During last year’s election season there was a lot of controversy surrounding the type of vehicles the presidential candidates drove. At that time, Kelly Blue Book released a study showing that Barack Obama supporters drove hybrid and compact vehicles while John McCain supporters drove SUVs and pickups. We also learned that the McCain family owned 13 vehicles consisting of SUVs and pickups while the Obama family owned one Ford Escape hybrid.

Well, McCain is now out to change that image and is telling the whole world about it via Twitter. Senator John McCain just updated his twitter with his status reading: “Getting my new car today @ 12:15 pm – excited about my Ford Fusion Hybrid!”

Congrats to McCain – hope you enjoy your 2010 Fusion Hybrid.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

- By: Omar Rana

A study conducted by The Patent Board found that FoMoCo outperformed all other automakers in the quality and significance of its technology patents.

“Ford’s patented technologies are closer to the cutting edge than its competitors,” says Christine Wren, director of business development for The Patent Board.

The 2010 Ford Fusion and the Fusion Hybrid set new standards for technology innovation with 119 U.S. patents and patent applications.

“Ford is using technology to remake our lineup with the green, high-tech vehicles customers want,” says Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The Fusion Hybrid team set the bar high – to develop America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan – and that’s what they delivered.”

Follow the jump for the list of specific fusion and fusion hybrid patents.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

Specific Fusion and Fusion Hybrid patents include:

· Hybrid technology – The Fusion Hybrid’s powertrain system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The overall system upgrade allows the hybrid to operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. The city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.

· SmartGauge with EcoGuide – This unique instrument cluster helps coach Fusion Hybrid drivers on how to optimize performance of their vehicle for maximum fuel efficiency. It features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant mpg report.

· Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^TM) with Cross Traffic Alert – Ford’s new Cross Traffic Alert feature will help warn drivers of impending traffic while backing out by using radars to pick up moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. Two warnings are given: an indicator lights up in the corresponding outside mirror and an audible alert is sounded. The feature works in conjunction with Ford’s radar-based Blind Spot Information System, utilizing this system’s two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels – one per side. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding sideview mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching.

· EasyFuel^TM Capless Fuel-Filler System – This industry-exclusive feature eliminates the need to touch dirty gas caps and helps to reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and global warming. When fueling is completed and the fuel pump nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.

Patenting is a global activity at Ford, with experts in the United States, Europe, India and China sharing common processes and reporting through Ford Global Technologies, LLC, a wholly owned Ford subsidiary responsible for managing Ford’s intellectual property worldwide.

- By: Kap Shah

As GM’s Fritz Henderson and Chrysler’s Bob Nardelli face their career’s toughest week, Ford CEO Alan Mulally is out and about making vehicle deliveries. That’s right, FoMoCo CEO Alan Mulally headed over to Seattle today to deliver the 1 millionth vehicle, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, equipped with Ford Sync to Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer.

“We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value,” Mulally said. “The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers’ lifestyles.”

Ballmer purchased his 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which the whole world (thanks to Ford’s aggressive advertising) knows by now gets a certified 41/36 mpg (city/highway), with the Ford/Microsoft Sync system that now offers 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports.

“More than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with the system,” Ford said in a statement.

Alan Mulally delivers Microsoft CEO’s 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

- By: Omar Rana

FoMoCo has confirmed that an email being circulated offering 500 units of the 2010 Ford Fusion for $15,000 is a hoax. Ford said that the sales manager listed in the email is not a company employee.

Ford did how ever take the opportunity to pass along some info that is true:

- The all-new 2010 Fusion Hybrid is America’s most fuel efficient mid-size car with a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- This tops the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
- The real MSRP for a 2010 Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,270.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

- By: Kap Shah

Sales of the Ford Fusion Hybrid helped FoMoCo grab a big slice of the U.S. market even as its sales dropped 32 percent. According to the Wall Street Journal Ford outsold rival Toyota for the first time in at least a year. Toyota’s sales fell 42 percent.

Domestic rival General Motors reported a sales drop of 34 percent in April, a decline that was better than analysts expected. Chrysler reported a 48 percent decline selling a total of 76,682 units.

