Media days at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, which began Jan. 4 and continued on Jan. 5, featured several new-vehicle introductions. Here is some news that took place on Jan. 4: Ford Motor Co. introduced the Escape HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) concept vehicle. Ford says it is the first automaker to announce production plans for a hybrid electric-powered sport/utility vehicle. It has a range of 500 miles per tank. Ford also unveiled the 2001 Mustang Bullitt, which has a 4.6L, V-8 engine with 270 horsepower. The Bullitt will go into production in 60 days. Jim O’Connor, president of Ford division, spoke and said the Focus FCV fuel cell vehicle will be production vehicle, but did not give a production date. He said Ford received 100,000 orders for the Escape. Ford also announced it will build a Crown Victoria five-passenger sport-appearance package for the 2001-model year. Pontiac unveiled the Vibe, an entry market vehicle that blends SUV with passenger car. It is available with all-wheel drive. Ron Zarrella, president of GM’s North American Operations, spoke at the event and said GM would introduce seven vehicles for the entry market. Dodge unveiled the PowerBox concept vehicle, a CNG-electric hybrid SUV. The vehicle has more space than the Durango, room for seven, and a “Combo Gate” liftgate. Dodge says it will un-veil three more concept cars this week in Detroit. Acura unveiled an enhanced version of the 3.2 TL and a new, 260-horsepower Type-S model. The 2002 Isuzu Axiom, a 3.5L, V-6 sport/utility vehicle, made its world premiere. Gary Tucker, vice president of marketing and product planning for Isuzu, said the Axiom will hit showrooms in April and said Isuzu today in Detroit will unveil a new concept, the Isuzu GBX, which stands for “gearbox.” Daewoo introduced a 2002 “multi-purpose vehicle,” with the code name of U100 because Daewoo has not picked a name for the U.S. model. It has a 2.0L, 129-horsepower engine. Daewoo also introduced the all-new Leganza, which has a brand-new 2.5L engine. Daewoo also said it has no current plans at this time to bring the Korando SUV into the United States.