ENVIRONMENTALISTS CHEVY AND JAYNI CHASE PURCHASE 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID – WORLD’S FIRST FULL-HYBRID SUV

The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV ever, is delivered to actor Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni at Smith Cairns Ford in Mount Kisco, New York.

Mount kisco, New York, Nov. 11, 2004 – An innovator and trend-setter in comedy, actor Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni, long-time environmentalists and founders of the Center for Environmental Education, are among the first customers in the East to own an Escape Hybrid, the first full-hybrid SUV to hit the road. The Westchester natives received their vehicle at a special ceremony at Smith Cairns Ford in Mount Kisco, New York.

"Taking care of the environment has long been a passion of mine," says Jayni Chase. "Chevy and I have always done what we can to protect the earth and taking advantage of hybrid technology is a great step in that direction. The Escape Hybrid offers many benefits, including increased fuel economy and low emissions, and does not require us to sacrifice comfort or space."

While Chevy’s celebrity is widely known, Jayni has been making a difference to better the environment for many years. In 1989, she founded the Center for Environmental Education in California designed to create greener K-12 schools and communities. The Center is now a part of Antioch New England Institute and continues its work in New York.

Jayni also has been an outspoken environmentalist for a number of other causes. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Earth and was recently honored for her work by the National Audubon Society. In addition, she continues to offer her knowledge and assistance as a spokesperson about many pressing environmental issues.

"High profile customers like the Chases help raise awareness of the benefits of hybrid technology," says Sheri Shaprio, Escape marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. "The new Escape Hybrid, the first full-hybrid SUV, delivers outstanding no-compromise capability at a great value."

The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid is the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV on the road, featuring the product strengths that have made Ford Escape the nation’s best-selling small SUV. The Escape Hybrid has a full-hybrid system that enables it to run on its gasoline engine, electric battery power, or both together. Its responsive steering and handling and available four-wheel drive deliver a driving experience unlike any other hybrid vehicle available. It has earned the highest fuel economy numbers for an SUV as certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – the front-wheel-drive model achieves 36 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.