Ford ended up selling 133,979 light-vehicles in April. Sales were up from the March to April period by a total of 2,878 units.

Ford said it sold a record number of Fusions with a total of 18,321 units sold.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: MSNBC

This past weekend, a team of drivers attempted to travel more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas in the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid. Ford announced today that the drivers managed to get a whopping 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank during a drive from Mount Vernon, Va to Washington, D.C., averaging 81.5 mpg.

The event raised a total of more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The $27,270 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine making 155-hp with a peak torque of 136 lb-ft mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. According to the EPA, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid gets a certified 41/36 mpg (city/highway).

Follow the jump for the high-res gallery from the event.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid 1,000 Mile Challenge:

Press Release:

FUSION HYBRID AVERAGES 81.5 MPG, SETS WORLD RECORD WITH 1,445 MILES ON SINGLE TANK OF GAS

* Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques achieve 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid – averaging 81.5 mpg in Washington, D.C. – and set world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan
* The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge proves that fuel-efficient driving techniques can nearly double a vehicle’s EPA-rated fuel economy
* The demonstration of the Fusion Hybrid’s ultra high-mileage potential also raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2009 – Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red lights were able to get an extraordinary 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank of gas during a fund-raising effort in Washington, D.C. that concluded today. They did it by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in an off-the-showroom floor, non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsize car in North America – nearly doubling its U.S. certified mileage.

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ended this morning at 5:37 a.m. on George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C. After more than 69 continuous hours of driving, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a stop with an odometer reading of 1,445.7 miles – setting a world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company engineers, raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. The Fusion Hybrid’s official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

“Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid’s fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs. “The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile.”

Maximizing mileage
A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy, but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 47 mph.

CleanMPG.com founder Wayne Gerdes, an engineer from Illinois who coined the term “hypermiling” to describe the mileage-maximizing techniques, provided the pointers. They include:

* Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
* Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
* Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
* Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
* Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
* Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
* Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
* Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
* Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

“You become very aware of your driving because you’re constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too,” said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery system’s state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting, and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving experience with Ford’s SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

The Challenge
The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days and nights. The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly,” Gerdes said. “When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There’s not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team’s success in D.C.

“It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special,” said Edwards, whose ‘99′ team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. “There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”

- By: Kap Shah

Over the weekend, a team of drivers including NASCAR star Carl Edwards and world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, will attempt to travel more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The event will raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The event will start at 8:00 am on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va and will end on Monday morning, April 27, in Washington, D.C. The team will be driving for more than 43 hours continuously to reach the 1,000 mile goal. Drivers will need to average at least 57 mpg to achieve the goal.

Ford said that during preliminary testing for the challenge, engineers achieved as much as 70 mpg in the 2010 Fusion Hybrid using Eco-Driving techniques.

Click through for the press release.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

Press Release:

FORD TEAM AIMS TO DRIVE 2010 FUSION HYBRID 1,000 MILES ON A SINGLE TANK OF GAS

* The Ford Fusion Hybrid team will attempt to drive more than 1,000 miles – for more than 43 continuous hours – on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process
* The most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America – the Fusion Hybrid – driven by a team of Ford hybrid engineers, a fuel efficiency expert and a NASCAR star, will have to achieve an average of at least 57 mpg on the challenge to reach its goal
* By using Eco-Driving techniques engineers have achieved 70 mpg during testing of the Ford Fusion Hybrid in preparation for the challenge
* Consumers can improve their own vehicle’s fuel economy performance is by adopting Ford’s “Eco-Driving” tips used for the 1,000-Mile Challenge

DEARBORN, Mich., April 21, 2009 – This weekend, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is being put to the ultimate fuel-efficiency test. A team of drivers, including NASCAR star Carl Edwards and world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, will attempt to drive more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process.

The 1,000-Mile Challenge starts at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ends the morning of Monday, April 27, in Washington, D.C. The team will drive for more than 43 hours continuously to reach the 1,000-mile goal. The drivers will do stints of between two and three hours each and will have regular breaks to ensure safe driving is maintained. Already rated as the most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America, the Fusion Hybrid will need to average at least 57 mpg to achieve its goal. During preliminary testing in preparation for this challenge, Ford engineers have reached as much as 70 mpg in the Fusion Hybrid by using Eco-Driving techniques.

