First, let me thank you for allowing me to join your group. My question is about the '06 Escape I purchased. The transmission is from Japan - who made it? Toyota uses a CVT transmission in the Prius and Highlander, is that where Ford got these? Are they Toyota transmissins? How about the HEV technology and hardware - are they Ford originals or did they buy that too? I am very interested in going PHEV with my Escape. Does anyone have an idea when that will be available? Will the Prius PHEV technology be compatable with the Escape?

Thanks for the info,

Killa'