Hi All:

___GPSman and I just got back a few minutes ago and both of us enjoyed the event thoroughly …

___For the benefit of all Ford Escape HEV owners, Saturday afternoon was my first time behind the wheel of the Escape Hybrid and all of you have one hell of an automobile! Not only does it have the ability for 40 + highway and 60 + city when pushed, it is comfortably large and Ford Truck Tough w/ a capital T! John punched out a 53.x mpg segment on Ford’s city drive cycle with 2 Ford hybrid engineers, 1 USA Today reporter, and myself in the car. That alone speaks volumes as to what your Escape HEV’s are really worth

___I also want to personally thank each and every one of the Ford Escape Hybrid Team members who were on their own time giving of themselves throughout the weekend. The presentation and practical test drive provided benefits to many who may not have known even the basics about increasing FE in their Ford Escape HEV’s. I heard a lot of positive comments from participants after their test drive(s) and I am sure most used this new FE knowledge (however basic) and began to apply it immediately afterwards. Besides the excellent detail by Pravus Prime, Sadie, and Tcampb01, I cannot wait to add something of substance with my own thoughts from the perspective of a hybrid enthusiast who had the opportunity to speak with some of the best Hybrid engineers in the world! Great job guys!

___Finally, GPSman has a 1,000 + mile drive home in the morning so wish him a safe and uneventful trip home.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net