Isn't this the source of the production problem:

"Ford suspects it may be getting squeezed out by its Japanese rivals. With the fall launch of the gas-electric Mercury Mariner, Ford is tripling its hybrid SUV lineup over three years. But its transmission supplier, Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., can boost deliveries by only 20 percent, to 24,000 transmissions annually." http://detroitnews.com/2005/autosins...A01-272872.htm
AND AN UPDATE

"Aisin Seiki Co., an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corp., plans to increase its supply of core motor systems for hybrid vehicles to Ford Motor Co.....The Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid are equipped with Ford’s first-generation transaxle, which Ford developed jointly with Aisin AW...Aisin has supplied dual-motor systems to Ford since 2004, with shipments currently reaching around 20,000 systems a year...." from
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007...seiki_to_.html

 

I've been working with a broker who in turn works with a well connected fleet manager. The order guide came out today and the f/m faxed it to the broker. It's a very poor fax but almost better than nothing.

It seems there will be just two versions: Standard and Limited, with few options (the Limited has almost everything) and limited color choices. As of an hour ago the Ford Web site still had the 2008 info. Two new colors are Brilliant Silver and White Suede, and if you'll go to the Ford site and call up the 2009 Flex you can see those colors.

The price guide isn't out yet - if I get a copy I'll post it.

Cheers

 

Are the Fast Turn Order (FTO) Packages the equivalent of ordering off the Value Meal menu?

 

My dealer got the info today also, I'm waiting on pricing though. Limited seems to just have all the options standard...sync and sat radio is now standard on all hybrids, ...and they deleted the tungsten grey color I wanted..

 

I ordered my 2009 Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid Limited today. My local dealer told me that they received an allocation of 10, but could not tell me when my Escape will be delivered. However, the order confirmation did have a retail price of the vehicle. Compared to the 2008 model and taking into account the differences in configuration, it appears the pricing of the 2009 is in line with the 2008. The retail price of my vehicle is $32,385 + $695 for delivery. I did not order any additional options except what came standard on the 4WD Hybrid Limited.

 

Do you live on the West Coast? Who is the dealer that got an allocation of 10 FEH?

 

Kinda glad I got an 08. Yea so an 09 has Sync & RSC & steering wheel volume (yeah some of you 08's do too ) But I don't like the options between Hybrid & Hybrid limited... Just my $.02 To get a few thing's I'd want I'd have to go limited, but I don't like the shiny black interior plastic either.

I wanted leather since it's kid/dog friendly (to clean), & I like my chrome! Looks like even fewer color choices.

BTW I stole this link from Escape Central who stole it from blueoval, oops I mean borrowed...

http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums...howtopic=23160

 

"There are 8 FTOs for the 2009MY Escape, and the FTOs for Escape have been set up similar to a fast
food restaurant's "Combo Meal Menu", as there are a number of pre-ordered vehicles that dealers can
select directly from:"

I was right!... haha

 

Thanks for the '09 Ordering Guide reference!

 

Looks like there are finally a different set of factory aluminum wheels and they are "bright", at least on the Hybrid Limited.