SEATTLE, November 2, 2000 -- The all-new 2001 Ford ESCAPE has been named the Compact Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), as announced here today.

Lary Coppola, president of NWAPA, announced the winner of the 7th Annual "Mudfest" SUV Competition at an awards luncheon in Seattle. The on- and off-road competition, which included 21 SUV makes and models from 13 manufacturers, was held last month at Bremerton Raceway and Thurston County Off-Road Vehicle Park.

The Ford ESCAPE was judged the best new SUV in the compact class, which included Mazda Tribute, Chevrolet Tracker, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Legacy Outback and Toyota RAV4.

Judges included the more than 20 Northwest automotive journalists who make up NWAPA.

In accepting the award on behalf of Ford, John Kerekanich, Ford Division Seattle regional manager, said, "We are proud but not surprised that the Ford ESCAPE was named winner of its class in this competition. We knew going in that this outstanding new SUV had a great chance of coming out on top."

ESCAPE is a small SUV with the package space, comfort and versatility of a much larger vehicle. It's easily maneuverable, tough and powerful enough for the most active lifestyles -- with go-anywhere four-wheel drive ruggedness and the option of a 201-horsepower V-6 engine with up to 3,500-pound towing capability. With its shorter wheelbase and nimble handling, the ESCAPE is a natural extension of Ford's "No Boundaries" SUV lineup -- the most comprehensive lineup in the industry.

Ford ESCAPE is now available at Ford dealers throughout the nation.