2010 Ford Fusion

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said today that it has opened a formal investigation on the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans for a possible pedal entrapment due to floor mats.

The NHTSA warned owners that gas pedals could become stuck if all-weather floor mats are stacked on top of the cars’ standard mats.

“Any Ford ‘All Weather’ optional floor mat should be placed in the driver’s side foot well only after first unfastening and removing the standard, carpeted floor mat,” the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said in a statement. “This is the only way to ensure that the ‘All Weather’ optional floor mat is physically secured to the floor.”

NHTSA said it has received three complaints of gas pedals getting stuck in the two FoMoCo sedans.

“We do not recommend stacking floor mats in any vehicle from any automaker,” said Ford Motor Co. spokesman Said Deep. “We will cooperate fully with NHTSA, as we always do.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CNNMoney

FoMoCo announced today that it will ask those who own a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and a Mercury Milan Hybrid to bring their cars into dealers to replace software that works in conjunction with the braking system. Ford said that while both models maintain full braking ability, drivers may occasionally experience a strange feeling in the brakes under certain situations (sounds very familiar).

Brakes in hybrids like the Fusion Hybrid work a little differently from brakes in most cars. Along with standard brakes, which use friction from pads, the electric-motor in hybrids also helps slow down the vehicle. The process helps generate electricity to recharge the batteries.

Ford said that in a few cases the Fusion and Milan Hybrid may bypass the initial “regenerative braking” phase. If that happens, the driver may feel the brake pedal go down farther than usual.

“While the vehicles maintain full braking capability, customers may initially perceive the condition as loss of brakes,” Ford said in a statement.

No injuries related to the issue have been reported, Ford said.

Check out our review of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid here.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CNNMoney

FoMoCo announced today that according to a recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Blue Oval brand records the largest increase in fuel-economy gains and CO2 emission reductions over the past 5 years.

Ford says that it credits the gains in fuel-economy to the introduction of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids along with a range of incremental aerodynamic, mechanical, energy management and weight-saving improvements across its lineup. The automaker expects further gains with the introduction of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid and its range of EcoBoost engines.

Joining it’s ‘green’ lineup next year will be the 2011 Ford Fiesta and the redesigned 2011 Ford Focus. Also in the works is a battery-electric version of the Transit Connect due out next year, an electric Focus due in 2011, a next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012 and a plug-in hybrid by 2012.

Ford said it expects to deliver 30 new powertrains over next two years to increase fuel efficiency.

Hit the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

FORD LEADS THE INDUSTRY ON FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT, DRIVEN BY POWERTRAIN ADVANCEMENTS

- Ford Motor Company records the largest increase in fuel economy gains and CO2 emission reductions over the past five years, according to Environmental Protection Agency
- Incremental engineering solutions ““ ranging from aerodynamic enhancements and weight reduction to energy management and mechanical improvements ““ have significantly contributed to Ford”s fuel economy gains
- EcoBoost, the cornerstone of Ford”s sustainability strategy, debuted in 2009 with a strong take rate; 2010 marks introduction of four-cylinder EcoBoost
- Ford to deliver 30 new powertrains over next two years to increase fuel efficiency
- Ford brings battery system design and development in house as part of core competency to meet aggressive electrification strategy; on target to deliver new electrified products to market

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 17, 2009 ““ The Blue Oval is on a “˜green” streak.

Ford Motor Company has improved in fuel economy more than any other major automaker since 2004, according to a recent report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA rated Ford”s combined car and truck fuel economy improvement at nearly 20 percent, almost double the next closest competitor.

Ford credits its recent gains in fuel economy in part to its introduction of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids and numerous incremental aerodynamic, mechanical, energy management and weight-saving improvements across its vehicle lineup. Going forward, it expects the 2009 introduction of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids and its fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines to further improve its fleet-wide fuel economy.

Dramatic fuel efficiency improvement is evident throughout Ford”s vehicle lineup ““ from cars and crossovers to sport utilities and trucks. Depending on powertrain specifications, the 2010 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Escape Hybrid, Taurus SHO, Flex, F-Series and Transit Connect offer best-in-class or unsurpassed fuel economy. The same can be said of the 2010 Lincoln MKS and MKT and Navigator, Mercury Milan Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid.

Ford expects to see its overall fuel economy continue to rise in 2010 with the introduction of the 2011 Ford Fiesta and redesigned 2011 Ford Focus ““ both high-mileage small cars.

“2009 has been a breakthrough year for Ford, leading with the launch of EcoBoost and the introduction of new products that will result in further improvement in 2010,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Our commitment to delivering affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles for millions has never been stronger or better demonstrated.”

Not only is the improved fuel efficiency good for customers” wallets, it benefits the environment as well. As a result of the boost, Ford lowered its tailpipe CO2 emissions more than any other automaker with a fleet-wide average of 434 grams per mile ““ 37 grams lower than its 2007 total and 25 grams lower than 2008.

A powerful difference maker
The fuel efficiency of the 2010 Ford Fusion improved 21 percent over the 2009 model, jumping from 28 mpg to 34 mpg in highway driving, and leap-frogging the competition. Powertrain improvements were a big difference maker. Fusion and other new models benefit from the introduction of Ford”s new six-speed transmission, which offers a wider gear span than four-speed transmissions.

The six-speed allowed Ford”s engineers the flexibility to tune the powertrain for greater responsiveness in low gears and better fuel economy in the taller gears. The new double-overdrive gearbox is designed to contribute up to 4 percent fuel economy improvement. Ford has committed that almost 100 percent of its transmissions will be advanced six-speed gearboxes by 2013.

Ford”s EcoBoost breakthrough
This year, Ford introduced its new line of powerful, fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines, available in the Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT. Recently honored with a Popular Mechanics” Breakthrough Award, EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger-displacement engines.

On average, nearly one in five buyers of the Taurus, Flex, Lincoln MKS and MKT have opted for EcoBoost since the engine lineup”s introduction in August. By 2013, Ford will offer EcoBoost engines in 90 percent of its product lineup with annual volume of vehicles with EcoBoost at 1.3 million globally.

“We are committed to delivering new products with the best fuel economy in every segment in which we compete ““ driven in large part by substantial advancements in powertrain technology,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Ford Global Powertrain Engineering. “We are focusing on sustainable technology solutions that can be used not for hundreds or thousands of cars, but for millions of cars, because that is how Ford truly will make a difference.”

It”s all about incremental improvements
The fact that the 2010 Ford Taurus and 2009 Ford F-150 are up to 12 and 17 percent respectively better on fuel economy than their 2004 predecessors isn”t due to one “silver bullet” solution but a host of vehicle enhancements, including aerodynamic refinements, weight efficiency and mechanical improvements.

The progress made by Ford during the past few years reflects an engineering philosophy that every joule of energy gained through incremental improvement is precious. Ford engineers work tirelessly using a systems approach to manage vehicle energy and implement a variety of design and engineering solutions that can each improve fuel economy by 1 percent or more. Taken together, the improvements help deliver significant savings for consumers at the pump.

Aerodynamics
The ease with which a vehicle moves through air greatly influences its fuel efficiency. Ford engineers use sophisticated computer modeling and wind tunnel testing to painstakingly tweak vehicle designs millimeter by millimeter to get the best possible aerodynamics without losing sight of the designers” original vision. The energy saving can be significant. A 10 percent reduction in aerodynamic drag increases fuel economy by approximately 1 percent for cars and approximately 2 percent for trucks with conventional internal combustion engines.

The 2010 Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are 5 percent more efficient than outgoing models in terms of drag coefficient, which measures the force that pulls a vehicle back when it is moving. The Fusion S leads the group with a segment-topping 34 mpg highway rating, in part because it is 8 percent more aerodynamically efficient than the outgoing model.

Weight reduction
Reducing vehicle weight also is a critical part of fuel economy improvement. For every 10 percent reduction in weight, fuel consumption is estimated to improve by 3 percent. According to a recent study, replacing heavier materials with lightweight materials is nearly as important as hybrid technology for automakers to meet the expected increase in the One National Program regulations by 2016.

Ford increasingly uses light-gauge, high-strength steel and lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium to meet weight reduction goals ranging from 250 to as much as 750 pounds. In turn, weight savings in body and structural materials allow for the use of smaller-displacement engines and lighter-weight suspensions and chassis components.

The Fusion team eliminated 125 pounds for the S-Series fuel economy leader. The size of the radiator, for example, has been reduced in size by one-third with no degradation in performance. Also, 16-inch aluminum wheels and low-rolling resistance tires help aid aerodynamics while still delivering top performance.

Energy management
Ford is eliminating energy waste in every vehicle system, including power steering. Ford”s new Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) can improve fuel economy up to 3 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing steering performance. EPAS saves fuel primarily because the steering system is powered by an electric motor connected to the vehicle”s battery, as opposed to engine-mounted hydraulic pump steering systems. By 2012 Ford plans to fit nearly 90 percent of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup with EPAS.

“While we are implementing our near-, mid- and long-term plans, we are continuing to achieve efficiencies throughout the vehicle in areas that can quickly lead to fuel economy improvement today,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford”s group vice president of Global Product Development. “Whether we”re reducing wind drag, eliminating engine-driven power steering pumps or switching to low-friction engine oil, this attention to every detail and these small improvements collectively deliver significant fuel economy gains for our customers.”

A new frontier of electric vehicles
In 2009, Ford launched an aggressive plan to bring pure battery-electric vehicles, next-generation lithium-ion battery powered hybrids and a plug-in hybrid to market quickly and more affordably during the next four years. The vehicles include:

- Transit Connect battery-electric commercial van in 2010
- Focus Electric passenger car in 2011
- Next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012
- Plug-in hybrid in 2012

These new vehicles pave the way for additional applications in the future, using Ford”s high-volume global small car and midsize car platforms. The use of global platforms showcases Ford”s ability to develop products with worldwide market opportunities in mind. Powering the company”s electrification drive is its ONE Ford global product vision.

As part of Ford”s electrification plan, it will bring battery system design, development and manufacturing in house as a core competency in support of the development of its next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012. This underscores Ford”s commitment and belief in the growth potential for electrified transportation. Ford will continue to work with supplier Johnson Controls-Saft on the design and development of battery cells and packs for Ford”s PHEV that also launches in 2012.

“Next-generation hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure battery-powered vehicles are the logical next steps in our pursuit of greater fuel economy and sustainability,” said Nancy Gioia, Ford director of Global Electrification. “A growing number of consumers want that kind of choice, and we want to be in a position to deliver it to them across multiple vehicle categories.”

Green Car Journal announced today that it has picked five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year. The winner will be announced during a press conference at the 2009 LA Auto Show on Dec. 3.

2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists:

• Audi A3 TDI
• Honda Insight
• Mercury Milan Hybrid (no idea why it’s not the Ford Fusion Hybrid)
• Toyota Prius
• Volkswagen Golf TDI

Let us know who you think should win by casting your vote in the poll below. Have something to say? Hit the jump to have your voice heard in the comments section.

Press Release:

Five Finalists Announced for the 2010 Green Car of the Year®

Winner to be Announced During an LA Auto Show Press Conference on Dec. 3

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 7, 2009 – Green Car Journal announced today its five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year®, including the Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf TDI. For the fifth consecutive year, this prestigious award will be announced during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show press days, Dec. 3.

The Green Car of the Year® award is a program that honors environmental leadership in the automobile field and recognizes vehicles that are readily available to consumers during the award year. Green Car Journal editors perform an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify the five finalists. The winner is ultimately decided by jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club’s Carl Pope, along with Green Car Journal editors.

“We’re seeing the trend for ‘green’ cars emerging at all levels, from entry-level cars to luxury models, and even performance cars and SUVs/crossovers,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “Plus, an array of technologies and fuels as well as strategies like lightweighting and reducing rolling resistance are being applied to the challenge. Greater choice provides buyers a personal stake in lessening environmental impact, and that’s important.”

This year’s finalists reflect this diversity. For the first time an Audi makes the final five with its sporty A3 TDI clean diesel. Volkswagen’s new Golf TDI shows an expanding focus on clean diesel technology in the VW lineup. The Insight is a completely new hybrid sedan for Honda and the 2010 Toyota Prius is a totally redesigned, third-generation version of this popular hybrid model. The Milan Hybrid is Mercury’s application of its advanced-hybrid technology in an upscale mid-size sedan.

About Green Car of the Year®

The GCOY award is an important part of Green Car Journal’s mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Subscription information, along with a downloadable sample issue, can be found at GCJUSA.com. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show will be held on Dec. 2-3 for press and Dec. 4-13 for the public. Media registration is now open. This year, the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), the world automobile trade association, has officially named the Los Angeles Auto Show as one of its sanctioned international exhibitions. For more information, please visit LAautoshow.com.

- By: Stephen Calogera

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.

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:

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: