Combined sales of the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid more than doubled over March, and increased 68 percent compared to April 2005 sales. Ford has had three months of hybrid sales increases, fueled by rising gas prices, company and government incentives, and increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of Ford’s hybrid products.

Escape Hybrid was the first full-hybrid SUV on the market, and remains the most fuel-efficient SUV on earth. The front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid returns 36 miles per gallon in the city – an 80 percent improvement over an Escape V-6. Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid also meet the most stringent emissions standard achievable by a vehicle that uses fossil fuel, California’s AT-PZEV standard.

Because of this impressive fuel efficiency and clean emissions, governments are increasingly rewarding hybrid purchases. A new tax hotline keeps Ford dealers informed on the latest federal, state, and local tax credits available for the company’s hybrid customers, which in some states can total as much as $5,925 in tax credits. Some states also offer hybrid drivers other perks, such as HOV lane access, free parking and insurance discounts.