Car and Driver was one of many media outlets that had a chance to sample the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid in California recently.  Reviewer John Pearly Huffman found the most fuel efficient sedan in America to be “delightfully responsive.” The blended gas and electric powertrain is so seamless it was “sometimes difficult [...]]]>

Car and Driver was one of many media outlets that had a chance to sample the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid in California recently.  Reviewer John Pearly Huffman found the most fuel efficient sedan in America to be “delightfully responsive.” The blended gas and electric powertrain is so seamless it was “sometimes difficult to register exactly when there’s a transition from one power source to another.” Check out the entire report at CarandDriver.com.

Source: Car and Driver

Ford is bringing together luxury amenities and class-leading fuel efficiency with the all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid Titanium. The new Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel efficient sedan in America with an EPA-estimated 47 mpg in the city and on the highway.

The new Hybrid Titanium model adds an array of standard features [...]]]>

Ford is bringing together luxury amenities and class-leading fuel efficiency with the all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid Titanium. The new Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel efficient sedan in America with an EPA-estimated 47 mpg in the city and on the highway.

The new Hybrid Titanium model adds an array of standard features including front fog lamps, polished 18-inch alloy wheels, leather interior and MyFord Touch with Sony audio and top-notch driving dynamics.  It’s sacrifice-free green driving.

New 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium Blends Unsurpassed Fuel Efficiency with Premium Amenities

• All-new Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium adds premium amenities and technology to the most fuel-efficient midsize family sedan in America
• Standard features include leather interior, premium Sony® audio system and MyFord Touch®
• Customers can select a Fusion Titanium model with either a hybrid powertrain or the 2.0-liter EcoBoost® all-wheel-drive powertrain for the same base price of $32,995

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 2, 2012 – Ford’s new Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient sedan in America, raises the bar on luxury and technology with the debut of the 2013 Titanium edition.

The new model will be sold alongside the Fusion Hybrid SE, which is priced $1,575 less than the outgoing Fusion Hybrid, with even more content. The Titanium edition was developed in response to consumer demand for a higher level of luxury in a hybrid vehicle. Ford has been selling the Fusion Hybrid since 2009, and this is the first time it has been offered with this level of features.

Starting at just $32,995, Fusion Hybrid Titanium is available for the same price as the 2.0-liter EcoBoost® Fusion with all-wheel drive.

“Traditionally, car buyers have had to compromise when selecting between class-leading efficiency, premium amenities and value,” said Samantha Hoyt, Fusion Marketing manager. “The new Fusion Hybrid Titanium lets customers have it all.”

In a sea of bland midsize segment choices, the flowing silhouette of the new Ford Fusion stands dramatically apart from the crowd – exuding confidence, sophistication and a dynamic attitude.

Fusion Titanium models step it up a notch with standard front fog lamps, chrome accents on the door handles, rear deck spoiler and polished 18-inch alloy wheels.

Once inside the Fusion Hybrid Titanium, drivers would be hard-pressed to guess that this is a mainstream family sedan. Technology and design are integrated in a manner that looks fantastic and works wonderfully.

Both front seats get power adjustability, with the driver’s seat getting 10 directions from which to choose. All seats along with the steering wheel and shift lever are trimmed in leather.

“All of the interior materials and surface finishes provide the sense of arriving at a destination,” said Gary Braddock, Fusion interior designer. “Metallic finishes on the door, instrument panel and center console are bright without being reflective, allowing the interior to look expensive without being ostentatious.”

Controls fall readily to hand in the driver-oriented cockpit of the Fusion, and Titanium models get a 12-speaker Sony® audio system with HD Radio™. The award-winning SYNC® connectivity system is augmented with the enhanced voice control capability of MyFord Touch® along with SYNC Services on every Fusion Titanium. A rear view camera and Reverse Sensing System help to keep the driver aware of what is behind the Fusion while backing up.

For night driving, an ambient lighting system provides a relaxing and pleasant cabin environment while an auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror ensures the driver is never blinded by other vehicles with bright headlights coming up from behind.

Fusion’s new hybrid powertrain is activated by a push-button start so the key can stay in a pocket or purse. An advanced lithium-ion battery pack is one-third lighter than before but provides more power, enabling electric driving at speeds up to 62 mph.

“With Fusion Hybrid Titanium, going green no longer means having an austere ride,” says Hoyt. “No guilt, no pain.”

Fusion Hybrid Titanium will be available in early 2013.

The story behind the new Fusion
For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from a smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and blogs.

When Henry Ford built the original River Rouge factory in the 1920s, it was designed to take in iron ore, lumber, sand, fabric and other raw materials and turn out completed Model Ts. Today, we use a far greater variety of materials to build cars and trucks including plastics and foams that [...]]]>

When Henry Ford built the original River Rouge factory in the 1920s, it was designed to take in iron ore, lumber, sand, fabric and other raw materials and turn out completed Model Ts. Today, we use a far greater variety of materials to build cars and trucks including plastics and foams that have traditional been made from petroleum products. The researchers at Ford are constantly looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of vehicle production.

In 2008, Ford pioneered the use of soy-oil in seat cushion foam developed by the Materials Research and Innovation team led by Dr. Debbie Mielewski and soy-foam is now used in every Ford vehicle built in North America, cutting CO2 emissions by 20 million pounds per year.

The team is also testing plastics that incorporate a variety of plant fibers, sugars, and even old paper currency. The Federal Reserve Bank landfills hundreds of thousands of pounds of worn out bank notes every year. Ford is testing plastic parts that incorporate these renewable and recyclable materials for use in future vehicles.

2013 will be a big season for the Ford Fusion and the NASCAR Sprint Cup as all the competitors get new body work that more closely resembles the road cars they share badges with. Driver Carl Edwards and the Roush Fenway and Wood Brothers teams recently took the new Fusion to Martinsville [...]]]>

2013 will be a big season for the Ford Fusion and the NASCAR Sprint Cup as all the competitors get new body work that more closely resembles the road cars they share badges with. Driver Carl Edwards and the Roush Fenway and Wood Brothers teams recently took the new Fusion to Martinsville Speedway for initial shakedown tests.

The cars have already being subjected to thousands of hours of simulation and full-scale wind-tunnel testing but the teams now have real cars to work with in preparation for the competition debut next February in the Daytona 500.  Following the short track testing at Martinsville, the teams will move on to bigger tracks like Talladega to fine tune the aerodynamics of the new bodies.

Track Testing Enables Ford Teams to Gather Crucial Data for 2013 NASCAR Fusion as Countdown to Daytona Continues

• The 2013 NASCAR Fusion is in the midst of an intense track testing program to gain a better understanding of the new car’s characteristics
• The inclusion of data acquisition systems during test sessions enables race teams to have a better understanding of how the car is performing on the track
• The 2013 NASCAR Fusion will debut in competition this February during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.

DEARBORN, Mich., October 1, 2012 – While advances in computer simulation models and wind tunnel technology have given race teams the ability to predict what conditions they may encounter on any given weekend, there’s no real substitute for actual on-track testing.

As the countdown towards February’s Daytona 500 and debut of the 2013 NASCAR Fusion continues, Ford Racing is in the midst of an intense track testing program to gain a better understanding of the new car’s characteristics.

“We’re here to validate and confirm that all of the design and engineering work that we did proves out on the race track,” said Ford Racing’s NASCAR Program Manager Pat DiMarco at a recent test session. “We did all the design and engineering work up front and the track test gives us the ability to put the car on the race track with other cars and make sure that we didn’t miss anything in the design process.

“We have full data acquisition systems on the car to measure things like ride heights and air-flow, so we know what all of the tires are doing as well as what the air-flow through the radiator and the brake ducts is like, so it’s your basic instrumentation system taken to the next level. It’s no different than the computer on your car, except we’re only allowed to use it during tests.”

For those like Eddie Wood, who has been around NASCAR his entire life as part of the famous No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing team, all of these new high-tech devices have changed the sport.

“I can remember going to test just 10 years ago and you would have a little bit of data acquisition on the car, but nothing like they have now,” said Wood. “They can check everything to the driver’s heartbeat. It’s so technical, but that’s the age that we live in. Everything is like that now, but it’s all good. It costs a lot more to test than it did 10 years ago, but it’s all relative.”

While wind tunnel testing plays a crucial part in understanding the aerodynamic characteristics a car will display at 200 miles per hour, there’s nothing like getting out and experiencing it all under real conditions.

“It’s not a controlled environment out here at the race track like it is at the wind tunnel, so you definitely have the sun and the heat in the track and the extra rubber actually comes into play as you’re trying to get your car tuned for the race that weekend,” said Chad Norris, crew chief for driver Carl Edwards at Roush Fenway Racing. “We always come to a test with way more stuff than we can ever get done because of the limited testing, so there’s definitely a big pile and we try to whittle it down to a smaller one.

“At the end of the day, we always wish we had another day so it’s one of those things,” continued Norris. “We try to hit the generic things on the front side of the test and then start fine-tuning on the back side. Hopefully, we bring our best package that we learn from here when we go back to the race.”

And while a handful of engineers and computers methodically document what the car is doing on every lap, there’s still no substitute for the driver, who sits behind the wheel and can provide instant analysis about how the car is reacting.

“The engineers will tell you the driver isn’t important at all during testing, but I like to think I’m important,” mused Edwards. “At the end of the day, we have all of this data acquisition and you have all these guys working on things, but putting the rubber on the race track, having this car out there on the track, and getting driver feedback is what we’re going to do at the races, so it’s really important to do that here. They let me think that my suggestions go somewhere and hopefully they do.”

Norris agrees, saying, “The driver is still very important. At the end of the day we’ve got to make him comfortable and be able to get the speed out of it, so he’s still very important. One of the data acquisition tools we have is able to back up what he’s saying, so there are a couple different angles as to how we can look at a particular problem and try to decipher it based on what he’s saying.”

So as testing continues for the 2013 NASCAR Fusion over the next few months there is still much to learn, but it appears this new car is off to a good start.

“I think everyone has worked together very well and built this Fusion so we can go out there and beat these other manufacturers and these other teams,” said Edwards. “Everybody in our Roush Fenway camp is excited about 2013.”

Back in the day, achieving nearly 50 mpg usually meant driving a tiny little tin box that seemed to buzz as you drove down the road. The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid changes all that.  Even the gas-powered versions of the new Fusion are exceptionally quiet inside, but the engineers on the hybrid team wanted [...]]]>

Back in the day, achieving nearly 50 mpg usually meant driving a tiny little tin box that seemed to buzz as you drove down the road. The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid changes all that.  Even the gas-powered versions of the new Fusion are exceptionally quiet inside, but the engineers on the hybrid team wanted to squeeze out even more efficiency by running the re-engineered Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter four-cylinder a bit slower.

To overcome some of the boomy, low-frequency sounds that can occur when running an engine that way, they added an active noise cancellation (ANC) system. Ford ANC proactively monitors driver behavior and engine response and listens to the sounds in the cabin. It then generates opposing sound waves using the Fusion’s audio system to cancel the sounds we don’t want the driver and passengers to hear. ANC is just one of the many details that help Fusion Hybrid achieve an EPA-estimated 47 mpg in the city, on the highway and combined, making it America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan.

