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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Ford Fusion

  • 2010 North American Car Of The Year Short List Announced

    2010 North American Car Of The Year Short List Announced October 1st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 1st, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    2010 North American Car Of The Year Short List Announced

    Car show season and time to pick the best vehicles of the year is upon us again, and in the midst of the rush, a select handful of automotive journalists--including our own Executive Editor Marty Padgett--are somehow supposed to find the time to meditate on the essential greatness of every vehicle on the 2010 North American Car of the Year list. That job just got a little easier today, as the panel narrowed the candidates down to just 15 cars and 10 trucks.

    Perhaps as interesting as the cars that did make the list below are the cars that didn't make it past the nominee stage. Few of these cars would be kicked out of any garage.

    But the list...

    Car show season and time to pick the best vehicles of the year is upon us again, and in the midst of the rush, a select handful of automotive journalists--including our own Executive Editor Marty Padgett--are somehow supposed to find the time to meditate on the essential greatness of every vehicle on the 2010 North American Car of the Year list. That job just got a little easier today, as the panel narrowed the candidates down to just 15 cars and 10 trucks. Perhaps as interesting as the cars that did make the list below are the cars that didn't make it past the nominee stage. Few of these cars would be kicked out of any garage. But the list of cars and trucks that did make it reads like a "who's who" of the industry in 2010. Notable for appearing three times on the list for the Fusion and its hybrid version, the Taurus and the Transit Connect is Ford, the one U.S. carmaker that didn't plumb the depths of bankruptcy this year. Among the more luxury-oriented carmakers, Cadillac is in a strong position with the CTS and SRX both on the short list. After that, no other luxury carmaker managed to put more than one vehicle on the list. Stay tuned for the latest developments as they happen, and jump in with your own ideas on which car or truck should take the title for 2010. Go to http://www.highgearmedia.com/iwanttowrite and post your choice and you could win fun car swag including t-shirts, books, hats and more. Cars that didn't make the cut: Audi S4 BMW Z4 BMW 5-series GT Ford Mustang/GT500 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Hyundai Elantra Touring Jaguar XFR Kia Forte Lexus HS 250h Lexus IS 250/350 C Nissan Cube Nissan 370Z Trucks that didn't make the cut: BMW X5 xDrive35d Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid GMC Terrain GMC Sierra Hybrid Lexus RX350/450h Toyota 4Runner Volkswagen Touareg V-6 TDI The 2010 North American Car of the Year Short List: BMW 335d Buick LaCrosse Cadillac CTS Chevrolet Camaro Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid Ford Taurus Honda Insight Kia Soul Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Porsche Panamera Subaru Legacy Suzuki Kizashi Toyota Prius Volkswagen Golf/GTI The 2010 North American Truck of the Year Short List: Acura ZDX Audi Q5 Cadillac SRX Chevrolet Equinox Ford Transit Connect Honda Crosstour Land Rover LR4 Lincoln MKT Subaru Outback Volvo XC60 Read More

  • Ford wants 90% of vehicles refreshed by 2012

    Ford wants 90% of vehicles refreshed by 2012 August 7th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, August 7th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 2 Comments

    Ford wants 90% of vehicles refreshed by 2012 Despite the faltering economy - or maybe because of it - Ford will be refreshing the majority of its lineup in various regions around the world over the next three years. According to the company's CFO, Lewis Booth, Ford will be refreshing as much as 90% of its vehicle lineups in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa.

    The figure of 90% refers to volume, rather than actual model numbers, indicating that Ford will be focusing on refreshing its highest selling vehicles in those various regions over the next few years. Booth explained to The Detroit News that the strategy of bringing fresh products to the market is important in... Despite the faltering economy - or maybe because of it - Ford will be refreshing the majority of its lineup in various regions around the world over the next three years. According to the company's CFO, Lewis Booth, Ford will be refreshing as much as 90% of its vehicle lineups in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Africa. The figure of 90% refers to volume, rather than actual model numbers, indicating that Ford will be focusing on refreshing its highest selling vehicles in those various regions over the next few years. Booth explained to The Detroit News that the strategy of bringing fresh products to the market is important in strengthening Ford's bottom line, even "in the worst of economic times". But along with new product updates that will keep the Ford lineup fresh, Booth was also keen to show off the Blue Oval's recent structural changes that have reduced costs dramatically and will hopefully see it at least break even by the end of 2011. According to Booth, by 2015 Ford will have reduced its structural costs by almost half, while new vehicle development costs will be reduced by 60%. Along with facility and tooling costs, which are expected to drop by around 40%, the reduction in costs have largely been brought about by Ford's global strategy. By using global platforms that can be used for a number of different vehicles in different regions, Ford hopes to almost double the number of vehicles it builds from each platform in the next five years. Part of the way forward for Ford will also be to integrate more vehicles onto its global platform lineup, and by 2012 the automaker is hoping to have almost 80% of its volumes on global core platforms. Read More

  • Report: Ford looking to spawn three sedans from new platform

    Report: Ford looking to spawn three sedans from new platform July 12th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, July 12th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 11 Comments

    Report: Ford looking to spawn three sedans from new platform Ford’s future models are to share common vehicle platforms across the globe, a practice that is the keystone of CEO Alan Mulally’s strategy to help shed costs and turn around the fortunes of the company. The first of these new global cars has already been launched in the form of the compact Fiesta hatch and sedan, and this same practice of using a common platform for multiple markets will eventually filter across into Ford’s global sedan lineup as well.

    On the drawing board are the designs for the next-generation Taurus, Fusion and European Mondeo. Speaking with The Detroit News, an insider has revealed that Ford plans to... Ford’s future models are to share common vehicle platforms across the globe, a practice that is the keystone of CEO Alan Mulally’s strategy to help shed costs and turn around the fortunes of the company. The first of these new global cars has already been launched in the form of the compact Fiesta hatch and sedan, and this same practice of using a common platform for multiple markets will eventually filter across into Ford’s global sedan lineup as well. On the drawing board are the designs for the next-generation Taurus, Fusion and European Mondeo. Speaking with The Detroit News, an insider has revealed that Ford plans to develop a new front-wheel-drive midsize platform that will be used for all three of the aforementioned models, replacing three separate platforms in the process. The new platform would be an evolution of the European C/D-class platform that currently underpins several midsize models, such as the Mondeo. North American models like the Ford Fusion and Edge, which are currently built on the CD3 platform, would move to this new platform, but so would larger vehicles like the Taurus, which is currently manufactured on the D3 platform. The insider explained that the next-generation Taurus would be slightly smaller than the current model. The same would also be true for the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT, two crossover models also currently based on the D3 platform. Ford neither denied nor confirmed the news but said no final decision had been made. Read More

  • Ford Fusion Hybrid and Wayne Gerdes average 81.5mpg, set record 1,445mi on single tank

    Ford Fusion Hybrid and Wayne Gerdes average 81.5mpg, set record 1,445mi on single tank April 28th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, April 28th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 0 Comments

    Ford Fusion Hybrid and Wayne Gerdes average 81.5mpg, set record 1,445mi on single tank Fuel crises and economic downturns have seen the emergence of a new kind of driver in recent years - the hypermiler. For those who don’t know, hypermiling refers to a set of techniques used to maximize fuel economy, such as monitoring traffic flows to reduce braking, planning shorter routes, and coasting on idle as much as possible. Those who practice the techniques are referred to as hypermilers – a term coined up by world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, who was part of the team that set what Ford is calling a new world record of 1,445mi (2,325km) on a single tank, averaging 81.5mpg in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

    ... Fuel crises and economic downturns have seen the emergence of a new kind of driver in recent years - the hypermiler. For those who don’t know, hypermiling refers to a set of techniques used to maximize fuel economy, such as monitoring traffic flows to reduce braking, planning shorter routes, and coasting on idle as much as possible. Those who practice the techniques are referred to as hypermilers – a term coined up by world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, who was part of the team that set what Ford is calling a new world record of 1,445mi (2,325km) on a single tank, averaging 81.5mpg in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Gerdes, whose antics have seen him drafting 18-wheeler semi-trailers with his engine turned off, and NASCAR star Carl Edwards teamed up with Ford behind the wheel 2010 Fusion Hybrid. The team, which also counted several Ford engineers among its numbers, 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 attempt started on April 25th in Mt. Vernon, Virginia, taking 69 hours of continuous driving to get to Washington D.C.. While Gerdes had no trouble keeping above the required 57mpg, NASCAR star Carl Edwards came away impressed with how easy the car made it to save fuel. "There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it," said Edwards. "Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself." The Fusion Hybrid used in the challenge was a factory produced model with no modifications or alterations and ran on regular 87 octane petrol. According to Ford, using eco-driving techniques such as gradual acceleration and smooth braking, coasting to red lights, not using air-conditioning and utilizing momentum, is what allowed the car to return its unexpectedly high 81.5mpg average. Ford's engineers had previously pegged 70mpg as the best they could hope for. The Fusion is officially rated at 41mpg (5.7L/100km) on the highway and 36mpg (6.9L/100km) in the city for fuel economy, while its driving range is stated as 700 miles. If you want to apply some of hypermiling's best techniques to your own commute, this list from Gerdes might be able to help: * 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 momentum2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid hypermiling challenge Read More

  • American engineers will develop Ford’s global midsize platform

    American engineers will develop Ford’s global midsize platform March 23rd, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, March 23rd, 2009 Kenneth Hall 6 Comments

    American engineers will develop Ford’s global midsize platform Ford’s midsize Fusion sedan and its associated Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ cousins were just updated for the 2010 model year but details of the next-generation model, due in 2012, have already surfaced. While the current car is based on the CD3 platform from the Mazda6, the next Fusion will be derived from the architecture that underpins the current European Mondeo.

    Called EUCD, the FWD platform was originally developed in Europe specifically for the Mondeo. Ford’s new global midsize sedan will be derived from this platform but updates will be done by engineers working in North America.

    Speaking with Automotive News,... Ford’s midsize Fusion sedan and its associated Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ cousins were just updated for the 2010 model year but details of the next-generation model, due in 2012, have already surfaced. While the current car is based on the CD3 platform from the Mazda6, the next Fusion will be derived from the architecture that underpins the current European Mondeo. Called EUCD, the FWD platform was originally developed in Europe specifically for the Mondeo. Ford’s new global midsize sedan will be derived from this platform but updates will be done by engineers working in North America. Speaking with Automotive News, Ford’s vice president of global product programs, Joe Bakaj, said the project had been assigned to the Blue Oval’s Dearborn engineering center in Detroit. "We're trying to balance the workload between the engineering centers, and so the cars are going to be led out of North America but with a global team," he explained. In addition to North American engineers, representatives from Europe and Asia, including China, are on the team as well. This approach will allow the creation of a single, global model that can be later easily adapted to accommodate regional variations. The decision to drop the Mazda6 platform ties in with Ford’s plan to reduce its link with Mazda, following the move last year to sell off most of its stake in the Japanese carmaker. The EUCD platform is also much newer than the Mazda6’s CD3 design and has been designed to easily accommodate AWD configurations, plus four, five, or six-cylinder powerplants. Its standard format is FWD. Previous reports suggested that Ford of Europe is likely to extensively update EUCD for its next-generation Mondeo, with a longer wheelbase, wider track and more powerful engines all tipped to be among the list of changes. Any changes implemented for the next Mondeo will almost certainly flow on to the next Fusion.Ford Mondeo Titanium X SportFord Mondeo XR5 Read More

  • Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for maximum tax credit of $3,400

    Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for maximum tax credit of $3,400 January 28th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, January 28th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 3 Comments

    Ford Fusion Hybrid qualifies for maximum tax credit of $3,400 Tax credits designed to give buyers incentives to buy more efficient cars are anything but new - the Toyota Prius has benefited from similar schemes for several years. Now Ford's Fusion Hybrid, as well as the Mercury Milan Hybrid, qualify for the maximum tax credit as well, giving buyers a $3,400 break on the purchase of either of the cars.

    Since both the Milan and Fusion rely on identical powertrains in very similar packages differentiated only by specification, both cars qualify for the credit. Their fuel efficiency ratings also certified them as the most efficient mid-sized cars in the U.S. with 41/36mpg city/highway ratings, beating the... Tax credits designed to give buyers incentives to buy more efficient cars are anything but new - the Toyota Prius has benefited from similar schemes for several years. Now Ford's Fusion Hybrid, as well as the Mercury Milan Hybrid, qualify for the maximum tax credit as well, giving buyers a $3,400 break on the purchase of either of the cars. Since both the Milan and Fusion rely on identical powertrains in very similar packages differentiated only by specification, both cars qualify for the credit. Their fuel efficiency ratings also certified them as the most efficient mid-sized cars in the U.S. with 41/36mpg city/highway ratings, beating the Camry hybrid by 8mpg in the city and 2mpg on the highway. Toyota disputes the comparison, noting that the Camry is somewhat larger than the Fusion, and arguing that the Prius is more properly the Fusion Hybrid's competition. Whatever the comparison, however, the tax incentive can only do good for the hybrid segment, which has foundered since fuel prices fell from record high levels last year. "We're glad to see our government help promote these advanced, clean fuel-efficient vehicles to the consumer," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development. The Fusion's strong fuel economy comes from its all-new hybrid powertrain design, plus several features incorporated into the electronics system, including the new SmartGauge system, an enhanced electronic throttle control and a highly efficient regenerative braking system. For more on the Fusion and Milan Hybrids, read our original coverage here.2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Read More

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