The team will run clinics for media and customers over the weekend in the Fusion Hybrid, conducting interviews and vehicle demonstrations on how simple techniques can make a significant difference to real world fuel economy numbers.

The Fusion Hybrid being used in the challenge will be a factory produced model with no modifications or alterations and will run on regular 87 octane gas.

The team will be uploading regular images and video to YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, and www.media.ford.com.

Ford is taking on the 1,000-Mile Challenge for a number of reasons:

* To demonstrate Ford’s commitment to be the best or amongst the best in fuel economy in every vehicle segment in which it competes;
* To highlight the crucial role the driver plays in maximizing fuel economy and demonstrate how consumers can make a difference through Eco-Driving;
* To raise awareness about Eco-Driving and how the Fusion Hybrid contributes to it with the ability to run up to 47 mph in pure electric mode; and
* To raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

The 1,000-Mile Challenge team comprises of:

* Wayne Gerdes, the world-record breaking hypermiling champion and founder of www.cleanmpg.com;
* Carl Edwards, the NASCAR race star who recently bought his own 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid;
* Sherif Marakby, graduate of Maryland University and Ford hybrid chief engineer;
* Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager and Ford Fusion Hybrid team leader;
* Tom Rolewicz, one of Ford’s top calibration experts and hybrid system expert; and
* Steve Burke, Ford product expert on hybrid applications

The mileage-maximizing techniques that the Ford team will use and pass on to consumers include:

* Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
* Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
* Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions;
* Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear;
* Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine;
* Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
* Applying the “Pulse and Glide” technique while maintaining the flow of traffic;
* Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle’s kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and
* Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

- By: Omar Rana

Adding to their already impressive resume the 2010 Ford Fusion and 2010 Mercury Milan (and their hybrid versions) have all been given a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Both FoMoCo models deliver segment-exclusive safety and driver-aid technologies including SYNC with 911 Assist, Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Alert. To qualify for IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick” a vehicle must earn a rating of “good” in frontal, side and rear crash test simulations. It must also come with electronic stability control as standard.

The 2010 Ford Fusion and the 2010 Mercury Milan start at $19,995 and $21,905 respectively. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid will start at $27,995 and $31,300 respectively.

2010 Ford Fusion:

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

Press Release:

2010 FUSION HYBRID EARNS ‘TOP SAFETY PICK’, GIVES FORD HYBRIDS BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND SAFETY COMBO

- The 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and their hybrid versions received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick” rating

- Ford hybrids offer the best combination of safety and fuel economy as Fusion and Milan hybrids join the Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids as the only vehicles in their segments with leading fuel economy, “Top Safety Pick” awards and exclusive safety technologies

- The Fusion and Milan deliver segment-exclusive safety and driver-aid technologies, such as SYNCTM with 911 Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)

DEARBORN, Mich., March 27, 2009 – The all-new 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid – the most fuel efficient midsize cars in North America – has received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Ford is the only automotive brand to offer two hybrids that have segment-leading fuel efficiency, “Top Safety Pick” awards and exclusive safety technologies. The Fusion Hybrid offers 41 mpg city while the Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market and also garnered a “Top Safety Pick.”

“Customers no longer have to choose between fuel economy and safety – now they can have both with the Fusion and Escape hybrids,” said Susan Cischke, group vice president, Ford Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

The new Fusion Hybrid’s class-leading fuel economy bests the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city. It also features Ford’s innovative SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, which coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

In addition, the new Fusion and Milan offer three fuel-sipping gas engine options, including the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. The 3.5-liter V-6 powers the all-new Fusion Sport model.

Side impact protection

Fusion and Milan get some of their core strength from the use of lightweight high-strength steel in the body structure. The structure of the Fusion helps it withstand intrusion in a side impact. The tailor-welded B-pillars between the front and rear doorframes are stronger at the top of the vehicle –from below the beltline upward – than at the bottom. This helps to channel energy below the level of the occupants. At the torso level and above, the structure helps to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.

