In an interview with Marketwatch.com today Alan Mulally,
CEO Ford, mentioned the soon to be introduced
"smaller SUV". I have to assume that will be the
2012 "Escape" based on the Kuga platform. Other
recent reports have indicated a Hybrid version of
the new SUV in the 2013 Model range. I have not
seen anything that will confirm that the new 2012
SUV will be named "Escape".

 

My reading is that it is not based on the Kuga, it is from the new "C" platform that is also used for the new small minivan.

 

Shown at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show: https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...to-show-26365/

 

But will they call it the "Vertrek" or "Escape"? Smaller motor then
the present 2.5L and supposedly the Hybrid drive system will be
all Ford.

 

We're talking about the Escape in general here and since it presently comes with a 3.0L, I don't see this a valid replacement. Sounds like they call it a Vertrek.

 

Of course, the CURRENT FEH hybrid drive system is also all Ford...

 

Note quite. The battery and eCVT transmission
are manufactured in Japan.

http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/02produ...id_system.html
HD-20 eCVT

 

Oh, you are saying that Ford is going to manufacture them in the USA? I have not heard that.

I was referring to the hybrid system design.

BTW, your link says nothing about Ford.

 

I'm not quite sure of the whole story but as I understand
it Ford developed it's own Hybrid design then realized
that it had essentially designed something similar
enough to Toyota that they exchanged some Patents
to make each other comfortable. Ford got the Hybrid
stuff and Toyota got some Diesel stuff. But as I have
read it this next generation of Hybrid SUV/Focus will
be an all Ford manufacture. I also read one place where
the Battery will also be made in the USA. Basically an
all Ford Hybrid bumper to bumper.

 

True but lift the hood of your FEH and look at the
picture of the HD-20 and compare it to the eCVT
in the FEH. I'm not saying they are exactly the
same device but to me they look the same.
At least the same as in my 06 FEH.