Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-owners-with-fusion-4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-owners-with-fusion-4/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/ford-recreating-fiesta-movement-with-fusion-owners-with-fusion-4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is diving into the burgeoning social media world head first. Based on the success of its Fiesta Movement, the Blue Oval has decided to launch a new program called Fusion 41 - so named because of the Fusion Hybrid's 41 mile-per-gallon EPA estimate in the city and the fact that Ford is looking for 41 participants to take part in its new game.

A total of eight Fusion or Fusion Hybrid owners will be chosen from all applicants received based on their social media presence, and those drivers will each choose four friends or family members to join their team. Ford will then hand out assignments that must be completed with photo and video proof that is to be uploaded to the driver's Facebook profile. Ford is calling the program an "automotive relay race," whatever that means.

So, what's the incentive to participate? For starters, each team will be given a new Fusion for the challenge, and the winning team captain will have their own Fusion or Fusion Hybrid paid off by Ford. Not bad, eh? Plus, participating team members from the winning group will earn free gas for one full year. Want to know more? Click past the break for the press release and visit www.fusion41.com before November 6th to enter the contest.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program

Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>41 mpg41Mpgfiesta movementFiestaMovementfordford fusionford fusion 41ford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusion41FordFusionHybridfusion 41fusion 41 mpgFusion41Fusion41Mpgsocial marketingsocial mediasocial media marketingsocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialMarketingSocialMediaSocialMediaMarketingSocialNetworkingThu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford may pass Honda as second best hybrid seller in U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/ford-may-pass-honda-as-second-best-hybrid-seller-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/ford-may-pass-honda-as-second-best-hybrid-seller-in-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/ford-may-pass-honda-as-second-best-hybrid-seller-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no doubt about which automaker leads the hybrid vehicle race. Toyota - and particularly the Japanese automaker's Prius hybrid - outsells all other manufacturers combined. In total, Automotive News calculates that Toyota sold 144,351 hybrid vehicles in the first nine months of 2009, which actually represents a 28-percent drop from the previous year.

So far this year, Honda has come in second with its new Insight, but that position is currently in jeopardy. The 26,016 hybrid vehicles sold by Ford in the first nine months of the year represents an impressive 73-percent gain from last year. Honda has sold 29,958 hybrids so far in '09, representing a much smaller eight-percent increase. In both July and September, Ford actually sold more hybrids than Honda.

In other words, Ford, led by its Escape Hybrid and new-for-2010 Fusion Hybrid, is gaining on Honda at a very rapid pace. Moving on down the line, General Motors slots in at number four with 12,556 total hybrid so far this year and Nissan's 7,713 units make it the number five hybrid seller in the U.S.


Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Ford may pass Honda as second best hybrid seller in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford escape hybridford fusion hybridford hybridford hybrid salesford mustangFordEscapeHybridFordFusionHybridFordHybridFordHybridSalesFordMustanghondahonda hybridhonda hybrid salesHonda InsightHondaHybridHondaHybridSalesHondaInsighttoyotatoyota hybridtoyota hybrid salestoyota priusToyotaHybridToyotaHybridSalesToyotaPriusFri, 16 Oct 2009 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/10/act-silly-get-a-ford-fusion-hybrid-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mark Malkoff lurves the Fusion Hybrid - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Ford has already demonstrated strong, puppetmaster-like abilities with the whole Fiesta Agent thing. In exchange for agreeing to go on secretive "missions," a few dozen people were given a Ford Fiesta for six months this year (they're about due to give them back). Building from of that idea, comedian Mark Malkoff - yes, the guy who slept in an IKEA store for a week - is trying to collect the "Keys to the City" from as many cities as possible this month. Malkoff has convinced Ford to loan him a new Fusion hybrid while he travels around and performs a few stunts to earn those keys - including collecting all of the coins from a fountain in Fairfax, VA and cleaning up after the police horses in Harrisburg, PA.