“The new Fusion and Milan continue to build on Ford’s leading safety heritage and prove yet again that a high level of safety can come in a midsize package,” said Steve Kozak, chief engineer, Ford Safety Systems.

Fusion’s side-protection elements include:

- Two energy absorbing foam blocks between the inner door panels and interior trim, aligned with the occupants’ chest and hip

- Side-intrusion beams inside the door, anchored at the hinge and latch areas

- Tailor-welded steel in the B-pillar structure with extra thickness—nearly a quarter inch of solid steel—above the beltline

- Seat-deployed thorax air bags for front occupants and side-curtain air bags for head protection in both rows

Segment-exclusive features

Among the segment-exclusive safety and driver aid technologies on the new Fusion and Milan are Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) and 911 Assist.

BLIS with CTA uses two multiple-beam radars in the rear quarter panels (one per side) for two different – but important – purposes. BLIS checks the defined blind spot zone, which is about 10 feet from the back of the bumper to the outside mirrors. When a vehicle is detected, an amber light in the outside mirror of whichever side the vehicle is on lights up. The driver is still responsible for any lane changes, but the BLIS is there to help.

Cross Traffic Alert notifies the driver of impending traffic when backing out of a parking spot and warns the driver when a vehicle is detected within three car widths of either side of the car. As with BLIS, the driver is warned with a light in the outside mirror on the side of the traffic. A warning beep is also sounded.

For safety and security, the 2010 Fusion and Milan include 911 Assist, a new feature integrated into the award-winning Ford SYNCTM hands-free system. 911 Assist is designed to aid occupants in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator if an accident that activates an air bag or the emergency fuel cutoff occurs. Unlike competitive systems that are routed through an intermediate call center, 911 Assist places the call directly to the 911 operator to speed response time. Ford Escape also features SYNC with 911 Assist.

A recent Ford study shows that SYNC’s hands-free operation significantly reduces the level of distraction when drivers select a phone number or choose a song on their MP3 player compared with the same operations with hand-held cell phones and music players.

“We know people want to stay connected in their vehicles, so we’re delivering that connectivity for them responsibly and safely,” Cischke said. “Our research backs up what most of us instinctively know – that it’s better while driving to place a call using a voice interface than dialing manually, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

About IIHS’s Top Safety Picks

To receive IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick,” vehicles must earn the top “good” ratings in the Institute’s offset frontal and side crash tests, and a rear crash test simulation that evaluates seat and head restraints. An added requirement since 2007 is that vehicles also must offer electronic stability control. Ford Motor Company has more IIHS “Top Safety Picks” than any other automaker.

Both Fusion and Milan offer AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control as standard equipment. The safety system uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When AdvanceTrac® senses wheel slip, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied where needed to help the driver keep the car tracking on its intended path.

Safety and Security

Fusion and Milan’s standard safety features also include:

Six Standard Air Bags and Ford’s Personal Safety System®: Safety features include six air bags (dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags, chest side air bags for front-seat occupants and side-impact air curtains), safety belt pretensioners, seat weight-sensing system for the passenger seat and crash-severity sensing.

BeltMinder®: BeltMinder is a Ford technology that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming. If the driver remains unbuckled, the system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first.

LATCH: The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren system provides convenient mounting points for compatible child seats.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System: This system warns a driver if one or more tires are significantly underinflated. An active pressure sensor with a radio transmitter is mounted inside each tire. A receiver in the vehicle monitors each transmitter, and if tire pressure is not within specific limits, it will activate a visual warning light.

Ford has announced the pricing on its 2010 Ford Fusion and 2010 Mercury Milan mid-size sedans. Both cars go on sale later this spring.

The 2010 Ford Fusion and the 2010 Mercury Milan start at $19,995 and $21,905 respectively - including delivery and destination. The 2010 Fusion is available in SE and SEL trim levels with prices starting at $20,545 and $23,975 respectively. Those looking for more power can opt for the Fusion Sport equipped with a 263-hp 3.5L V6 with prices starting at $25,825 for the FWD model and $27,675 for the AWD model. The V6 2010 Milan starts at $27,800.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid will start at $27,995 and $31,300 respectively. Customers who by the hybrid models by March 31 will qualify for a $3,400 tax credit. After that and until Sept. 30, 2009 customers will get a tax credit of $1,700. From Oct. 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 those who buy the two hybrids will be eligible for a $850 tax credit.

Follow the jump for the press release and the high-res image galleries.

2010 Ford Fusion:

2010 Mercury Milan:

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid:

Press Release:

2010 FORD FUSION: AMERICA’S MOST FUEL EFFICIENT MID-SIZE SEDAN OFFERS BEST VALUE, STARTS UNDER $20,000

- Base price of $19,995, including delivery and destination (D&D), offers best-in-class fuel economy of 34 mpg highway for new 2.5-liter I-4 engine, bold styling and smart technologies
- Hybrid model starts at $27,995, including D&D, offers best-in-class fuel economy of 41 mpg city, 36 highway, besting Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg city, 2 mpg highway
- 2010 Mercury Milan starts at $21,905; Milan Hybrid starts at $31,300, including D&D
- Fusion and Milan Hybrid models qualify for the highest available federal tax credit of $3,400

DEARBORN, Mich., March 2, 2009 – The new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, America’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans, offer the best value in their segment with starting prices of $19,995 and $21,905, including delivery and destination, respectively.

The gas engine-powered and hybrid-electric models leapfrog the competition in every area that counts:  fuel economy, power, technology and overall value.

“We’ve priced Fusion to beat the competition as is does in every area that matters most to customers,” said Chantel Lenard, Ford group marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars. “This vehicle does more than compete; it aggressively positions Ford to take back its share of the mid-size car segment and sets the tone for the upcoming Taurus and Fiesta launches.”

Dollars and Sense
The front-wheel-drive Fusion S, with a new fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine, has a base price (including $725 destination and delivery) of $19,995; the SE trim level is $20,545; the SEL is $23,975.  An optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine also is available on SE and SEL models.

Performance-minded buyers can opt for the Fusion Sport equipped with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 263 horsepower and 249 ft.-lb. of torque.  Fusion Sport FWD starts at $25,825; AWD at $27,675.

The Mercury Milan ranges from $21,180 (including destination and delivery) for the FWD model with the I-4 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, to $27,800 for the well-equipped Milan Premier AWD model with a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

Fusion and Milan’s value is further bolstered by stronger residual values.  According to Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG), a California-based consulting and data-gathering firm, the base 2010 Fusion is projected to retain 50 percent of its original value at the end of a conventional three-year lease term.  That’s a six-point increase overall since the Fusion launched for the 2006 model year.

More Value:  Tax Credits for Hybrids
Fusion and Milan deliver class-leading fuel economy of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.  Fusion Hybrid has a base price of $27,995 (including destination and delivery), which is less than a $3,300 price differential for a similarly equipped Fusion gas-engine powered I-4 SEL model.  Meanwhile, the well-equipped Milan Hybrid is priced at $31,300.

For added savings, customers who purchase a new Fusion or Milan Hybrid by March 31, 2009, may qualify for a $3,400 tax credit on their 2009 federal income tax return.  This is the highest hybrid credit available.  Between April 1, 2009, and Sept. 30, 2009, customers who purchase a 2010 Fusion or Milan Hybrid are eligible for a partial credit of $1,700.  Between Oct. 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, an $850 credit applies. 

Meanwhile, competing hybrid sedans from Toyota and Honda no longer are eligible for tax credits.
Initial demand for the Fusion and Milan Hybrid is strong with nearly 80 percent of early retail orders being hybrids.

Steeped in Quality
Fusion and Milan have unsurpassed quality, ranking better than Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima for initial quality, according to Global Quality Research System (GQRS) survey data from 2008.

In early drive reviews, consumer publications have begun touting the 2010 Fusion and Milan Hybrid models as the new industry benchmark:  “Fusion is without equal among hybrids,” wrote USA Today, Feb. 5, 2009.

It’s not every day that you go out and make a hard decision of dropping a couple of thousand dollars on a vehicle and come home and have a personal voicemail from the CEO of the automaker thanking you for your purchase. Well, that’s exactly what happened to a Grand Rapids lawyer who received a personal phone call from FoMoCo CEO Alan Mulally after purchasing the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid over the Toyota Prius.

