Ford  will present a case study on the use of Escape Hybrid taxis to Mayor Wynn and representatives from the City of Austin, Austin Energy and local commercial fleet managers, to raise awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of an Escape Hybrid. Cities across the country, including San Francisco, New York, and Chicago are successfully turning to hybrid-electric vehicles to meet their clean air goals and reduce fuel costs - from taxicabs to municipal fleet vehicles.

The consumer and municipal benefits of the Escape Hybrid are illustrated by the success of taxis in New York and San Francisco. Some cabs have accumulated more than 150,000 miles of severe use with no major mechanical problems, and taxi drivers are saving up to $30 per shift on fuel.

For cities, that fuel savings is the equivalent of 32,000 pounds of CO2 emissions over a year, or 100,000 miles. This savings could make hybrid- electric technology well-suited to Mayor Wynn's goal of making Austin the "Clean Energy Capitol of the World."

To attend the Hybrid Technology Clinic, please contact Monte Doran at 313-317-7810, or mdoran8@ford.com.