DETROIT, January 9, 2001 - Ford Motor Company's next-generation Explorer will achieve break-through levels of fuel economy and offer more high-tech comfort and convenience features by utilizing a new high voltage electrical system and a technology that automatically shuts the engine off when the vehicle is stopped.

Known in the industry as an integrated starter-generator or ISG, this start-stop engine technology will debut in the Ford Explorer soon after the Escape hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in 2003. But unlike the Escape HEV - a full hybrid that uses an electric motor for propulsion and a 4-cylinder gasoline engine - the ISG 42-volt Explorer will rely on an efficient 6-cylinder gasoline engine with electric assist. The integrated starter-generator, as its name applies, replaces both the conventional starter and alternator and integrates starting and generating in a single electric machine.

The integrated starter-generator will allow the engine to automatically shut off when the Explorer is stopped, such as at a traffic signal, and then immediately start again when the need for power is anticipated. The transition from stop to start will be completely transparent to the driver. This start-stop feature will help the Explorer achieve fuel economy numbers unheard of in a vehicle that provides the room, off-road toughness and power that America's best-selling SUV delivers.

This start-stop feature debuted in Ford Motor Company's P2000 HEV concept car and makes its first production application debut on the Escape HEV, a concept of which was shown last week at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Escape HEV will deliver about 40 miles per gallon in urban driving, yet deliver acceleration performance similar to an Escape equipped with a V-6 engine.

"The fuel-efficient technology in the future Explorer will continue our commitment to our customers and to society to develop the most capable and advanced SUVs on the planet," said Gurminder Bedi, vice president - Ford Truck. "The fuel economy gains we will achieve with this technology will set new standards for SUVs without sacrificing the capabilities customers expect."

Coupled with this ISG system on the Explorer will be a regenerative braking system and a more powerful electrical system that delivers 42 volts rather than the current 12 volts. The regenerative braking system captures energy generated from the braking system to help recharge the vehicle's 42-volt battery, which in turn provides the engine with a slight acceleration boost at startup. A smaller 12-volt battery, roughly the size of a motorcycle battery, will be used to operate standby items such as emergency flashers and radio.