‘Taxi Industry Questions Safety of Switching to Hybrid Vehicles’

Mr. Irmas wrote that some in the taxi industry question the safety, durability, and comfort of our Escape Hybrid but failed to ask Ford to respond [New York, “Taxi Industry Questions Safety of Switching to Hybrid Vehicles,” January 17, 2008].

He could have learned that Ford Motor Company conducts among the most robust safety and durability testing in the world. Today, after being driven a combined 3.3 million miles, the first 33 hybrid cabs put into duty — 18 in New York and 15 in San Francisco — are still on the road using their original batteries.

While proving they’re durable, the cabs are significantly reducing fuel costs and tailpipe emissions.

The Sun compared NHTSA safety ratings of Escape Hybrid and Crown Victoria, although NHTSA states that comparing the safety ratings of vehicles in different classes does not yield useful information.

While safety ratings provide consumers with information, they don’t disclose that the 2009 Escape Hybrid comes standard with Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, and Ford’s Safety Canopy™ air curtain system that enhances protection in side impact collisions and in the unlikely event of a rollover.

Finally, Mr. Irmas could have learned that Escape Hybrid exceeds all current New York City taxi comfort requirements, including its stringent rear-seat legroom and headroom requirements.

Passengers riding in Escape Hybrid taxis find them very comfortable, with more leg room and head room than many competitors.

JOHN FELICE
Director
Ford North America
Fleet Operations

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