After speaking with Bryan Olson, Escape Hybrid Marketing Manager, I feel I have a better feel for where the company is headed. He also answered a few of my questions regarding the Escape. Among these:

Ford has not officially named its hybrid system
Choosing to go full hybrid has significant long-term benefits as transportation technology evolves
Mild hybrids are less advantageous in SUVs and other large vehicles where power is a necessity
There aren't any markettable differences between Ford's hybrid system and Hybrid Synergy Drive

I let Bryan know that if there's any information he'd like to get out to the hybrid community, he should let me know

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