Michael Snapper says that CEO Mulally left him a voicemail that began: “Hi Mike, it’s Alan Mulally from Ford,” after which he offered congratulations and thanks. Snapper said that Mulally’s call shows his new attitude and commitment to turn Ford around.

Guess this clears up Toyota’s problem with Ford comparing the Fusion Hybrid to the Camry Hybrid.

Snapper along with other buyers will get their 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid this spring.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

Source: Detroit News

FoMoCo announced today that its 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and its 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid are available of a $3,400 tax credit from the federal government. The tax credit is the highest credit amount ever offered for hybrids purchased after Dec. 31, 2005.

Power for both FoMoCo models comes from a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that makes 155-hp with maximum torque of 136 lb-ft. Both average an EPA certified fuel-economy of 41/36 mpg (city/highway) and are able to travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

Note: If you want the full tax credit amounts on the Fusion and Milan Hybrids you better act quit. After March 31, 2009, customers who purchase a hybrid vehicle will only be able to claim a partial tax credit as described in the table posted after the jump.

The tax credit amounts available for 2009 and 2010 model year hybrid vehicles are as follows:

Tax Credit Amount

Tax Credit Update
Customers who purchase a Ford or Mercury brand hybrid by March 31, 2009 will remain eligible for the full tax credit amounts.  Beginning April 1, 2009 customers who purchase a hybrid will only be able to claim a partial tax credit as described in the table above.

Since Ford Motor Company reached the 60,000 vehicle threshold in the 4th quarter of 2008, the tax credit amounts are reduced by 50 percent beginning in the second quarter of 2009 and by an additional 25 percent beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009.  No tax credit amount is available for hybrids after March 31, 2010.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid:

So FoMoCo is pretty proud of its 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid – and they definitely should be with an EPA fuel-economy rating of 41/36 mpg (city/highway). Ford says that the 2010 Fusion Hybrid is America’s most fuel-efficient mid-sized car beating out the Toyota Camry. Well, Toyota disagrees.

Writing over at Toyota’s Open Road Blog, editor Jon F. Thompson says that Toyota disagrees with the definition of a midsize car.

“The folks at Ford are pleased that their Fusion hybrid, rated at 41 mpg/city, has better EPA fuel economy estimates than our Camry Hybrid, which is EPA-rated at 33 mpg/city. We point out that while that’s true, the Camry is bigger than the Fusion,” writes Thompson.

Thompson says that a more appropriate comparison would be the 2010 Toyota Prius which is also classified as a midsize car with a fuel-economy rating of 50 mpg.

Nonetheless, Thompson points out that the mpg wars are good for everyone.

“When mpg numbers are generally on the rise and when other manufacturers compete with us on the basis of fuel-efficiency, their efficiency apple against ours, that’s the kind of comparison that we like. No matter which vehicle is incrementally better than another, it’s a comparison that’s good for everyone.”

Your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.

2010 Ford Fuison Hybrid:

2010 Toyota Prius:

Source: Toyota Open Road Blog

After announcing the amazing fuel-economy on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which tops the Camry Hybrid by 8/2 mpg (city/highway), Ford announced today that the base 2010 Ford Fusion is now America’s most fuel-efficient sedan – again topping rivals Camry and Honda’s Accord.

The EPA has released official rating of the 4-cylinder 2010 Ford Fusion S at 34 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. The Fusion and the base-level Mercury Milan are both powered by a 175-hp 2.5L Duratec 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2010 Ford Fusion is also available with a 240-hp 3.0L V6.

Pricing for the 2010 Ford Fusion S with a 6-speed automatic starts at $20,870. The 3.0L V6 model starts at $23,760. The base price for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,270.

2010 Ford Fusion:

EPA has released official fuel-economy ratings for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. According to the EPA, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid gets a certified 41/36 mpg (city/highway), making it America’s most fuel efficient mid-size car topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. The Fusion Hybrid even beats the Honda Civic Hybrid by 1 mpg in the city and is able to travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

Ford engineers spent the past three years working on the next-generation hybrid system which allows the Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids to travel up to 47 mph on pure electric mode, faster than any other hybrid currently on the road.

