[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 108 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING FORD MOTOR COMPANY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 2004

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize the introduction 
of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, expected to roll off the assembly lines 
at the Ford Claycomo Plant in Claycomo, Missouri, beginning in August.
  The Escape Hybrid is the first vehicle of its kind to combine hybrid 
technology with SUV capability. The Escape Hybrid can be powered solely 
by the gasoline engine, solely by the electric motor, or by using both 
working together. The hybrid system automatically switches between pure 
electric, pure gasoline, or combined operation to maximize fuel 
efficiency and performance, and the Escape Hybrid is projected to 
surpass 35 miles-per-gallon in city driving. Additionally, exhaust 
emissions will be lower than many vehicles currently on the market.
  The technology that makes the Escape Hybrid possible is 
revolutionary, and the fact that Ford has produced a hybrid SUV 
demonstrates Ford's continued leadership in the automobile industry. I 
am proud that the Ford Claycomo Plant, located in Missouri's Sixth 
District, will assemble the Escape Hybrid. It is a testament to the 
employees at Claycomo, especially since the plant already produces Ford 
F-series models and the Escape and the Mazda Tribute.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ford Motor Company and the 
Ford Claycomo Plant as they begin production of the Ford Escape Hybrid.

                          ____________________