Ford Escape Hybrid

          The Escape Hybrid uses technology similar to that used in Toyota's Prius. Ford engineers realized their technology may conflict with patents held by Toyota, which led to a 2004 patent-sharing accord between the companies, licensing Ford's use of some of Toyota's hybrid technology in exchange for Toyota's use of some of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology.

    Both Ford and Toyota state that Ford received no technical assistance from Toyota in developing the hybrid powertrain, but that some hybrid engine technologies developed by Ford independently were found to be similar to technologies previously patented by Toyota.

  Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., a Japanese automotive components supplier belonging to the Toyota Group, supplies the hybrid continuously variable transmission for the Escape Hybrid. While Toyota produces its third-generation Prius transmission in-house, Aisin is the only supplier of hybrid transmissions to other manufacturers. Friction has arisen concerning Aisin's allocation of limited production capacity and engineering resources to Ford.

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid gets moving with both a 2.3-liter Atkinson cycle engine as well as a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor with a 330-volt nickel metal hydride battery. The Los Angeles Times appreciates that "under 25 miles per hour and depending on demand, the Escape Hybrid can glide along Flying Dutchman-style on its 94 hp electric motor. Put both power plants online through the Escape's planetary gearset transmission and they make a net 155 hp, enough to spirit the car to 60 mph in less than 10 seconds with a minor symphony of hums, warbles and burrs."         

Source: Wikipedia.org

LA Auto Show: 2008 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid Unveiling