined with ceiling-mounted top tether anchors, the system provides advanced protection for children.

"With the Ford Escape, we now have the most comprehensive lineup of SUVs on the planet. Our 4,200 U.S. Ford dealers can outfit customers with the exact vehicle that best meets their specific lifestyles and sense of adventure," says O'Connor.