PRESS

Hybrid Taxis Coming to Chicago
March, 2006 | Excerpt from a Ford press release

Chicago taxi drivers and their customers will soon come to appreciate the efficient beauty of the Ford Escape Hybrid. Ford's work with the city of Chicago will pave the way to hybrid taxi vehicles in the future.

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley applauds the move.

"Our new taxicab ordinance encourages cab companies to add hybrid vehicles, which conserve energy, save money and help the environment," said Daley. "Ford has been an important part of Chicago's economy for many years, and I welcome their participation in this program."

Ford Escape Hybrid taxis are already in service in New York City and San Francisco. The hybrid taxis contribute to improved air quality and provide substantial gas savings for the taxi companies.

As a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV), Ford Escape Hybrid operates with ultra-clean emissions. The vehicle's fuel economy in stop-and-go city driving also is 80 percent higher than a conventional Escape. In fact, the two-wheel-drive version of the hybrid SUV achieves 36 miles per gallon in city driving and up to 500 miles or more on a single tank of gas - even in gridlock traffic jams.

Many Ford hybrid taxis in San Francisco now have more than 100,000 miles.

Some drivers say they're saving $50 to $75 per week by driving an Escape Hybrid. In New York, Taxi and Limousine Commission officials are estimating the annual fuel savings for each driver will amount to tens of thousands of dollars every year.