Sure, Europe is one of the most forward-looking markets in terms of automotive effects on the environment. It’s also one of the most affluent sectors of the car market. But Ford doesn’t think Europeans will care enough about the benefits of hybrids to justify the extra costs.
The price differential in bringing a hybrid petrol/electric Escape to market in Europe is about €1,940 (US$2,500) - which according to Ford is more than the European market will bear. It seems Europeans are interested in greener cars, but not at a higher price - they want ‘cost-neutral’ solutions.
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