Power comes from a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that makes 155-hp with maximum torque of 136 lb-ft which is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The engine is coupled to a new smaller and lighter nickel-metal hydride hybrid system which produces 20 percent more power than Ford’s previous hybrid systems.

Of course you also have the new SmartGauge Teaches Eco-Driving that teaches you how to get the most “greenness” out of your Fusion or Milan Hybrid. Pricing for 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,270.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

We haven’t even packed our bags here in LA and Ford has just released the pricing on the five 2010 Ford Fusion models ready takeover dealerships in spring 2009. There is no official press release on the pricing details but the info has been posted of the 2010 Ford Fusion minisite.

The 2010 Ford Fusion will be available with three different engine options including an entry level 2.5L 4-cylinder making 175-hp, a 3.0L V6 making 240-hp and the range-topping 3.5L V6 producing 263-hp. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will carry the entry-level 175-hp mated to a two-motor hybrid system. Ford also says that the Fusion Hybrid will return 39 mpg in city driving.

• 2010 Ford Fusion S: $19,270.
• 2010 Ford Fusion SE: $20,545.
• 2010 Ford Fusion SEL: $23,975.
• 2010 Ford Fusion Sport: $25,825.
• 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: $27,270.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Ford Fusion:

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

• •  Both hybrid models beat the Toyota Camry Hybrid by at least 6 mpg in the city.
• •  2.5L 4-cylinder making 175-hp and a peak torque of 136 lb-ft.
• •  Both are capable operating up to 47-mph on pure-electric power.
• •  700 mile on one tank of gasoline.

Ford is not shy at all to call out the Toyota Camry Hybrid as its main rival for its two new mid-size sedans unveiled here at the 2008 LA Auto Show. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid are powered by a two-motor hybrid system developed by Delphi Corp. and Ford’s new 175-hp, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Ford has put in quite in effort to differentiate the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid from its gas-powered siblings including a its signature “road and leaf” badging on both sides and the rear of the vehicle, 17-inch eight-spoke wheels, seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials; and a standard 110-volt power outlet.

The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid and the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid will arrive in showrooms in the first quarter of 2009. Stand by for pricing info.

Follow the jump for high-res photos from the 2008 LA Auto Show.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid/2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid – Live from 2008 LA Auto Show:

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid:

So now that we’ve handed you all the details about the 2010 Ford Fusion and the 2010 Mercury Milan, it’s finally time to discuss the hybrid variants of both new models. For 2010 Ford comes out strong saying that both hybrid models beat the Toyota Camry Hybrid by at least 6 mpg in the city while offering new technological features like SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide that helps drivers maximize fuel efficiency.

Power comes from a new 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that makes 155-hp with a maximum torque of 136 lb-ft mated to an e-CVT (electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission). Ford says that the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and the 2010 Milan Hybrid are both capable of operating up to 47 mph in pure-electric power – that’s twice as fast as its competitors. City driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.

The new SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two high-resolution full-color LCD screens on both sides of the analog speedometer and can be configured to show different levels of information including battery power, average and instant miles-per-gallon.

Drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives:

• Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
• Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
• Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
• Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid will both arrive in showrooms shortly after their gasoline versions.

Follow the jump for the high-res image galleries.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid:

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport will be the official pace cars of the Ford 400, the NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale and the final race of the Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead Miami Speedway on Sunday.

The Ford Fusion hybrid will be the first hybrid vehicle ever to lead the green flag at the NASCAR Sprint Cup event. After that, the 263-hp Fusion Sport will be the pace car for the remainder of the Ford 400.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is capable of traveling 47 mph on electric power alone and allows for more than 700 miles of city driving on a single tank. FoMoCo says that the 2010 Fusion Hybrid will achieve class-leading fuel-economy and will beat the Toyota Camry Hybrid by at least 5 mpg in city driving.

The 2010 Ford Fusion will be unveiled next week at the 2008 LA Auto Show.

2010 Ford Fusion: