Mary Ann Wright has been the director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrid vehicle programs for Ford Motor Co. since April, 2004.

She is responsible for all present and future hybrid, fuel cell and alternative fuel technology development at the company and is chief engineer of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid.

Wright began her career at Ford in 1988, launched the original Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest and was launch manager for the 2000-01 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. She also served as plant vehicle team engineering manager for the Taurus and Sable at the Atlanta and Chicago assembly plants.

In 2000, she joined Lincoln as chief engineer for luxury sedans and worked on several future Lincoln vehicle programs.

Wright holds a bachelor's degree in economics and international business and a master of science in engineering from the University of Michigan, and a master of business administration from Wayne State University in Michigan.

Vaughan: Once again, Ford's car and truck lineup is last among the top six auto makers in average fuel economy according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Is the introduction of the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid just an attempt to play catch-up on the environmental reputation or can a real business case be made?

Wright: The Escape Hybrid is the first of several hybrid vehicles we will bring to market. The Escape Hybrid delivers 50-per-cent better fuel economy overall versus its sister vehicle, the gasoline-powered Escape.

But great fuel economy is only half the story. The rest is the Escape Hybrid also delivers near-zero emissions. It qualifies for the very stringent Advanced Technology PZEV standard [AT-PZEV]. We are delivering the world's first full hybrid sport-utility vehicle; fantastic fuel economy, near-zero emissions and great function and passenger accommodation.

Vaughan: Can you justify the added cost of the hybrid through fuel savings or do you have to ask the consumer to pay more for the "feel-good factor" of doing something for the environment?

Wright: Different consumers buy hybrids for different reasons, which include increased fuel economy and the fact that they're doing something good for the environment. Customers can expect varying levels of fuel economy improvements and fuel costs, depending on their individual driving habits and conditions.

Vaughan: Personally, I'm not convinced of the wisdom of dragging around an extremely complicated vehicle with two power systems, a noisy continuously variable transmission and some very heavy lead batteries under the back seat. I prefer high-mileage modern diesels. Am I wrong?

Wright: The Escape Hybrid is very technically advanced and works every bit as well as expected. It has been proven out to ensure useful life reliability and meets all of our durability standards. That "noisy cut" is really the power train system optimizing fuel economy and emissions. The battery is located behind the seats and serves as a load floor in order not to compromise cargo space. Diesels don't deliver the fuel economy or AT-PZEV emissions that hybrids do.

Vaughan: Should we view the hybrids as a temporary, intermediate step to bridge the gap until we have zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell cars? If so, how long are they going to be around?

Wright: The industry is working toward a hydrogen economy, but that reality is 20 years or more away. Hybrids provide a great solution today to provide increased fuel economy and reduced emissions in a cost-effective way with current fuel sources.

Vaughan: You are known as a dedicated environmentalist, yet you were chief engineer for gigantic Lincoln luxury sedans. Is being chief engineer of Ford's first hybrid a more personally satisfying job?

Wright: During my career at Ford, I've had the opportunity to launch many great vehicles. However, being chief engineer of the Ford Escape Hybrid has, without a doubt, been one of the most fulfilling jobs I have ever had. As an avid environmentalist, recycler and vegan, the Escape Hybrid truly fits my lifestyle.

Michael Vaughan is the co-host with Jeremy Cato of Car/Business, Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. on Toronto One.

Michael Vaughan Live is on at 8 p.m. Monday to Friday on Report on Business Television.