from the Ford Escape Hybrid FAQ: ---------- Where did Ford's hybrid technology originate? Ford Motor Company designed, developed and validated its own hybrid powertrain system In fact, Ford expects more than 100 patents to be issued covering this unique Ford hybrid system. -------------------- http://www.fordvehicles.com/escapehybrid/f...asp?bhcp=1#faq0 Toyota should be ashamed at stealing all those awards that belong to Ford!
While it's still open to debate, there have been a fair number of substantiated reports that Ford did develop their own hybrid powertrain. There are definitely similarities, but Ford does look like they've done most of it on their own. (As to whether that was a good idea or not...) Take a look at this and this PriusChat thread for more details.
