In an earlier post, I had indicated that I was considering a FEH. Yesterday I visited the local Ford dealership and was informed that there was a $2000 "hybrid" charge on top of the MSRP. I just refuse to pay this and I will now look elsewhere to satisfy my purchase of a more environmentally benign car. The following is my feedback to Ford online:

"I have an unrealistic hope that Mr. Ford would eventually see this comment, because I feel fairly confident that my opinion might be shared by others. A good chairman cares about what customers are thinking.

I presently have a 1997 Explorer and a 2001 Sport Trac and am in the process of replacing the Explorer. I had decided to emphasize the environmental side of this purchase decision and was well aware of Mr. Ford's leadership on this issue. After 2 months of study, I had decided that the Escape Hybrid best fit all of my criteria. Knowing the demand/supply balance of these vehicles, I was fully prepared to pay the full MSRP for it. However, the local dealer in Rutland, VT is tacking on an additional 2000 dollar hybrid premium to the car. I understand that is his right, but I think it is price gouging and I refuse to do any further business with Ford. I also think it is counterproductive to the Ford company and its future business viability.

I do have alternatives, namely the Toyota Prius for which there is not a sticker add-on. My other alternative is the Subaru Outback 2.5i, which in Vermont is certified as a PZEV automobile and has acceptable gas consumption.

I thank-you for making available a process for feedback and I hope some Ford internal discussions might be generated. As other competitors enter the field, Ford can very easily lose whatever advantage it has gained with the Escape Hybrid."