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid: Active Noise Cancellation Helps Deliver Quiet Fuel Efficiency

• All-new 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid delivers EPA-certified 47 mpg city and 47 mpg highway for a 47 mpg combined rating, with Active Noise Cancellation technology
• Fusion Hybrid engineers tuned the gasoline engine more efficiently in rpm ranges that typically produce unpleasant powertrain sounds, now suppressed by an advanced noise cancellation system to give driver and passengers a quiet ride

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 26, 2012 – Powertrain noise in the all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is like the proverbial tree that fell in the forest. With Active Noise Cancellation technology on board, if you don’t hear it, is it really even there?

Active Noise Cancellation technology helps enable the 2013 Fusion Hybrid sedan to deliver EPA-certified 47 mpg city and 47 mpg highway ratings that combine for 47 mpg overall.

The fuel economy connection may not be obvious, but Active Noise Cancellation allows Ford engineers to tune the car for more fuel-efficient operation.

Calibrating an engine requires careful balance between delivering the desired performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption and emissions, all while keeping it pleasant to drive.

“The Fusion Hybrid leverages this advanced technology to help deliver maximum fuel economy for the customer,” said Henry Ford Technical Fellow for NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) Dr. Takeshi Abe. “Reduced powertrain noise in the passenger compartment becomes the icing on the cake.”

At the lower speeds that help efficiency, engines produce booming, low-frequency sounds that can be unpleasant to the driver and passengers. Without Active Noise Cancellation, engineers have to keep the engine out of this operating range, sacrificing efficiency.

Yet to achieve peak fuel economy, a creative solution must be applied harnessing advanced audio technology to eradicate this unwanted sound.

A predictive control system notes driver behavior and how the engine responds, anticipating noise before it is even generated.

Three highly sensitive microphones are mounted in the Fusion Hybrid’s interior headliner – two over the first seating row and one over the rear – to detect and measure engine noise. These microphones send a signal to the Active Noise Cancellation control module in real time.

The module instantaneously and continuously generates opposing sound waves. This reversed wave is directed through the Fusion Hybrid’s audio system, combining with the original engine noise wave to cancel out any potentially objectionable sound.

The combination of the proactive and reactive signals ultimately provides a more pleasing effect for driver and passengers.

The infographic below depicts Active Noise Cancellation technology at work, showing the movement pattern of sound travel within the car. The lower panel depicts the cancellation of unwanted sounds, resulting in minimized residual noise.

The Fusion Hybrid appears in Ford dealerships nationwide this fall.

The new plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi is still a few months from hitting the streets but with the number of plug-equipped vehicles growing steadily, drivers are now beginning to think about what to do when their battery is low and the available chargers are [...]]]>

The new plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi is still a few months from hitting the streets but with the number of plug-equipped vehicles growing steadily, drivers are now beginning to think about what to do when their battery is low and the available chargers are occupied. EV Charging Etiquette “Expert” Tommy Simon provides some valuable advice in this video about how to decide if it’s OK to pull the plug on someone.

If you’ve got an EV that doesn’t have a visible charge indicator light, feel free to download the charge card and print it out.  You can on the dashboard and use a paper clip to indicate when it’s OK for someone else to use the plug.

Just remember the golden rule, treat others as you would want to be treated!

On Tuesday September 19, 2012, as Ford was holding 2013 Fusion related events in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco, many of  team members that helped make this groundbreaking car a reality gathered on the lawn outside of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn.

In honor of the fuel-saving Auto [...]]]>

On Tuesday September 19, 2012, as Ford was holding 2013 Fusion related events in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco, many of  team members that helped make this groundbreaking car a reality gathered on the lawn outside of Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn.

In honor of the fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop system that’s available with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder, 451 Fusion team members took part in a massive game of “Red Light – Green Light.” A representative from Guinness World Records was on hand for the official count and certified that this was in fact the biggest ever round of “Red Light – Green Light.” Congratulations to the Faces of Fusion for creating a great new car and setting a world record!

This week, journalists are getting their first opportunity to climb behind the wheel of the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion at drive events in Los Angeles and San Francisco and early reviews are starting to appear online. For these first drives, the media are trying out a mix of SE models with the [...]]]>

This week, journalists are getting their first opportunity to climb behind the wheel of the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion at drive events in Los Angeles and San Francisco and early reviews are starting to appear online. For these first drives, the media are trying out a mix of SE models with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost^® four cylinder with Auto Start-Stop, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost-powered Titanium and the 47 mpg Hybrid.

Wayne Cunningham of CNet says that the 178 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque of the 1.6-liter engine is “plenty for a midsize sedan” and the engine in the Hybrid “was barely audible, and added very little vibration to the car” while the regenerative braking brought the battery from nearly depleted to half-full in a short period of time.

Marty Padgett of The Car Connection noted that the “former Fusion Hybrid’s very smooth integration is a trait that’s been passed down to the new generation,” and “noise levels even at full throttle are generally low, thanks in part to active noise cancellation.”

Describing the Fusion Titanium, TrueDelta says “With the 2013 Fusion, Ford has somehow evaded the tradeoffs that mark other midsize cars. The new car has a stylish exterior with a roomy and comfortable interior, premium materials and extensive features with an affordable price, and engaging performance with good fuel economy.”

The team of Ford designers, engineers and technicians that crafted the all-new Fusion aimed high to create a family sedan that offers more than most car buyers expect and so far it seems like they succeeded.

We’ve got a bunch of fresh photography of the new Fusion taken on location in southern California where the media launch is going on this week. Enjoy!

 Today in Manhattan’s Times Square, Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally was joined by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest for the announcement of the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid that gets an EPA estimated 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined.

As part of the celebration, Seacrest announced the next [...]]]>

 Today in Manhattan’s Times Square, Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally was joined by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest for the announcement of the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid that gets an EPA estimated 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined.

As part of the celebration, Seacrest announced the next chapter in the Random Acts of Fusion campaign, “47 Challenges, 47 Days.” Each day a new challenge will be revealed involving the number 47, and fun and simple photos that participants can take and upload. Three participants will win a 2013 Fusion. Head over to Random Acts of Fusion to take part.

Ford Gives Consumers 47 More Reasons to Get Involved with Random Acts of Fusion

• Ryan Seacrest announces “47 Challenges, 47 Days” chapter of Random Acts of Fusion; details available at www.RandomActsofFusion.com
• Ford announces new Fusion Hybrid attains EPA-certified 47 mpg city and 47 mpg highway for a 47 mpg combined rating, making it America’s most fuel-efficient sedan
• Random Acts of Fusion is a unique transmedia marketing program that already has introduced Fusion to millions of fans by playing out a story arc through multimedia platforms

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2012 – The number 47 takes center stage today in Times Square with a new Random Acts of Fusion chapter introduced by TV and radio host and producer Ryan Seacrest. The latest chapter, “47 Challenges, 47 Days,” inspired by the 47 mpg fuel economy rating achieved by the 2013 Fusion Hybrid, adds new interactive content to the program and will give consumers multiple chances to win an all-new Ford Fusion.

The all-new Fusion Hybrid has earned EPA-certified 47 mpg city and 47 mpg highway for a 47 mpg combined rating, making it America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan. The innovative Fusion Hybrid achieves a top speed of 62 mph in EV mode, enabling the stylish hybrid sedan to match city and highway fuel economy ratings.

Random Acts of Fusion, the unique transmedia program hosted by Seacrest, has introduced the Fusion to millions of fans by playing out a story arc through multimedia platforms. Fans following the program at www.RandomActsofFusion.com experience daily storytelling, local market events and now even a chance to win one of three new Fusions. The program always delivers something unexpected – just like the new Fusion. To date, there have been more than 11 million engagements with Random Acts of Fusion.

“Through this campaign, we’ve been able to show the Fusion to people with an interactive and entertaining program long before it ever went on sale,” said Crystal Worthem, manager, Ford Brand Content & Alliances. “With these daily challenges and giveaways, we’re taking the next step forward.”

The challenges all involve the number 47, and fun and simple photos that participants can take and upload. Each day, a new challenge is unveiled on www.RandomActsofFusion.com. Three winners will be chosen throughout the challenge.

“This is another exciting opportunity for people to get involved with Random Acts of Fusion,” says Seacrest. “This challenge offers fans a chance to show off their creativity and win an exceptional vehicle.”

The market leader in immersive, participatory and cross-platform entertainment experiences, 42 Entertainment, in association with Team Detroit, plays an integral part in developing Random Acts of Fusion. The program runs through November.

All-new Ford Fusion

With its sleek new design, the new Ford Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford.

In addition to its fresh face, Fusion offers the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost® four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive applications and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

On sale this fall, Fusion offers consumers seven must-have technologies, including a Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFordTouch®.

The story behind the new Fusion

For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from a smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and blogs.

Our video crew spent the weekend before the Fusion media drive in southern California capturing some fresh footage of the Fusion Hybrid and Titanium that we’ve now made available viewing or editing into other video projects.  Video editors that want the source files can register at http://media.ford.com to download the highest quality [...]]]>

Our video crew spent the weekend before the Fusion media drive in southern California capturing some fresh footage of the Fusion Hybrid and Titanium that we’ve now made available viewing or editing into other video projects.  Video editors that want the source files can register at http://media.ford.com to download the highest quality versions.

There are more videos after the jump.

The all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid is officially certified as America’s most fuel efficient midsize sedan with EPA estimates of 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined! That’s 4 mpg better than the Camry Hybrid in the city and 8 mpg better on the highway!

The all-new 2013 Fusion will be arriving at Ford dealerships across America in the coming weeks and months but so far not many people have actually seen one on the road yet.  We recently shot some fresh running footage of a white Fusion Titanium around southeast Michigan that really shows off this [...]]]>

The all-new 2013 Fusion will be arriving at Ford dealerships across America in the coming weeks and months but so far not many people have actually seen one on the road yet.  We recently shot some fresh running footage of a white Fusion Titanium around southeast Michigan that really shows off this stunning new midsize family sedan.  Video editors that need some Fusion B-roll can grab a high-res copy of this footage from the Ford media site.

Recently, Trevor Bayne and his NASCAR Roush Racing teammates Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards stopped by the Ford Dearborn Development Center to get some seat time in the 2013 Ford Fusion. Driving Fusions with the new 1.6-liter EcoBoost® and the optional Auto Start-Stop system, they set out to see who could [...]]]>

Recently, Trevor Bayne and his NASCAR Roush Racing teammates Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards stopped by the Ford Dearborn Development Center to get some seat time in the 2013 Ford Fusion. Driving Fusions with the new 1.6-liter EcoBoost® and the optional Auto Start-Stop system, they set out to see who could get the best fuel efficiency.

After each driver had a turn at the wheel, the numbers were tallied and it turned out that Carl Edwards had the thirstiest driving style. Edwards opted to leave the air conditioning on and still managed 42.2 mpg! The other three drivers all soared past 46 mpg with Bayne topping the charts at an impressive 46.9 mpg! Not bad especially when these drivers haven’t even had a chance to try the new Fusion Hybrid yet. Stay tuned…

Source: Facebook 

When the first Fusion Hybrid debuted in lifted the bar on fuel efficiency for midsize family sedans by hitting 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway on the EPA test cycles. In the coming weeks the all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid will be hitting dealers and it’s going to set another new standard [...]]]>

When the first Fusion Hybrid debuted in lifted the bar on fuel efficiency for midsize family sedans by hitting 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway on the EPA test cycles. In the coming weeks the all-new 2013 Fusion Hybrid will be hitting dealers and it’s going to set another new standard thanks in large part to the reengineered, third-generation Ford power-split hybrid system.

Ford engineers have replaced the previous nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery with an advanced lithium lithium ion unit that packs similar capacity into 25-30 percent less volume with half the weight. The lithium battery can absorb electrical energy faster than the old battery so the regenerative braking system can now recover up to 90 percent of the energy formerly lost as heat during braking. That means the electric drive now has more energy available to it more of the time so it take up more of the workload from the new smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

In redesigning the hybrid system, the engineers at the Advanced Electrification Center in Dearborn also slashed the amount of rare earth metals needed. The lithium battery doesn’t contain any of the neodymium, cerium, lanthanum and praseodymium found in NiMH batteries. The magnets in the motors now use only half as much dysprosium, the most expensive of the rare earth metals. The new hybrid system is now 30% less expensive to produce than before.

The bottom line is the new Fusion Hybrid is more affordable and with a projected 47 mpg, it will be the most fuel efficient family sedan on the market.

Ford’s New Li-Ion Batteries Reduce Use of Rare Earth Metals, Enable Superior Fuel Economy for Fusion, C-MAX Hybrids

• New projected 47-mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid and EPA-certified 47-mpg C-MAX Hybrid feature lighter, more efficient, more powerful lithium-ion batteries that are expected to reduce Ford’s use of expensive, rare earth metals by up to 500,000 pounds annually
• Dysprosium, the most expensive rare earth metal used in Ford vehicles, is reduced by approximately 50 percent in new Fusion and C-MAX hybrids’ electric machines
• These rare earth metal reductions helped Ford cut the cost of its third-generation hybrid technology by 30 percent, adding to the overall value of the new C-MAX Hybrid – America’s most affordable hybrid utility vehicle starting at $25,995 – and Fusion Hybrid

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 13, 2012 – Ford’s third-generation hybrid system, which replaces nickel-metal-hydride batteries with new lighter, more efficient lithium-ion batteries, could reduce the company’s use of expensive, less-abundant rare earth metals by up to 500,000 pounds a year.

This reduction of rare earth metals is important for both financial and physical reasons. First, the cost is reduced by 30 percent when compared to previous-generation hybrid batteries. Also, lithium-ion batteries are 50 percent lighter and 25 to 30 percent smaller. The result: Better fuel efficiency in Ford’s new electric vehicle offerings, including a projected 47 mpg for Fusion Hybrid and an EPA-certified 47 mpg for C-MAX Hybrid.

“We’re continually looking to find ways to provide greater fuel efficiency as well as cost savings to customers of our hybrid vehicles, and the reduction of rare earth metals is a key part of this strategy,” said Chuck Gray, chief engineer, Global Core Engineering, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.“The third-generation hybrid technology we are now using builds on our 20 years of electric vehicle innovations.”

Among the rare earth metals used in nickel-metal-hydride batteries are neodymium, cerium, lanthanum and praseodymium, none of which are used in the new lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, Ford has reduced its use of dysprosium by approximately 50 percent in magnets employed in the hybrid system’s electric machines. Dysprosium is the most expensive rare earth metal used in Ford vehicles. This reduction is the result of a new diffusion process that is used in the magnet manufacturing process.

The overall reduction of rare earth metals in the lithium-ion batteries and electric machines lowers vehicle costs, which is key as Ford triples production of its electric vehicles by 2013, ultimately translating to more affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle choices for customers.

Rare earth metals are a set of 17 atomic elements in the periodic table. While some are indeed rare, others are plentiful within specific regions in the earth’s crust. These metals are used in many consumer products including mobile phones, LED televisions, computer screens and hybrid vehicle batteries.

Maximum power of choice

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is projected to deliver best-in-class 47 mpg on the highway, making it America’s most fuel-efficient sedan. The new Fusion will also give customers the power to choose across three powertrain options – gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

Ford’s all-new C-MAX Hybrid, in showrooms this fall, is EPA-certified at 47 mpg on the highway, 47 mpg in the city and 47 mpg combined, making it America’s most fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle. C-MAX Energi, launching later this fall, is projected to deliver 95 MPGe.

If you missed the Google Hangout with Chuck Gray and Lew Echlin earlier today, you can still see what they talked about thanks to the replay provided by YouTube. The subject was consumer attitudes toward fuel efficiency and the new Auto Start-Stop system that’s available with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost® engine in the 2013 Fusion.

Follow the jump for links to facts and specs for Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi

Today, Ford Motor Company announced that the factory that has built every Mustang since 2004 has a new name and will soon have a new product. The facility previously known as AutoAlliance International is now the Flat Rock Assembly Plant and in 2013 the team there will grow to build the all-new Fusion alongside [...]]]>

Today, Ford Motor Company announced that the factory that has built every Mustang since 2004 has a new name and will soon have a new product. The facility previously known as AutoAlliance International is now the Flat Rock Assembly Plant and in 2013 the team there will grow to build the all-new Fusion alongside the Mustang.

Ford is investing $555 million in the the Flat Rock Assembly Plant for upgrades including a fully flexible body shop and a second production shift with 1,200 workers. The Flat Rock plant south of Detroit will be the U.S. production site for Fusion, eventually employing 2,900 people on two assembly lines.  See the full press release after the jump.

Ford Opens New Era at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Source of 1,200 New Jobs and U.S. Production Home of All-New Fusion

• Ford celebrates opening of a new era at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, new U.S. production home of the 2013 Ford Fusion as well as the iconic Mustang
• Supporting its Fusion production growth plans, Ford is adding 1,200 jobs, a second production shift, and investing $555 million, taking full management control of the former AutoAlliance International plant
• Upgraded Flat Rock Assembly Plant will feature a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop and an upgraded paint shop with an environmentally friendly 3-Wet paint process when production begins in 2013
• On sale this fall, the 2013 Fusion offers customers the power of choice with the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment

FLAT ROCK, Mich., Sept. 10, 2012 – Ford Motor Company and its employees today are opening a new era at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, complete with a new name, 1,200 additional hourly jobs coming next year and plans to produce the 2013 Ford Fusion midsize sedan.

“The new Flat Rock Assembly Plant symbolizes the growth driven by our One Ford plan,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Ford continues investing in people, products and plants to deliver the head-turning, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive vehicles people really want, including the all-new Fusion.”

Previously known as AutoAlliance International, Flat Rock Assembly is now under the full management control of Ford. The plant continues to be owned by a joint venture that is split 50/50 between Ford and Mazda Motor Corp.

Following the end of Mazda6 production last month, the plant will continue to produce the Mustang before adding Fusion next year.

Flat Rock Assembly will be the U.S. producer of Fusion, employing 2,900 workers on both vehicle lines.

In addition to adding 1,200 new hourly jobs tied to Fusion production, Ford also is investing $555 million to build a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop capable of producing multiple vehicles. With each new major plant program, Ford is significantly increasing the flexibility of its equipment and facilities to build multiple vehicles at one location. By 2015, Ford will be able to produce 25 percent more derivatives per plant versus 2011 on a global basis.

Ford also is upgrading the plant’s paint shop with an environmentally friendly 3-Wet paint process. The 3-Wet process, which Ford is rolling out across more than 15 assembly plants globally, allows three layers of paint to be applied one after another while still wet, with less manual intervention, resulting in a superior product created with fewer pollutants and less expense.

“By fully incorporating Flat Rock Assembly into our manufacturing system, we are able to take advantage of internal efficiencies that will streamline our ability to produce vehicles,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. “This is critical as we increase our capacity to meet growing customer demand for our products.”

Introduced six years ago, Fusion is part of the fastest-growing segment in the U.S. this year – midsize sedans. Ford expects the midsize sedan segment, which totaled 2.1 million vehicles in 2011, to continue growing. Fusion’s share of the segment has doubled to 12 percent since it was introduced, and the car has set sales records in five of the first seven months of this year.

On sale this fall, the 2013 Fusion offers customers the power of choice with the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment – two EcoBoost-powered gasoline engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Fusion Hybrid’s 47 city mpg beats the 2012 Camry Hybrid LE by 4 mpg in the city. The Fusion Energi’s MPGe of 100 tops the 2013 Volt’s by 2 MPGe.

Fusion also offers consumers seven must-have technologies, including a Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch®.

Opened in 1987 as Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA, the plant in Flat Rock first produced the Mazda MX-6. In 1992, Ford purchased a 50 percent share in the plant and it was renamed AutoAlliance International. Over the years, the plant produced the Mazda 626, Mazda6, Mercury Cougar and Ford Probe. Mustang production was shifted to the plant in 2005.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Fuel efficiency was one of the top priorities while developing of the all-new 2013 Fusion and Ford has covered all of the bases with a wide ranging power of choice propulsion lineup that includes gasoline, EcoBoost®, hybrid and  plug-in hybrid options. Fusion is the first non-hybrid Ford to offer an Auto Start-Stop [...]]]>

Fuel efficiency was one of the top priorities while developing of the all-new 2013 Fusion and Ford has covered all of the bases with a wide ranging power of choice propulsion lineup that includes gasoline, EcoBoost®, hybrid and  plug-in hybrid options. Fusion is the first non-hybrid Ford to offer an Auto Start-Stop system that switches off the engine when the car comes to stop, eliminating wasted fuel and emissions caused by idling.

On Wednesday September 12 at 1pm EDT, Chuck Gray – chief engineer, Ford Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles and Lew Echlin – marketing manager, Ford Global Cars will be participating in a Google Hangout to explain how the system works and discuss consumer attitudes to fuel efficient driving.  Join us on Wednesday to learn more about Auto Start-Stop and pose your questions to Chuck and Lew.

Source: Google Plus

Recently NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Trevor Bayne, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle stopped at the Ford Dearborn Development Center to spend some quality time with the all-new 2013 Fusion. The engineering team decided to pose a little challenge to these four very competitive drivers to see what they could do with a Fusion [...]]]>

Recently NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Trevor Bayne, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle stopped at the Ford Dearborn Development Center to spend some quality time with the all-new 2013 Fusion. The engineering team decided to pose a little challenge to these four very competitive drivers to see what they could do with a Fusion with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and available Auto Start-Stop system.

Each driver had to drive a prescribed distance using as little gasoline as possible. Who do think managed to cover the distance with the least amount of energy and what was his mileage number? Head over to the Ford or Fusion Facebook pages and post your guess.

Leading market research firm Penn Schoen Berland recently conducted a survey for Ford of over 2,500 American drivers to gauge attitudes toward advanced driver assist features. It turns out that most drivers would welcome some extra help from the vehicle sensor systems that would enable greater awareness of what is [...]]]>

Leading market research firm Penn Schoen Berland recently conducted a survey for Ford of over 2,500 American drivers to gauge attitudes toward advanced driver assist features. It turns out that most drivers would welcome some extra help from the vehicle sensor systems that would enable greater awareness of what is going on around them so they can avoid potential accidents.

Ford’s engineers anticipated this shift several years ago when they started to develop the all-new 2013 Fusion. This new midsize family sedan bristles with available technology that blends radar, ultrasonic and digital camera sensors with more than enough computing power to process it all in real-time.

Fusion SE, Titanium and Hybrid are available with:

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support
• Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert System
• Active park assist
• Rear-view camera system
• SYNC^®

Ever since the days of the Model T, Ford has been striving to democratize mobility and technology. The Fusion is the first and only midsize family sedan available with all of these capabilities and it comes at fraction of the price of luxury cars like the $140,000+ BMW 760Li. Early customer orders for the new Fusion reinforce the survey results with orders that are exceeding expectations.

Survey Says: American Drivers Want Features That Help Make Them More Aware; New Ford Fusion up to the Challenge

• Nearly nine in 10 drivers are interested in alert and assist technologies like those offered on the all-new Ford Fusion launching this fall, according to a new Ford survey
• Drivers acknowledge their limitations: Nearly 50 percent have fallen asleep while driving or know someone who has; nearly six in 10 blame blind spots for accidents or near collisions and nearly four in 10 of those surveyed fear parallel parking
• The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion offers the most complete suite of advanced driver assist technologies in the family sedan segment – capabilities previously only available in luxury cars that cost at least $100,000
• Early orders for the 2013 Fusion include higher-than-expected demand for new technology features

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 28, 2012 – According to a new survey commissioned by Ford, most Americans say they consider themselves to be careful drivers but admit they would welcome some extra electronic help when they’re behind the wheel. Even the most attentive of drivers can’t see everything around them at all times or anticipate every hazard on the road.

Customer attitudes evolving

Recently, leading market research firm Penn Schoen Berland conducted the survey of American drivers over the age of 18 to learn more about their attitudes toward driver assist technology.

The survey found that the vast majority of drivers are interested in getting some extra assist features in their next vehicle to help them avoid potential accidents.

“We found the drivers we talked to were definitely inclined toward features that provided real practical benefits by alerting them to potentially hazardous situations they may have missed,” said Billy Mann, managing director of Penn Schoen Berland. “For them, assistance features that increase awareness ranked high among their priorities.”

Even under ideal daytime conditions on a dry road, traffic can suddenly slow or someone can slip into the gap between you and the car ahead. When the sun goes down or the clouds open up, it gets harder to judge what a suitable following distance might be. Nearly nine out of 10 of the survey respondents expressed interest in technology that could assist in slowing their car if it determines there is a potential collision ahead.

Whether on the highway during rush hour, in urban traffic or a parking lot, driving in close quarters with other vehicles can be stressful for any driver. Two-thirds of the drivers who participated in the survey indicated they would be interested in systems that can help them see around other vehicles while backing out of a parking space and detect other vehicles that might be in a blind spot over their shoulders.

Meeting customer demands

“Basic transportation has long been the dominant style in the midsize family sedan segment,” says Amy Marentic, Ford Group Marketing manager. “This survey shows that as consumers have become accustomed to using electronic assistants in other aspects of life, they are increasingly recognizing how technology can help them cope with the stresses of driving.”

Fatigue or inattentiveness can lead to a car drifting out of its lane and eight in 10 of the surveyed drivers expressed interest in a system that could provide an alert or even help to keep the vehicle in the lane. Ford’s Lane-Keeping System uses a forward-facing camera to watch for visible road markings, alerting the driver by vibrating the steering wheel if the system senses the car drifting out of its lane. Fusion is the only car in the segment that also applies a torque to the steering wheel to help nudge the car back into the lane.

“With the emergence of sensor-packed smartphones over the past several years, consumers have become accustomed to using their electronic gadgets to realize real-world benefits such as finding their way in unfamiliar places, figuring out the best place to grab a meal and track their exercise,” says Sheryl Connelly, Ford manager of Global Trends and Futuring. “Advanced driver assistance features bring those benefits to the driving experience by extending the driver’s senses beyond the car.”

While respondents almost universally consider themselves to be safe behind the wheel, the majority also acknowledge that they engage in other activities when they are behind the wheel. Three-quarters admit to eating or drinking behind the wheel and more than half have exceeded the speed limit or used a hand-held mobile phone. Eighty-three percent admit that either they or someone they know has driven when very tired.

Adult American drivers are self-aware enough to recognize the flaws in their own driving habits and express interest in technological aids.

“We see the driver as always being at the center of control of the vehicle,” said Randy Visintainer, director of Ford Research and Innovation. “With improvements in sensing and control technologies, we can now provide unprecedented levels of assistance to drivers.”

While understanding it is critical that drivers always retain full control of their vehicle, Ford engineers recognize there will always be situations where they can use some help, says Visintainer, so they’ve developed a full suite of driver assistance technologies to help mitigate the risks. Until now, it’s only been possible to get many of these features in luxury cars costing $100,000 or more.

The 2013 Ford Fusion is the first and only entry to offer all of these features in the most popular segment in the American car market including:

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) with cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support
• Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert System
• Active park assist
• Rear-view camera system
• SYNC^®

Midsize sedan driver assist feature comparison

“In the early weeks of taking orders for the new Fusion, customer interest in these driver assist features is translating into strong demand,” says Marentic. “More than 14 percent of the orders so far include the Driver Assist Package (BLIS, Lane-Keeping System, auto high-beams and rain-sensing wipers), exceeding our expectations.”

Fusion is the first mainstream midsize sedan to offer adaptive cruise control and more than 5 percent of customers so far are requesting this radar-based system that also incorporates forward collision warning.

For 2013, all new Fusions include the award-winning SYNC in-vehicle connectivity system as standard equipment. More than half of the respondents in the survey acknowledge they have used a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Fifty percent of customers so far are getting the enhanced voice control provided by MyFord Touch^®, which is optional on Fusion SE and standard on Titanium models.

When the NASCAR Sprint Cup series wraps up its 2012 season at Homestead Raceway in November a brand new 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium will lead the field to the green flag. Once the checkered flag drops on the EcoBoost® 400, that same car will find [...]]]> Matt Kenseth with the Fusion Pace Car

When the NASCAR Sprint Cup series wraps up its 2012 season at Homestead Raceway in November a brand new 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium will lead the field to the green flag. Once the checkered flag drops on the EcoBoost^® 400, that same car will find a new home in the garage of one lucky race fan.

Fans have until Nov. 18, to enter The Sprint “Win a Fusion Pace Car” Sweepstakes — powered by Ford for a chance to win the Fusion powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine that sends it 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque through a paddle-shift six-speed transmission. Anyone that wants a chance to win can log on to Sprint.com/Speed via their smartphones or computer, or stop by the Sprint Experience, Sprint’s mobile-marketing display located in the midway at every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Source: Ford Racing

The beauty of the new 2013 Ford Fusion is way more than skin deep but it’s that sleek body that first grabs your eye before you get coddled by the impressive new interior. This week, Ford teamed up with Milk Studios to present a multimedia exhibition inspired by the Fusion.

Six multimedia artists including [...]]]>

The beauty of the new 2013 Ford Fusion is way more than skin deep but it’s that sleek body that first grabs your eye before you get coddled by the impressive new interior. This week, Ford teamed up with Milk Studios to present a multimedia exhibition inspired by the Fusion.

Six multimedia artists including Pharrell Williams, entrepreneur and musician; Matthew Williams, previous creative director for Lady Gaga who now collaborates with Kanye West and ShowStudio; and Cyril Duval, renowned fashion and conceptual art designer. Other artists are Nathaniel Brown, WIFE and Brian DeGraw. The artists created original visual and audio works that were shown in New York this week before moving to Los Angeles on August 29. After the Los Angeles show some of the pieces will be donated to art and design schools in New York, Los Angeles and Detroit to inspire the next generation of designers.

Check out Wall to Wall: The Fusion Collective at fusionists.co

Source: New York Times

The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion bristles with advanced technology, but not all of it is readily visible including the space shuttle material used in the turbocharger. Despite the fact that you will probably never see the turbine wheel in the turbocharger of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine, you will feel its [...]]]>

The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion bristles with advanced technology, but not all of it is readily visible including the space shuttle material used in the turbocharger. Despite the fact that you will probably never see the turbine wheel in the turbocharger of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine, you will feel its effect when you put your right foot down.

The turbine wheel has to withstand a lot of abuse as it spins up in the hot exhaust gas stream to pump more air into the EcoBoost engine. Engineers from BorgWarner^TM and Ford selected the same nickel-cobalt-tungsten superalloy used for the high-pressure turbopumps in the shuttle main engines to ensure durability. Fortunately the EcoBoost engine helps make the Fusion a lot more fuel efficient than the shuttle. Check out the graphic after the jump to see more of a comparison between the Fusion and the shuttle.

Source: Autoblog.com

Vehicle electrification is a critical component of Ford’s Power of Choice strategy and our latest investment will only reinforce that. Ford is investing $135 million to create the Advanced Electrification Center (AEC) at the Product Development Center in Dearborn, Mich.

There are already over 1,000 engineers working on [...]]]>

Vehicle electrification is a critical component of Ford’s Power of Choice strategy and our latest investment will only reinforce that. Ford is investing $135 million to create the Advanced Electrification Center (AEC) at the Product Development Center in Dearborn, Mich.

There are already over 1,000 engineers working on electrification projects including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric powertrains, Auto Start-Stop and battery testing at AEC with more being added. The new investment will enable a doubling of battery testing capability in Dearborn and bringing new electrified vehicles to market 25 percent sooner.

Ford was the first American automaker to introduce production hybrid electric vehicles and the 2010 Fusion Hybrid was the most fuel efficient midsize sedan in America. This year Ford has launched America’s most efficient compact five-passenger car, the Focus Electric. The new third-generation hybrid system is coming in the C-Max Hybrid, C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid, Fusion Hybrid and the plug-in Fusion Energi.

Many vehicles today carry a hybrid or plug-in hybrid badge, but not all of them are created equal. After more than four years of field testing, Ford will be launching its first production plug-in hybrids later this year with the 2013 Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi.

We recently announced that C-Max Energi [...]]]>

Many vehicles today carry a hybrid or plug-in hybrid badge, but not all of them are created equal. After more than four years of field testing, Ford will be launching its first production plug-in hybrids later this year with the 2013 Fusion Energi and C-Max Energi.

We recently announced that C-Max Energi will be able to go up to 85 mph even with the gasoline engine completely off and cover 20 miles gas-free. Brad Berman of PlugInCars.com spoke with C-Max chief engineer John Davis and learned that Ford’s first PHEV is significantly more capable than the Toyota Prius PHV.

In addition to going farther and faster on electrons than the Prius, the C-Max also gives the driver more control over how to use the energy in the battery. Both the C-Max and Fusion will have an EV mode button that the driver can use to force the vehicle to run from the battery or operate in standard hybrid mode, saving the battery power for later, such as driving in city traffic. The driver can also select EV: Auto mode and let the system decide when to use the battery power.

John Voelcker of GreenCarReports.com goes further and ponders whether the Fusion Energi is more of a competitor to the Chevrolet Volt.  We haven’t finished certifying the new Fusion Energi yet, but we’re projecting our midsize sedan PHEV will get over 100 MPGe when running off the battery, topping the 98 MPGe of the Volt and significantly better mileage when running in hybrid mode as well. The Fusion also offers substantially more interior space with room for five adults compared to the four that can squeeze into the compact Volt.

Stay tuned for more details on the Fusion Energi and the C-Max Energi in the coming weeks and months.

Sources: GreenCarReports and PlugInCars

Back in early May we launched a preliminary configurator for the all-new 2013  Fusion so that we could get an idea of what equipment combinations customers would be most interested in. That information helps us plan our production schedules and parts supplies so that we can deliver the cars that customers want.

We were [...]]]>

Back in early May we launched a preliminary configurator for the all-new 2013  Fusion so that we could get an idea of what equipment combinations customers would be most interested in. That information helps us plan our production schedules and parts supplies so that we can deliver the cars that customers want.

We were pleasantly surprised to find that there was a strong interest in the new Driver Assist package that includes the Blind Spot Indicator System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping System, driver monitoring, auto high-beams, rain-sensing wipers and a 110V AC outlet. Over 25 percent of all the builds included this option. In addition to the Driver Assist package, customers can also select options like active park assist, adaptive cruise control and the Technology package that includes the rear view camera and MyFord^® Touch.

Ford is bringing the most complete suite of advanced driver assist technologies in the world to the highest volume car segment in America. The Driver Assist package is available on the 2013 Fusion SE, Fusion Titanium and Fusion Hybrid. Build your own Fusion today.

Source: The Car Connection

This week Ford launched production of its new third generation hybrid transmissions at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights. With a $220 million investment in the plant for production of the HF35 transmission, Ford is adding 225 new jobs and becoming the only producer of front-wheel-drive hybrid transmissions in North [...]]]>

This week Ford launched production of its new third generation hybrid transmissions at the Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights. With a $220 million investment in the plant for production of the HF35 transmission, Ford is adding 225 new jobs and becoming the only producer of front-wheel-drive hybrid transmissions in North America.

The dual-electric-motor HF35 transmission will find a home in the all-new 2013 C-Max and Fusion Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrids.  The hybrid models are both projected to achieve 47 MPG city. The plug-in C-Max Energi is projected to 95 MPGe combined while the Fusion Energi is projected to top 100 MPGe.

Source: BusinessWeek

When the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi arrives later this year, drivers will be able to take advantage of MyFord Mobile to maximize the miles they drive gas-free in the plug-in hybrid midsize sedan.

One of the key features of the app and the accompanying web portal is the charging station finder. Drivers can use [...]]]>

When the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi arrives later this year, drivers will be able to take advantage of MyFord Mobile to maximize the miles they drive gas-free in the plug-in hybrid midsize sedan.

One of the key features of the app and the accompanying web portal is the charging station finder. Drivers can use the Mapquest-powered system to locate public charging stations to replenish the lithium ion battery while running errands. Drivers of Ford plug-in vehicles can also use the app or portal to manage when to charge, the current state of the battery and even pre-heat or cool the car while it’s plugged in.

The Fusion Energi is projected to get over 100 MPGe with 20 miles of electric driving before switching over to standard hybrid mode.

The smartphone app is available now for the 2012 Focus Electric and the upcoming C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid.

Source: Detroit News

Quality has long been one of those “I’ll know it when I see it” or feel it features of a new car. Customers can sense vehicle quality, or the lack of it, but describing exactly what they like can  be difficult to quantify. While intuition goes a long way toward [...]]]>

Quality has long been one of those “I’ll know it when I see it” or feel it features of a new car. Customers can sense vehicle quality, or the lack of it, but describing exactly what they like can  be difficult to quantify. While intuition goes a long way toward designing an appealing product, engineers also need to be able to quantify what customers want in a new vehicle.

That’s where the Robotized Unit for Tactility and Haptics or RUTH as she is commonly known in the Ford test labs comes in. RUTH was originally developed at Ford’s research labs in Aachen, Germany and the latest version is now being used at the Product Development Center in Dearborn to translate the customer feedback about feels good or not so good in a vehicle cabin in numbers that engineers can put into product specifications.

RUTH pushes, prods and pokes the seats, switches and materials in the cabin to determine if the parts have the right quality feel and then the data is correlated with human feedback before a vehicle like the 2013 Fusion goes into production.

Source: CNet

Recently more than 250 members of the media visited Dearborn during the Further with Ford event to sample our 2013 lineup and learn more about how our cars and trucks are developed. Mike Perlman of TechnoBuffalo.com posted a video of showing how aerodynamics engineers evaluated the all-new 2013 Fusion in Ford’s full-scale wind tunnel [...]]]>

Recently more than 250 members of the media visited Dearborn during the Further with Ford event to sample our 2013 lineup and learn more about how our cars and trucks are developed. Mike Perlman of TechnoBuffalo.com posted a video of showing how aerodynamics engineers evaluated the all-new 2013 Fusion in Ford’s full-scale wind tunnel lab.

The stylish new Fusion slips through the air with 10% less resistance than the outgoing model so the the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to get you where you are going.  The slick new bodywork will combine with the advanced EcoBoost, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options to give the Fusion outstanding fuel efficiency no matter what power you choose.

Source: TechnoBuffalo

Recently we told you about Ryan Seacrest’s latest project to introduce the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion to America. With so much about the 2013 Fusion that is new, Ryan will need some help so he has recruited comedian and actor Joel McHale to commit some with “Random Acts of Fusion.” In the first episode, [...]]]>

Recently we told you about Ryan Seacrest’s latest project to introduce the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion to America. With so much about the 2013 Fusion that is new, Ryan will need some help so he has recruited comedian and actor Joel McHale to commit some with “Random Acts of Fusion.” In the first episode, Joel gets a delivery.

The engineering team that developed Auto Start-Stop for the new 2013 Ford Fusion put a lot of effort into making the system would save money at the pump without being bothersome to the driver. In this video program manager Birgit Sorgenfrei and engineering supervisor Kirk explain how the system works and some of the [...]]]>

The engineering team that developed Auto Start-Stop for the new 2013 Ford Fusion put a lot of effort into making the system would save money at the pump without being bothersome to the driver. In this video program manager Birgit Sorgenfrei and engineering supervisor Kirk explain how the system works and some of the unique control strategies that help the system achieve quick, robust restarts while keeping passengers comfortable even on hot summer days. So far those efforts have yielded more than 25 patent applications.

The new Fusion will be the first non-hybrid Ford vehicle available in America with Auto Start-Stop. At just $295, Auto Start-Stop can pay for itself in fuel savings in less than 18 months.

[Source: Ford]

 A completely redesigned Ford Fusion is coming to the roads of America this fall and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will be taking center stage in a new transmedia campaign to introduce it.

As the host of Random Acts of Fusion, Seacrest will take America through a [...]]]>

 A completely redesigned Ford Fusion is coming to the roads of America this fall and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will be taking center stage in a new transmedia campaign to introduce it.

As the host of Random Acts of Fusion, Seacrest will take America through a story arc using a wide variety of online and broadcast media over the coming months. Americans that want an opportunity to get their hands on the new Fusion early can participate in this innovative experiential campaign. Just head over to the Fusion Facebook page and like this post.

Source: Forbes

The interior of all-new 2013 Ford Fusion is designed to comfortably accommodate drivers, passengers and all the various items we use in our daily life. Sunglasses consistently rank near the top of the list of bits and pieces we keep in the car and Ford engineer Jamie Forbes and his team made sure that [...]]]>

The interior of all-new 2013 Ford Fusion is designed to comfortably accommodate drivers, passengers and all the various items we use in our daily life. Sunglasses consistently rank near the top of the list of bits and pieces we keep in the car and Ford engineer Jamie Forbes and his team made sure that no matter what style you wear, they will fit in the Fusion.

Forbes, Sejal Shreffler and others collected over 100 different pairs of sunglasses ranging from slim wire frames to massive designer styles and scanned them into a digital library with a laser measuring machine. Using this library of virtual sunglasses, they made sure that the storage compartment in the Fusion could accommodate over 95% of the available styles.

No matter what your taste in eyewear, the new Fusion will store them safely and securely when they aren’t on your face.

Source: USAToday.com

When people think of the materials that go into a car, steel, glass, plastic and rubber usually come to mind first. The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion features an array of recycled and plant-based materials throughout the car.

Recycled cotton scraps from demin production is turned into sound deadening [...]]]>

When people think of the materials that go into a car, steel, glass, plastic and rubber usually come to mind first. The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion features an array of recycled and plant-based materials throughout the car.

Recycled cotton scraps from demin production is turned into sound deadening material that helps to keep the Fusion interior quiet and serene.  Approximately 31,250 soybeans are used in every Fusion to create the foam for seat cushions, seat backs and head restraints contributing to savings of 5 million pounds of petroleum and more than 20 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

Learn more about how plastic bottles and used battery casings fit into the 2013 Fusion at media.ford.com.

Attendees at the Movement Electronic Music Festival in downtown Detroit this Memorial Day weekend will be treated to three all new compositions that feature the “Sounds of Fusion.” Joshua Harrison, Keith Kemp and Tom Newman recently spent an afternoon with a prototype 2013 Ford Fusion Energi recording an array of sound samples such as door slams, [...]]]>

Attendees at the Movement Electronic Music Festival in downtown Detroit this Memorial Day weekend will be treated to three all new compositions that feature the “Sounds of Fusion.” Joshua Harrison, Keith Kemp and Tom Newman recently spent an afternoon with a prototype 2013 Ford Fusion Energi recording an array of sound samples such as door slams, chimes, gear shifts and more.

Ford sound quality engineers including Alexander Petniunas and Ramita Chawla spent the development period of the Fusion making their own recordings of every note in the new Fusion. Through a collaboration with the other designers and engineers on the team, they have carefully tuned the interaction of the components in the car to create a soundtrack that fits with the car’s premium style and driving dynamics.

Techno Music and Midsize Sedan Features Create a Fusion of Sound

• Detroit-area Techno artists Joshua Harrison, Keith Kemp and Tom Newman sampled sounds from the 2013 Ford Fusion – both natural noises like windows going up and down, and digital creations from the car’s sound bank like the welcome chimes – to make original electronic music
• All sounds produced by Fusion are painstakingly inspected and are designed to provide a specific driver or passenger response
• The musicians were provided by Paxahau – organizers of the Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit – continuing a relationship between Ford and the festival

 

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Chris Hamilton, chief designer for the 2013 Fusion recently visited the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management for a conference titled The Autonomous Vehicle – 2012. During the conference organized by the New England Motor press Association, Hamilton received the Gene Ritvo Award for Design and Elegance on behalf of the entire Fusion design team.

“When [...]]]>

Chris Hamilton, chief designer for the 2013 Fusion recently visited the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management for a conference titled The Autonomous Vehicle – 2012. During the conference organized by the New England Motor press Association, Hamilton received the Gene Ritvo Award for Design and Elegance on behalf of the entire Fusion design team.

“When reviewing all the entries for the Design and Elegance Award,” said Meghan Melvin of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, “we appreciated the simplicity of line of the Fusion’s detailing, the subtle shaping of the hood and the distinctive front composition of the vehicle.”

Following the award presentation, Hamilton discussed the design direction for the next generation of Ford vehicles including the 2013 Fusion with Dan Roth of Autoblog.

The engine mantra “there’s no replacement for displacement” is rapidly being consigned to the dustbin of history. In today’s edition of Automotive News, the editors take a look at the trend toward smaller engines across the transportation landscape.

With our Ecoboost® engine strategy Ford has rapidly become one of the industry leaders in bringing [...]]]>

The engine mantra “there’s no replacement for displacement” is rapidly being consigned to the dustbin of history. In today’s edition of Automotive News, the editors take a look at the trend toward smaller engines across the transportation landscape.

With our Ecoboost® engine strategy Ford has rapidly become one of the industry leaders in bringing smaller, more efficient engines to high-volume, mainstream vehicles. Beginning with the 2010 debut of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, gasoline-turbocharged-direct-injections engines have contributed fuel efficiency improvements of up to 20% without sacrificing the capability of the larger engines they are replacing.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 now regularly accounts for over 40% of sales in the full-size F150 pickups. By the end of this year, 12 different Ford and Lincoln models will be available with EcoBoost engines.

When the all-new 2013 Fusion arrives later this year, the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engines are expected to the account for the bulk of sales with the 1.6-liter expected to achieve at least 37 mpg on the highway.

Learn more about EcoBoost engines at http://www.ford.com/technology/ and http://fordfusionstory.com/mpg/

Commuting is rarely much fun but the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion features the most comprehensive suite of driver assist technologies in the midsize sedan segment. Functions including the Lane-Keeping System, Driver Alert System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS ®), active park assist, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and a rear view camera can look [...]]]> To view the flash content, please go to 2013 Fusion Driver Assist Technologies Make Life Safer and Less Stressful

Commuting is rarely much fun but the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion features the most comprehensive suite of driver assist technologies in the midsize sedan segment. Functions including the Lane-Keeping System, Driver Alert System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS ^®), active park assist, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and a rear view camera can look into the spaces the driver can’t see to help keep the driver informed and alert.

By extending the driver’s own senses beyond the edge of the car, driving becomes safer and less stressful. Learn more about Fusion driver assist systems at media.ford.com and check out this story at Wired.

Members of the media and the public won’t get to drive the all-new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid for a few more months yet but the production Focus Electric has been hitting the streets of San Francisco this week. The Fusion Energi will be sharing a lot of technology with the plug-in Focus including its [...]]]>

Members of the media and the public won’t get to drive the all-new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid for a few more months yet but the production Focus Electric has been hitting the streets of San Francisco this week. The Fusion Energi will be sharing a lot of technology with the plug-in Focus including its embedded cellular data connection and MyFord Mobile.

Myriam Joire of Engadget had a chance to take a battery-powered Focus for a spin and then chat with Bill Frykman, Ford Business and Product Development Manager about MyFord Mobile. The app and the built-in data connection will let drivers monitor the state of charge of the battery, set charging to start automatically when utility rates drop to their lowest off-peak prices and even earn game-style achievements based on how efficiently they drive.

via Engadget

Nancy explained that Ford is already well on the way to addressing these concerns and developing more solutions to deal with other issues including increasing urbanization.

There is no silver bullet to [...]]]> Nancy Gioia, Ford’s director of global electrification recently spoke with CaliforniaWatch about how we’re going to deal with both environmental concerns and rising fuel prices.

Nancy explained that Ford is already well on the way to addressing these concerns and developing more solutions to deal with other issues including increasing urbanization.

There is no silver bullet to reducing the environmental impact of transportation so Ford is offering customers Power of Choice. Whether it’s EcoBoost®, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery electric Ford is creating affordable solutions for every need.

Read the full interview at CaliforniaWatch.

March 14 is Pi Day (3/14 = 3.14 = π) and we’re celebrating math and its critical importance in developing modern cars. Whether we’re managing the fuel going into the engine, controlling the electric motors in a hybrid, or helping to avoid accidents with lane keeping and collision mitigation, mathematical equations are used to process [...]]]>

March 14 is Pi Day (3/14 = 3.14 = π) and we’re celebrating math and its critical importance in developing modern cars. Whether we’re managing the fuel going into the engine, controlling the electric motors in a hybrid, or helping to avoid accidents with lane keeping and collision mitigation, mathematical equations are used to process the sensor signals and then activate the hardware.

The next time a student asks what algebra and geometry are good for in the real world, just point them at this video and tell them we couldn’t drive without it.

We welcome [...]]]> Welcome to the 2013 Ford Fusion Story Latest News section! As we approach the production launch of the new Fusion later this year, we’ll be posting more information about this amazing new car and the people that helped create it. We’ll also be posting links to what others are saying about the Fusion.

We welcome you share these posts and your thoughts on your favorite social networks. Please come back and check out the site regularly and subscribe to the RSS feed so you don’t miss anything.

That all changes [...]]]> For many years now NASCAR has strived to provide fans with close racing  by providing a level technical playing field for all competitors. In recent years that has meant the cars representing different brands have come to look more like each other than the cars wearing those same badges on the street.

That all changes when the 2013 Sprint Cup season opens next February as the cars get new shapes that now look much more like their road-going siblings. The first of the 2013 Sprint Cup models to make its debut is the all-new Ford Fusion which now shares some of the sleek aerodynamics of the car we revealed at the North American International Auto Show in January.

Manufacturer brand identity is back in NASCAR.

The 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car, unveiled today as part of the Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour, was worked on by Ford designers in an effort to bring brand identity back to the sport. The result is undeniable with the 2013 Sprint Cup car mirroring the recently unveiled 2013 Ford Fusion production car.

Featuring a completely redesigned sleek new silhouette and fresh face, the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup car was designed to be the face of a new era of stock car racing.

”We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ‘stock car’ to NASCAR.” stated Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to reengage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways.”

This marks the third time Ford simultaneously launched production and NASCAR versions of a new model. The first dual launch came in 1968, with the sleek fastback Ford Torino. Legendary NASCAR driver David Pearson drove the Torino to back-to-back NASCAR championships in 1968 and 1969. The second time came in 2006, when the then newly introduced Ford Fusion appeared in showrooms and on the track.

Ford took a different approach with the development of the 2013 Fusion racer. Ford Design Center staff, led by Garen Nicoghosian, and Ford aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus, spent the past year doing the early design development, freeing up the Ford race teams to concentrate on weekly NASCAR competition.

“This is a seminal moment in the sport where we had a chance to get it right once again and make sure the race cars are race versions of street cars. And I am proud because I believe we have accomplished just that,” continued Allison. “The 2013 Fusion is a stunning car and the 2013 NASCAR Fusion is even more stunning and I can’t wait to see it perform on the track and connect with race fans.”

Ford designers, led by Nicoghosian, addressed three main issues to mirror the 2013 Sprint Cup Fusion to the 2013 production Fusion found on showroom floors.

Design Features of the 2013 Fusion Sprint Cup Car

• Designers addressed the overall proportion of the race car to reflect proportions found in the production Fusion.
• Brand and design cues in the side of the vehicle.
• An identifiable front end grill with the distinctive look of a Ford.

“It looks fun to drive and very much eager to go and tear up the track. It has a very aggressive stance from the outside and the inside. From all angles the vehicle exudes performance and I think it reflects our general attitude of how we go about setting up our cars very, very nicely,” said Nicoghosian. “It brings a certain level of nimbleness and lightness and agility to the NASCAR platform, much like we do in our production cars, because all of our production cars have that nimbleness and agility and eagerness about them.”

The new NASCAR Fusion entries will be tested throughout the 2012 campaign in preparation for their racing debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 in February.

Getting a mid-size sedan to achieve an expected 47 miles per gallon in the city is no simple matter and it required a lot of technological innovations.  Over the past dozen years and three generations of hardware, Ming Kuang and the rest of the hybrid engineering team at Ford have been refining the gasoline-electric powertrain [...]]]>

Getting a mid-size sedan to achieve an expected 47 miles per gallon in the city is no simple matter and it required a lot of technological innovations.  Over the past dozen years and three generations of hardware, Ming Kuang and the rest of the hybrid engineering team at Ford have been refining the gasoline-electric powertrain to improve its efficiency and make its performance as seamless as possible.

On the way to achieving such impressive fuel efficiency, the team has earned 461 patents related to hybrid technology with Kuang having his name on 40 of them.

Ford Earns Nearly 500 Hybrid Patents with 47-mpg Fusion Hybrid, Projected as America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Sedan

• New Ford innovations have led to a 50-fold increase in hybrid patents to nearly 500, which is expected to help the new Fusion Hybrid achieve an unprecedented 47 mpg and would make it America’s most fuel-efficient, non-rechargeable sedan
• Ford’s transformed lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles reflects a continued commitment to growing the company’s intellectual property portfolio with significant investments during economic downturn
• New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains – each with expected top fuel economy – underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 14, 2012 – The road to the new Ford Fusion Hybrid’s 47 mpg – expected to be America’s most fuel-efficient non-rechargeable sedan – can be traced back to Ford’s electrified vehicle team and the nearly 500 patents Ford now holds for its hybrid technology.

“Ford continued to invest to develop new products like our new Fusion hybrids during the depths of the economic downturn,” said Chuck Gray, Ford chief engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. “We succeeded in transforming our lineup with leading fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the many Ford inventors who are helping make our Fusion Hybrid America’s most fuel-efficient sedan.”

One of those inventors is Ming Kuang, who has helped grow Ford’s hybrid patent portfolio from 10 in 2000 to nearly 500 today.

Kuang’s reason is simple, even though his inventions are complex and among the most advanced technologies available on Ford Motor Company hybrid vehicles.

“The work on the Fusion Hybrid is all about a commitment I made a long time ago to have a positive effect on our environment,” said Kuang. “It’s about helping make the world my children live in – and the world my children’s children will live in – a better place.”

Kuang, 52, is technical leader in vehicle controls at Ford Electrification Research and Advanced Engineering in Dearborn, Mich.

Kuang’s innovations can be found throughout Ford’s transformed lineup, one-third of which will feature a model with 40 mpg or more in 2012 and build on the company’s commitment to go further by giving fuel-efficiency-minded customers the power of choice.

His name is on 40 of the 461 patents held by Ford that fall under the hybrid category. Twenty-five of the 40 patents are in production including key components of Ford’s innovative powersplit architecture system found on vehicles like the all-new Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.

The all-new Fusion Hybrid is anticipated to deliver 47 mpg city and 44 mpg highway and the new Fusion Energi, arriving this fall, is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe – more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

For example, one patent covers the display system for the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid that shows how efficiently the power of the car is being used. Fusion Energi, scheduled to be available later this year, is projected to achieve a better miles per gallon equivalent in electric mode than Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.

“I’m proud to have always had the resources and freedom to keep pushing forward on innovations for those vehicles,” said Kuang. “Being part of an organization that has so much respect for research and advanced engineering is what really gets me out of bed every day.”

Hybrid patents – yesterday and today

As recent as 2000 Ford owned just 10 patents that it classified as hybrid technology.

Things slowly began to change with the evolution of the Escape Hybrid – the first hybrid vehicle from a U.S.-based automaker that was designed and developed in the early 2000s. Still, by 2002 Ford only had approximately 30 hybrid patents.

Kuang, who graduated from the University of California-Davis in 1991, was at Ford in those early days of hybrid technology development.

“The level of cohesiveness wasn’t anywhere close to where it is today,” said Kuang. For example, research and advanced engineering and product development didn’t work as closely as they do today, slowing the pace of innovation.

However, the amount of green patent activity began to increase significantly in the mid-2000s, Kuang said. With the launch of the One Ford strategy designed in large part to accelerate development of new products customers want and value, a more efficient method of innovation emerged.

“We stopped trying to create and fix one-off, niche vehicles, and it made all the difference in the world,” he said.

With better collaboration, inventors are more in tune to where opportunities exist. In the last three years alone, the number of inventions submitted to Ford’s legal team to be considered for patents has increased more than 25 percent.

But David Kelley, a Ford attorney who handles hybrid patents, said Ford doesn’t engage in the practice of getting patents for the mere sake of getting patents.

“We get the high-quality patents that Ford really needs,” said Kelley. “With the high level of innovation from people like Ming, it makes sense that we should see our hybrid patent levels increase the way they have.”

Eric Kuehn, Ford’s chief engineer, global electrified programs, said that level of innovation makes him happy to be part of the team working on vehicles including the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.

“One of the best parts of being involved with Ford’s electrified vehicle group is that they are never satisfied,” said Kuehn. “They are always striving to go further and see how far they can push toward creating even larger gaps between Ford and its competitors. That is ingrained in the culture and mindset of the team here and isn’t going to change anytime soon.”

Ford SYNC® has been heralded as the industry leader when it comes to in-car connectivity ever since it debuted in 2007. Since that time more than 4 million drivers have been able to easily connect and control their mobile phones and media players using simple voice commands for hands-free control. When the all-new 2013 [...]]]>

Ford SYNC® has been heralded as the industry leader when it comes to in-car connectivity ever since it debuted in 2007. Since that time more than 4 million drivers have been able to easily connect and control their mobile phones and media players using simple voice commands for hands-free control. When the all-new 2013 Fusion goes on sale later this year, every customer will be able to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road with standard SYNC.

SYNC Accelerates into 2013 as Standard Equipment on New Ford Fusion and Flex

• 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC® as standard equipment on all trim levels
• Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity system introduced in 2007, now is installed in more than 4 million Ford Motor Company vehicles
• Powered by the Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive platform, SYNC has created the “upgradeable car,” allowing new features and improvements to be seamlessly integrated on a pace with consumer trends and preferences

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 9, 2012 – Drivers of more than 4 million vehicles already take advantage of mobile device connectivity provided by Ford SYNC®, which is available as either optional or standard equipment on every new Ford sold in NorthAmerica. That population is set to grow even more for 2013 as the all-new Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC as standard equipment.

Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has been recognized as the industry-leading system for connecting mobile phones and media players and enabling hands-free use through a simple and reliable voice-control system.

“Ford SYNC technology has led the industry in transforming the way we connect to our cars,” said Dave Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. “SYNC has enabled Ford drivers to take advantage of the latest communication and entertainment technology with an easily upgradeable architecture that is friendly to use.”

Every all-new Fusion from the base car through to the advanced plug-in Fusion Energi, as well as the redesigned Flex, will be equipped with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or top-of-the-line MyFord Touch® interface. Compatible phones and media players can be connected to SYNC through a standard USB port or wirelessly via Bluetooth®.

Nine states have now completely banned the use of hand-held phones by drivers with at least 35 states prohibiting texting behind the wheel. At the same time, Americans are more connected than ever, with the mobile industry trade group CTIA estimating more than 300 million cell phones were in use in the United States by mid-2011.

Hands-free, voice-activated control of music playback and phone calls enables drivers to drive safer by keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. With a connected mobile phone, drivers can also use SYNC Services to get voice-activated access to a cloud-based network of information including traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions.

In the event of an accident, SYNC 911 Assist™ can directly call emergency services and transmit the vehicle location to first responders.

Upgradeability

Fusion and Flex drivers aren’t limited to the SYNC functionality that was built in when they bought the car. As new features are added to SYNC, owners can visit SYNCMyRide.com to download free updates to a USB flash drive that can be loaded into the car.

Drivers today spend more time on the road than ever before, and Ford recognizes the need to stay safe and connected. The redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion and Flex will lead the way to a projected 9 million more SYNC-powered vehicles over the next three years.

Every January at the conclusion of the media previews for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the editors from Autoweek get together to select their favorite new vehicles in several categories. This year they named the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion by naming the Best in Show.

“A lot of times the best [...]]]>

Every January at the conclusion of the media previews for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the editors from Autoweek get together to select their favorite new vehicles in several categories. This year they named the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion by naming the Best in Show.

“A lot of times the best in show is won by a sports car or some kind of sexy two-seater,” said editor Wes Raynal. “It’s very rare that a mid-size sedan wins best in show, so it’s a good little coup for the Fusion.”

The global design and engineering teams that crafted the new Fusion are proud to have received this honor and they hope that car buyers will appreciate their creation just as much when it goes on sale later this year.

Ford Fusion Earns Autoweek’s Highest Honor: Named Best in Show at North American International Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 12, 2012 – Just days after being revealed to the world, the new Ford Fusion is already bringing home awards. The Autoweek editorial staff has chosen Fusion for its Best in Show award at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The selection is based on one compelling measurement – the car people will remember most five years from now.

“It’s very rare for a midsize sedan to win Best in Show,” said Autoweek Editor Wes Raynal. “I think it’s the first of a lot of awards the Fusion is going to win this year.”

For more information, check out these links: For photos, click here and here. For video of the awards presentation, click here. To read the Autoweek story, click here.

The highest award from Autoweekcomes just one day after the car received the prestigious Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s EyesOn Design award at NAIAS.

Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford. It is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

“I’ve been with the company for 13 years,” said J Mays, Ford chief creative officer, “and I can truly say this is the best car ever to come out of the design and engineering center in Dearborn. We are delighted for the entire global design team, because this really was a global effort.”

Fusion is being revealed in North America in S, SE and the range-topping Titanium series, and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets.

Smart, sleek and fresh, the new Fusion is set to change how people think about midsize sedans, elevating the game with jaw-dropping fuel economy and the smart technology and refinement typically found in cars costing thousands more. From its groundbreaking design to its enhanced craftsmanship, Fusion is setting a higher standard.

The all-new Fusion will be on public display – along with other award-winning Ford vehicles – in Detroit’s Cobo Hall through Jan. 22.

Smart, sleek and fresh, the new Ford Fusion is a car that will change how people think about midsize sedans, elevating the game with the best fuel economy and the smart technology and refinement typically found in cars costing thousands more. From its groundbreaking design to its enhanced craftsmanship, Fusion sets a [...]]]>

Smart, sleek and fresh, the new Ford Fusion is a car that will change how people think about midsize sedans, elevating the game with the best fuel economy and the smart technology and refinement typically found in cars costing thousands more. From its groundbreaking design to its enhanced craftsmanship, Fusion sets a higher standard.

The flowing lines, the precise detailing, the soft-touch interior is designed to offer a memorable visual and tactile experience – this is a car built with the driver in mind. In other words, customers see quality, and they feel it, too.

CEO Alan Mulally on One Ford

As the new face of Ford, Fusion takes design in a whole new direction. The streamlined silhouette creates a lean, sporty look that improves aerodynamic efficiency. The smart execution of elements such as the low-profile headlamps and taillamps visually foreshadows the intuitive technology within. Finally, Fusion’s refined, simplified surface and sweeping rear roofline demonstrate that understatement is the true key to style.

The importance of the mid-size segment

Fusion is as efficient as it is beautiful. It elevates everything, effortlessly blending form with function. Its unprecedented fuel efficiency – with EcoBoost, 47-mpg hybrids and 100+ MPGe electrified vehicles – is poised to squeeze the most from every drop of gas without sacrificing driving pleasure.

Building a better Fusion through global development with Raj Nair

Fusion is a dynamic car, one that’s fun to drive whether it’s a long journey on the open road or just a meandering trip to the coffee shop across town. Revised front and rear suspension layouts combine with new tuning for the electrically assisted steering to deliver a driving experience typically found only in far more expensive European sports sedans.

The next-generation Fusion is equipped with an array of technologies to make driving more convenient – features that reduce stress and remind people of the pure pleasure of driving. Active park assist helps identify and steer you into a suitable parking space. Ford’s immensely popular SYNC® system allows for voice-activated calling, and available MyFord Touch® is simpler to use. Other driver-assist technologies like Blind Spot Information System and Lane Keeping Assist provide for greater confidence behind the wheel.

Safety is key in the Fusion. Designed to meet stringent global standards, safety has been taken to higher levels with the addition of first-row knee airbags. Body strength is increased by 10 percent and there is more use of high-strength steels throughout.

Ford’s marketing chief Jim Farley, on challenging expectations

Fusion carves a line, allowing customers to have the best of both worlds – what they want and what they need. They want style, they need safety. They crave fuel economy, they long for a sporty car that’s the envy of the neighborhood. Now, they can have more than they ever expected.

Upping its midsize sedan game, the new Ford Fusion brings unprecedented freedom to choose between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and gasoline engines to best suit individual customer preferences, driving styles and fuel-efficiency needs.

Fusion offers a pair of advanced EcoBoost® four-cylinder engines – combining smaller overall size with direct injection and a [...]]]>

Upping its midsize sedan game, the new Ford Fusion brings unprecedented freedom to choose between hybrid, plug-in hybrid and gasoline engines to best suit individual customer preferences, driving styles and fuel-efficiency needs.

Fusion offers a pair of advanced EcoBoost® four-cylinder engines – combining smaller overall size with direct injection and a turbocharger for fuel efficiency and uncompromised performance – smart downsizing that makes a V6 option unnecessary.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 178 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque with EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of up to 25 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost performance option will deliver 240 horsepower and return an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, up to 3 mpg better than the V6-powered Altima, Camry and Accord while offering more torque than any of them.

For buyers seeking the lowest initial cost, Fusion offers a 2.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, making 175 horsepower. This will provide estimated fuel efficiency of 22 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The dynamic new Fusion isn’t about idling. It innovates with an optional Auto Start-Stop system, paired with the convenience of an automatic transmission for even more fuel efficiency.

Turning the engine off during stops, the system seamlessly restarts the engine as you release the brake pedal to drive on. This provides a projected 3.5 percent overall fuel efficiency improvement and up to 10 percent in urban driving along with similar reductions in exhaust emissions. Available for just $295, Auto Start-Stop can save enough fuel in real-world urban driving, to pay for itself in less than 18 months.

The new Fusion Hybrid – generation three of Ford’s hybrid technology – employs lightweight, high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries and a reengineered hybrid transmission to boost fuel efficiency to  a class-leading 47 mpg in both city and highway driving, repective increases of almost 15 percent and 31 percent compared to the award-winning 2012 Fusion Hybrid. That’s 4 mpg better in the city and 8 mpg better on the highway than the Camry Hybrid!

Fusion Hybrid will be capable of up to 62 mph under pure electric power – 15 mph faster than the previous model – meaning less use of the new Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine itself has been downsized from 2.5 to 2.0 liters while delivering comparable power and improved fuel efficiency.

The Fusion Energi plug-in model is designed for people who care the most about energy efficiency. It is expected to deliver fuel efficiency of up to more than 100 MPGe, beating both the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius PHEV.

With the new EV+ mode selector, Fusion Energi allows you to select when to use the electricity stored in the battery. The driver can interact with and monitor Fusion Energi through the MyFord® Mobile smartphone application, and preprogram when to charge the car’s batteries at times when electrical demand and costs are lowest.

EcoBoost serves up a seemingly magical blend of a smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine that still provides the performance you can only get with a much larger V6 in sedans from other companies.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost [...]]]> Going green doesn’t mean sacrificing the pleasure of driving with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ engine in the new Fusion.

EcoBoost serves up a seemingly magical blend of a smaller, lighter, more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine that still provides the performance you can only get with a much larger V6 in sedans from other companies.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost sits at the performance pinnacle of the Fusion’s power of choice lineup with an expected output of 240 horsepower and a beefy 270 lb.-ft. of torque, 47 lb.-ft. more than the 3.0-liter V6 in the outgoing model. Thanks to the charge cooling effect of direct injection, EcoBoost engines can use higher compression for better torque and efficiency, even in light load conditions.

That means even a little engine can provide driveability superior to the much larger V6 powerplants found in in the Camry, Accord or Altima. Best of all, even performance-oriented Fusion drivers will spend less time at the gas pump because the 2.0-liter EcoBoost combined with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission is still expected to yield a segment-leading 23 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. That’s at least 2 mpg better than the V6-powered competition.

That’s pleasure without the guilt.

Imagine a car that extends and enhances your built-in senses to make driving safer and more enjoyable while reducing stress. Smart use of advanced driver assist technology gives the new Fusion its own sensory system that enables it to see, hear and feel as it eases your passage through the world.

Digital [...]]]>

Imagine a car that extends and enhances your built-in senses to make driving safer and more enjoyable while reducing stress. Smart use of advanced driver assist technology gives the new Fusion its own sensory system that enables it to see, hear and feel as it eases your passage through the world.

Digital cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors keep watch around the car, allowing it to peer into spaces the driver may not be able to see. When the corners of your car are out of view, the only thing harder than judging whether a gap is big enough to slip into is actually maneuvering the car. The sensors at each corner act like a pair of friends that provide guidance and steer the car precisely into place.

As you head out, the sensors can look past bigger vehicles as you emerge to make sure no one is speeding toward you. Out on the open road, the sensors keep an eye on your blind spots to make sure no one is hiding there before you change lanes.

If a distraction or strong crosswind causes an unplanned lane change, a new forward-looking camera scans the road ahead and provides a warning if you start drifting out of the lane. Lane-Keeping Assist can even gently steer the car back into the lane to help keep you safe.

Like a driver’s eyes, the camera is only sensitive to light, so Fusion now has an available radar sensor to power its adaptive cruise control and collision warning systems. When enabled, this sensor scans your path with reflected radio waves to measure the distance and closing speed to the vehicles down the road, allowing you to follow automatically while keeping a safe gap. If you get too close, the system can automatically energize the brakes to help prevent a collision.

Fusion is the only midsize family sedan available with this full suite of advanced driver assist technologies, making it the smartest car available for the money with capabilities that would cost more than $140,000 in the BMW 760Li!

Fusion also pays attention to your needs inside the cabin with hearing and touch. The capacitive touch control surfaces on the center console and display screen work just like modern tablets or mobile phones to provide a switch-free interface for media, navigation and climate controls using simple finger gestures and taps.

Like any good friend, Fusion listens, allowing you to set a comfortable cabin temperature, find your way home, or select favorite songs on mobile devices connected through SYNC® – all via the power of your voice.

The high-resolution touch screen display in [...]]]> In today’s world the increasing ubiquity of mobile broadband and smartphones means that we’re never entirely disconnected, even when we’re behind the wheel. With SYNC® and MyFord Touch®, drivers of the 2013 Fusion can take advantage of that constant data pipe to personalize their in-car information and entertainment experience.

The high-resolution touch screen display in the center of the dashboard features new, simpler graphics that are easier to read at a glance along with faster touch response. The touch-sensitive controls on Fusion’s center stack are now easier to use as well thanks to the tactile feedback provided by a textured surface with bumps and divots, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road.

Best of all, MyFord includes an advanced voice control system that allows drivers to manage the temperature, get traffic and direction information, and select in-car or streaming entertainment options and more by talking to their car.

The new Ford Fusion can change how you feel about a car. The first thing you will notice is its looks. Fusion’s sleek and graceful silhouette makes it stand out in a not so interesting car-scape of three-box midsize sedans.

Fusion’s got good bones, too. Get behind the wheel of any of [...]]]>

The new Ford Fusion can change how you feel about a car. The first thing you will notice is its looks. Fusion’s sleek and graceful silhouette makes it stand out in a not so interesting car-scape of three-box midsize sedans.

Fusion’s got good bones, too. Get behind the wheel of any of the three unique Fusion models – conventional, hybrid and plug-in hybrid – and you’ll see design and engineering that exceed your expectations to create a very special experience behind the wheel.

Fusion is smart enough to know that your job is simply to enjoy the ride, and that starts with a premium, inspired environment.

Real care and thought has gone into Fusion’s interior, with high levels of craftsmanship that make the cabin an amazingly refined space. Run your hand over the instrument panel. It’s a surprisingly soft surface that signals quality to the touch. Gaps between adjacent panels have been shrunk, and each and every thing you can lay hands on is covered or upholstered. Fusion’s slimmer and lighter seats are not only more comfortable, but make for more room when you’re sitting in the rear, and a lighter vehicle overall. Materials added to eliminate noise give the car a composure that belies its affordability.

Whether you choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, be assured Fusion’s safety features will give you a peace of mind on the road. Ford engineers are constantly advancing safety technologies for your protection. Already a Top Safety Pick for three years in a row 2009-11, Fusion adds adaptive airbags and dual front knee airbags to enhance protection for your legs and extend its commitment to safety.

Fusion’s serene and high-tech environment sets the stage for you to delight in its dynamic character on the road. Because at heart, Fusion is a joy to drive (yet with all the room you’d expect in a midsize sedan!).

The conventional model offers three different engines, each delivering dynamic performance while prioritizing fuel economy. You can get a smooth automatic or a precise manual transmission – either way, both are advanced six-speeds that enhance efficiency.

There is no detail on this car too small to have escaped the attention of Ford engineers and designers.

Fusion is the new face of Ford, perhaps the new face of midsize sedans the world over. But what’s under the skin is as compelling as its looks.

“Of or relating to physical force or energy” – that’s how Merriam-Webster defines dynamic, and driving is all about translating and transmitting the forces commanded by the driver through their hands and feet to motion at the wheels.

“Accurately translating steering, braking and acceleration commands into motion is the key to a [...]]]>

“Of or relating to physical force or energy” – that’s how Merriam-Webster defines dynamic, and driving is all about translating and transmitting the forces commanded by the driver through their hands and feet to motion at the wheels.

“Accurately translating steering, braking and acceleration commands into motion is the key to a true driver’s car,” said John Jraiche, 2013 Ford Fusion program manager, “and that was our goal in tuning the new Fusion’s vehicle dynamics.”

The suspension lies at the heart of controlling motion and Fusion evolves the highly regarded strut front layout of the current European Mondeo while the rear end is supported by an all-new multilink arrangement. Drivers will benefit from a steering system with a more powerful electrical assist system with lower friction for more precise control and improved feedback.

Helping drivers extract the most from this solid foundation is a torque vectoring system that directs engine output to individual wheels, enabling the car to more precisely follow the course selected by the driver. Whether commuting to work or going for a country drive, Fusion’s dynamic qualities will leave drivers feeling more confident and relaxed.

One look at the sleek design of the new Ford Fusion is all it takes. That’s when the emotions take over and the brain realizes this isn’t just another car.

This is the Ford Fusion you’ve never seen before, and probably never expected. Graceful. Sophisticated. Dynamic. And designed for desire, with a [...]]]>

One look at the sleek design of the new Ford Fusion is all it takes. That’s when the emotions take over and the brain realizes this isn’t just another car.

This is the Ford Fusion you’ve never seen before, and probably never expected. Graceful. Sophisticated. Dynamic. And designed for desire, with a new confidence that’s more about being world-class than middle-of-the-road. This stereotype-shattering design unequivocally challenges the norms of the midsize car. The shape conjures excitement in a segment more accustomed to a sea of bland choices, while the design signals more than ever the promise of the Fusion driving experience that awaits.

“Fusion appeals more viscerally than ever. This is a completely new design for the Fusion, and for Ford,” said J Mays, group vice president for Design at Ford. “The first reaction we get is amazement. The second reaction is, ‘I want one.’”

Ford designers around the world have been collaborating on a new design direction that will define an entire generation of global Ford products to come. It is a bold statement of what owning a Ford now represents. Fusion is the flagship of this new look.

The secret of the new design is how it emotionalizes the strengths customers want. The aerodynamic shape clearly evokes Fusion’s anticipated class-leading fuel efficiency. Park this car next to any other midsize car and you can see that it looks more fuel-efficient. Sit inside and experience a new sense of style. It feels designed around you.

Details inside and out tell you that Fusion is offered with technologies that are just plain smart about helping when needed, while staying out of the way when they are not. How Fusion integrates technology and design will change how you feel about a car.

“Fusion is more about where we’re going than where we’ve been,” Mays said. “The design conveys how fun it is to drive while communicating visually where we’re going with smart technology and fuel efficiency. This is what Ford stands for today, and the design says that.”

Ford also stands for sustainability, so Fusion is designed with reused and reusable materials.

Fusion’s sleek, flowing profile immediately distances it from other cars on the road. It feels more like a fastback sports car than a traditional sedan. Visually light, its honed shape is 10 percent more aerodynamically efficient.

It starts right up front, where even the Ford oval badge is different. Fusion debuts what Mays is calling the “new face of Ford.” This is a new trapezoidal grille shape placed higher on the front end. Stronger, prouder and more confident, it is set to become a signature Ford design element.

Slim and elongated, low-profile headlamps and taillamps are among the many graphic details that signal smart technologies within the new Fusion.

Fusion is sculpted differently to create a more refined look. Every surface of the car is pared down, definitive and tailored. The result is visually stunning.

Crafted to feed the appetite of a new generation for great design, Fusion brings its fresh design elements together to change what you’d expect from a car and what you should expect in the future from Ford. Car and company revitalized and re-energized.