We're not quite sure who's pulling who's strings here, but it seems someone's getting played. At least it's all in good fun. There's a video of Malkoff figuring out what the keys to the city are all about after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO]

Act silly, get a Ford Fusion Hybrid [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid mpgford fusion mark malkoffford hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridMpgFordFusionMarkMalkoffFordHybridfusion hybridFusionHybridkeys to the cityKeysToTheCitymark malkoffMarkMalkoffSat, 10 Oct 2009 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/review-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-what-a-difference-60-degrees-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Recently, we had our third opportunity to drive the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Actually, the last go around was with a Mercury Milan Hybrid, but aside from a different nose and fanny, it is the same car. Even though we did a full review of the Milan, we asked Ford for another go around because of the difference in fuel efficiency compared to the first drive we did last December in California. We managed to achieve 43.1 mpg driving around Hollywood, beating the EPA city rating of 41. But back home in Michigan, a week of driving around Ann Arbor yielded only 29.4 mpg with the first several days actually barely managing to crack 27 mpg.

Why the big drop? It wasn't that we drove the Milan like a race car, although the Fusion and Milan do have some very nice dynamic properties. No, this was all about climate. While the temperatures in Hollywood were a very temperate mid-70s in December, six weeks later in Michigan, we were barely breaking out of the teens with overnight and early morning temps in the single-digit range. What we're about to say is heresy to the hybrid true believers, but hybrids are not the best solution for every driving condition. Find out why after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010fordfusionhybrid_review0002010fordfusionhybrid_review0012010fordfusionhybrid_review0022010fordfusionhybrid_review0032010fordfusionhybrid_review004

Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - What a difference 60 degrees makes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010FordFusionHybridfeaturedFordFord FusionFord Fusion HybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridFusionFusion HybridFusionHybridreviewreviewsWed, 19 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/04/i-consumer-reports-i-says-fords-fusion-hybrid-is-equal-to-to/#comments
2010 Ford Fusion hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

Ford's new 2010 Fusion Hybrid has earned plenty of accolades since it debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall, and the latest praise comes from Consumer Reports. In its most recent round of testing, the entire Fusion lineup did well, but CR singled out the hybrid model and declared it "essentially tied" with long-time favorite, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The Fusion racked up 34 mpg, beating out the Kia Optima in a test of mid-size family sedans.

Compared to the Camry, CR agreed with most other reviewers that the Fusion felt sportier:

"The new Fusions are very impressive especially the Hybrid," said David Champion, senior director of CR's Auto Test Center. "The Hybrid successfully blends excellent fuel economy with driving pleasure, something all other hybrids have failed to do."

Although we've disagreed with some of Consumer Reports' previous assessments, this is one case where we're of the same mind. Check out the official press release after the jump for more of CR's thoughts.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier

Consumer Reports says Ford's Fusion Hybrid is equal to Toyota Camry, only sportier originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsConsumerReportsfordford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid mpgFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridMpgTue, 04 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[John McCain tweets plans for next automobile purchase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/john-mccain-tweets-plans-for-next-automobile-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/john-mccain-tweets-plans-for-next-automobile-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/16/john-mccain-tweets-plans-for-next-automobile-purchase/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're a politician worth your own salt, you apparently have to buy a car that contains both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain is finally getting on the bandwagon and picking up his own little slice of green heaven, as he's announced on his Twitter page that he's buying a Ford Fusion Hybrid.

McCain's decision to go Blue Oval for his hybrid choice is a publicity boon for the Ford Motor Company, as the Arizona Senator's 777,000 Twitter followers have no doubt taken note of the make and model of the war hero's new ride, much like then-candidate Barack Obama did when he turned in his Chrysler 300C for a Ford Escape Hybrid. With his new Fusion hybrid, McCain will be able to patrol the streets of Washington while achieving a best-in-class 41 mpg city. Now... what will Sarah Palin buy next?


Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Los Angeles Times Blog]

John McCain tweets plans for next automobile purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion hybrid2010 fusion hybrid2010FordFusionHybrid2010FusionHybridford fusionford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridfusion hybridFusionHybridjohn mccainJohnMccainMccaintweettwitterTue, 16 Jun 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ford-fusion-hybrid-the-most-patented-car-in-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ford-fusion-hybrid-the-most-patented-car-in-history/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ford-fusion-hybrid-the-most-patented-car-in-history/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for a high-res image gallery

More technology than ever before is being added to modern automobiles, and much of this whiz-bang tech has been created to cut down on fuel consumption and reduce emissions. This being the case, it's not particularly surprising to hear that the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid holds the title of The Most Patented Car in History. So says Christine Wren, director of business development for The Patent Board, a firm that tracks and analyzes patents across 17 industries globally:

Ford's patented technologies are closer to the cutting edge than its competitors. Ford's overall patent portfolio plays a significant role in serving as a foundation for other technology innovation as shown by receiving 20 percent more citations than the average portfolio in this industry.

Just how many patents are we talking about? According to the Blue Oval, there are 119 total patents and patent applications for the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid alone, including patents related to Ford's proprietary hybrid technology, SmartGuage with EcoGuide, Blind Spot Information System and EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System. Want to know more? Make the jump for the official press release.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history?

Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010 ford fusion hybrid2010FordFusion2010FordFusionHybridford fusionford fusion hybridford patentford patentsFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordPatentFordPatentsfusion hybridFusionHybridpatentThu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/15/15-000-fusion-hybrid-not-real-ford-issues-warning-on-email-hoa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

We imagine the world of corporate PR to be a little bit of pushing your own message and a whole lot of "We need to respond to what?" We can also only imagine how Ford's PR folks felt today when issuing a statement in response to a hoax email that has been making the rounds.

When we got an email earlier today from the "Ford Motor Company," we assumed it was the company's latest announcement on whatever. But the subject line, "Ford Motor Company OFFERS: Ford Fusion HYBRID Model 2010", seemed a bit fishy, and when we opened the email, the spamminess was unmistakable. The email claims that, because of the terrible economy, Ford would love to sell you a new Fusion Hybrid for just $15,000, or about half of the vehicles $27,270 starting price. The official response (available after the break, along with the spam email text) from Ford is that everyone should just ignore the email.

One person who's going to have a hard time ignoring the email is Gary Settles, who is named in the email as Ford Sales Manager for FoMoCo. In reality, Settles is the sales manager for Paul Miller Ford in Lexington, Kentucky. Settles told AutoblogGreen that he has "no earthly clue" how his name got attached to the email, but speculated that it could be somebody local because of some of the wording in the email that matches letters he sends out to people who've purchased cars from him in the past.

Oh, and if you're curious, Settles will indeed sell you a Fusion Hybrid, but the models he has available are more in the $30,000 price rage.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Ford, Gary Settles]

Continue reading Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid

Ford issues warning on email hoax offering $15k Fusion Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoblogGreenfordford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid hoaxFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridHoaxhoaxhoax emailHoaxEmailFri, 15 May 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion Hybrid pedals its way to 1,445 miles on a single tank]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ford-fusion-hybrid-hypermiles-goes-1-445-miles-on-a-single-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ford-fusion-hybrid-hypermiles-goes-1-445-miles-on-a-single-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ford-fusion-hybrid-hypermiles-goes-1-445-miles-on-a-single-tank/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Fusion Hybrid we talked about yesterday, the one that had as of our last report cleared 1,000 miles on its hypermiling publicity stunt, has finally reached the end of the road its fuel supply. The final number: 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas.

For the high-mileage odyssey, the Fusion hybrid was pushed to an average of 81.5 mpg. Even considering that hypermiling techniques were employed to reach these numbers, we're quite impressed, as the event took place on city streets and public freeways, not on a closed course. Better still, the entire 69-hour event raised $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You can read the details of how the driving teams managed the 80 mpg in the official press release after the jump - and no, they didn't find a thousand-mile downhill road. Thanks to everyone for the tips!


Gallery: Ford Fusion hybrid hypermiling test


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Fusion Hybrid pedals its way to 1,445 miles on a single tank

Ford Fusion Hybrid pedals its way to 1,445 miles on a single tank originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1445 miles1445Milesford fusionford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridfusionfusion hybridFusionHybridone tank of gasOneTankOfGassingle tank of gasSingleTankOfGasWed, 29 Apr 2009 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[UPDATE: Ford Fusion Hybrid travels 1,000 miles with 1/3 tank left, team still going]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/update-ford-fusion-hybrid-travels-1-000-miles-with-1-3-tank-lef/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/update-ford-fusion-hybrid-travels-1-000-miles-with-1-3-tank-lef/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/update-ford-fusion-hybrid-travels-1-000-miles-with-1-3-tank-lef/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

The team that set out this past weekend to cover 1,000 miles on a single tank of gasoline succeeded and then some. When the team of race drivers, engineers and hyper-milers crossed the 1,000-mile mark a little after 9:00 am on Monday morning, there was still more than a third of a tank left. Over 47 hours of running the team led by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards and including record braking hyper-miler Wayne Gerdes averaged over 80 mpg.

The plan is to drive the bone stock Fusion until the tank runs dry. Along the way team members are running public clinics to help teach people how to drive more efficiently, even if they can't necessarily match the antics of Gerdes, while simultaneously raising money for the Juvenile diabetes Foundation. While it's obviously possible to achieve these kinds of lofty mileage numbers in the Fusion, it isn't something most people will do on a regular basis, but Ford set out to prove it could be done and the team succeeded. Kudos.


Gallery: Ford Fusion Hybrid Challenge


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Continue reading UPDATE: Ford Fusion Hybrid travels 1,000 miles with 1/3 tank left, team still going

UPDATE: Ford Fusion Hybrid travels 1,000 miles with 1/3 tank left, team still going originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid challengeford fusion hybrid mpgFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridChallengeFordFusionHybridMpgTue, 28 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion Hybrid set to attempt to travel 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/ford-believes-fusion-hybrid-can-get-1-000-miles-on-a-single-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/ford-believes-fusion-hybrid-can-get-1-000-miles-on-a-single-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/ford-believes-fusion-hybrid-can-get-1-000-miles-on-a-single-tank/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

How far can you get on a single tank of gas? That depends on such details as how much fuel you can fit in your tank, the efficiency of your vehicle and how much control you have over your bladder. Ford seems to think you can eke 1,000 miles out of a single tank of 87-octane with its new 2010 Fusion Hybrid - a figure that seems nearly impossible at first blush.

To meet this rather impressive goal, the aforementioned hybrid sedan would need to average 57 miles per gallon, an attainable figure since Ford's preliminary testing indicates the Fusion Hybrid can manage up to 70 mpg when driven by a hyper-miller like Wayne Gerdes, who will join NASCAR racer Carl Edwards and a few assorted engineers as drivers.

Ford estimates that it will take 43 hours to get from Mount Vernon, VA to Washington, DC - a trip of about 20 miles as the crow flies (yes, you read that right). In fact, the crew could almost make it to Miami, Florida, from their starting point in Virginia using that same tank of gas. Obviously, Ford has a meandering route in mind.

Besides attempting to prove how fuel efficient its hybrid is and how the way you drive is nearly as important as what you're driving, the Blue Oval will also be raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Full press release after the break.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Continue reading Ford Fusion Hybrid set to attempt to travel 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas

Ford Fusion Hybrid set to attempt to travel 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion hybrid2010 ford fusion hybrid mileage2010FordFusionHybrid2010FordFusionHybridMileagefordford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid mileageford fusion hybrid mpgFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridMileageFordFusionHybridMpgWed, 22 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mullaly rings man who chooses Ford Fusion Hybrid over Toyota Prius]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/mullaly-rings-man-who-chooses-ford-fusion-hybrid-over-toyota-pri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/mullaly-rings-man-who-chooses-ford-fusion-hybrid-over-toyota-pri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/mullaly-rings-man-who-chooses-ford-fusion-hybrid-over-toyota-pri/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When applicants were first being interviewed to replace Bill Ford as the top man in the Blue Oval Office, we wonder what exactly the process included. It turns out that in addition to being a pretty good salesman, Alan Mulally is also adept at making house calls. The FoMoCo CEO personally phoned Michael Snapper, a lawyer hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to thank him for purchasing a Ford Fusion Hybrid over a Toyota Prius.

To put this into perspective, could you imagine getting a personal call from Honda's Takeo Fukui, personally thanking you for purchasing a Honda over a Harley? Or from Steve Jobs, congratulating you for choosing an iPod in lieu of a Zune? Ridiculous, no?

If this seems like nothing more than a publicity stunt, well, it's exactly that. Regardless, Ford is a company that can use all the positive pub it can get right now, and a phone call from the very top of the company symbolically sets an example that customer service is among the highest of priorities for the automaker - from the top down.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Detroit News]

Mullaly rings man who chooses Ford Fusion Hybrid over Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010 ford fusion hybrid2010FordFusion2010FordFusionHybridalan mulallyAlanMulallyford fusionford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridTue, 03 Feb 2009 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Hybrid sales slide 9.9% in 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/25/hybrid-sales-slide-9-9-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/25/hybrid-sales-slide-9-9-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/25/hybrid-sales-slide-9-9-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



Despite all the clamor about how hybrids are going to save the planet, cure cancer, facilitate the second coming, etc., sales of battery-pack-mobiles are down nearly ten percent for 2008. At the beginning of 2008, it looked like hybrids were going to have their best year ever, driven by high fuel prices and a recessive economy. That recession, however,has caused consumers to cut way back, leading to dramatic drop in fuel prices, killing much of the argument for a hybrid's price premium. Consumers shy away from hybrids when fuel dips below $3.50 per gallon, and the incessant clang of news stories about expensive fuel also dries up, causing the issue of fuel efficiency to fall from consciousness.

Toyota is still the hybrid sales king, with 241,000 units shifted in 2008. Honda managed to ring up 31,000 sales, and Ford came in third with nearly 20,000 vehicles sold. While nearly every automaker offering hybrids is down (Nissan actually saw a 5 percent increase, and General Motors garnered a whopping 179 percent jump thanks to its 2008 introductions), Ford was hardest hit, with a 22 percent drop. Some might say "we told you so" about the way things have played out - by the time everyone got on board with more efficient offerings, the bottom has fallen out of the price of fuel - and others might use the sales figures to agitate for a gas tax to stimulate the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Hybrid sales slide 9.9% in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>escalade hybridEscaladeHybridford escapeford fusion hybridford hybridFordEscapeFordFusionHybridFordHybridgm hybridGmHybridhonda hybridHondaHybridhybridhybrid car saleshybrid carshybrid saleshybrid vehiclehybrid vehicle saleshybrid vehiclesHybridCarsHybridCarSaleshybridsHybridSalesHybridVehicleHybridVehiclesHybridVehicleSalesnissan hybridNissanHybridsales figuresSalesFigurestahoe hybridTahoeHybridtoyota priusToyotaPriusSun, 25 Jan 2009 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fusion Hybrid rated 41 city/36 highway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/ford-fusion-hybrid-rated-41-city-36-highway-by-epa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/ford-fusion-hybrid-rated-41-city-36-highway-by-epa/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/ford-fusion-hybrid-rated-41-city-36-highway-by-epa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Sure, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid may have a base price that's more expensive than a Toyota Camry Hybrid ($27,270 vs. $26,150), but you get oh so much more. Aside from more interesting styling and a trick LCD display called SmartGauge, Ford Fusion Hybrid owners will be able to travel 41 miles in the city for every gallon of gas they use. So says the Environmental Protection Agency, which has finally released official fuel economy numbers for Ford's most miserly vehicle. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid's official rating of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway bests the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg and 2 mpg, respectively. Ford points out that it even beats the smaller Honda Civic Hybrid by 1 mpg in the city. Credit goes to Ford and its engineers who developed the Fusion Hybrid's new hybrid drivetrain, which is based on the same one used in the Ford Escape Hybrid but features many advances like smaller and lighter nickel-metal hydride batteries and the ability to run up to 47 mph on electric power alone. That last ability alone raises the bar substantially for hybrids and puts the Fusion Hybrid in a class of its own... for now. The next-generation Toyota Prius will debut in January at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, and we expect the Toyota Camry Hybrid to benefit greatly from adopting its new Synergy Drive hybrid drivetrain. In the meantime, check out our First Drive of the 2010 Ford Fusion by clicking here.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Fusion Hybrid rated 41 city/36 highway

Ford Fusion Hybrid rated 41 city/36 highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to our own reviews of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT and Fusion Sport/SEL, AutoblogGreen has also published its First Drive of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The new gas-electric version of Ford's mid-size sedan feature more advanced tech than its competitors, specifically the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and should have best-in-class fuel economy when the official EPA numbers are finally revealed. ABG averaged 43.1 mpg during its First Drive of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which tells you that Ford has managed to pack Prius-like mileage in a larger, more useful and fun-to-drive package. Click on over to ABG to read the full review.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips/Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

We're in the City of Angels this week to drive a bunch of new Fords, including the new 2010 Mustang and Fusion. We started off Monday afternoon with a mileage challenge in the new 2010 Fusion Hybrid. We can't share our driving impressions until Saturday, but we can tell you the results of the mileage contest. Ford hybrid applications manager Gil Portalatin used his intimate knowledge of the car to set some benchmarks the day before. Ford claims the Fusion will get at least 39 mpg city/ 37 mpg highway when the EPA numbers are calculated in the coming weeks. Portalatin got 46 mpg on the first segment of the drive route and 43.5 mpg on the hillier second part. Among the journalists on hand, Car and Driver's Steve Siler recorded a 43.6 mpg result on the first part. After Drew Phillips and I switched places for the second segment, I achieved 43.1 mpg, which is a very impressive number for Ford's new mid-size sedan.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

AutoblogGreen achieves 43.1 mpg in 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion

Ford pulled the silk sheets off the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid this afternoon. Sporting new front and rear fascias, an updated interior, and four engine choices, the mid-size Fusion is a direct shot across the bow of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. In fact, in nearly every engine combination, Ford boasts that their Fusion offers faster acceleration and better fuel economy than its Japanese rivals (plus, the automaker is quick to point out, the 2010 Fusion is available in both FWD and AWD configurations). Ford is offering the Fusion with three fuel-efficient gasoline engines: Duratec 2.5-liter I4, Duratec 3.0-liter V6, and the 3.5-liter V6 Duratec bumped to 240 hp for 2010. The hybrid model features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). According to Ford, the combo offers a bladder-busting 700-mile range in the city cycle. Expect the Fusion twins to roll (efficiently, of course) into showrooms in spring 2009.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Ford Fusion LIVE


Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport


Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid make their debut [w/VIDEO]

LA 2008: 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid make their debut [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Ford2010 Fusion2010Ford2010Fusionford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid pace carFord Fusion sedanFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridPaceCarFordFusionSedanFusionWed, 19 Nov 2008 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to wave NASCAR's green flag this weekend]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/ford-fusion-hybrid-to-wave-nascars-green-flag/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/ford-fusion-hybrid-to-wave-nascars-green-flag/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/10/ford-fusion-hybrid-to-wave-nascars-green-flag/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to enlarge the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid pace car

For the first time ever, a NASCAR Sprint Cup event will be paced by a hybrid, Ford's fresh-faced 2010 Fusion Hybrid to be exact. The race is scheduled to take place this Sunday at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. The box-stock Fusion hybrid will be able to travel on electricity alone for up to 47 miles per hour, which isn't quite fast enough to kick off the race, so this one will be burning some gas. One thing that the hybrid can do that the Sprint Cup cars only wish they could is travel up to 700 miles per tank of fuel. Anyway, the leafy-camouflaged hybrid will lead the race cars to the green flag (waved by none other than Mark Fields) to kick things off, after which a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport will pick up the mantle as pace car for the rest of the event.

Both the 2010 Fusion hybrid and Fusion Sport will see their formal debut at the LA Auto Show on the 19th. Both models are new for '10, with the hybrid posting a rumored best-in-class fuel mileage of at least 38 mpg in the city, while its Sport sibling gets Ford's new 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. Best of all, every Fusion model will come standard with a six-speed automatic.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to wave NASCAR's green flag this weekend

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to wave NASCAR's green flag this weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion2010 ford fusion hybrid2010 ford fusion hybrid pace car2010FordFusion2010FordFusionHybrid2010FordFusionHybridPaceCarfordford fusionford fusion hybridford fusion hybrid pace carFordFusionFordFusionHybridFordFusionHybridPaceCarfusion hybridfusion hybrid pace carFusionHybridFusionHybridPaceCarhybrid NASCARhybrid pace carHybridNascarHybridPaceCarNASCARMon, 10 Nov 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid expected to get 38 mpg city]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-expected-to-get-38-mpg-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-expected-to-get-38-mpg-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/2010-ford-fusion-hybrid-expected-to-get-38-mpg-city/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Over on AutoblogGreen, our man Sam has published a thorough breakdown of all the new powertrains announced for the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. There's a new 2.5L four-cylinder with more power, a revised 3.0L V6 and Ford is making its 3.5L V6 available in these mid-size sedans for the first time, as well. But the most impressive may be the latest revision of Ford's hybrid powertrain that will debut in the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid next year.

Based on the same system in the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, the latest version is smaller, lighter, more powerful and less expensive to produce. While it still employs nickel-metal hydride batteries, the number of cells has been reduced but the power output remains the same. The battery pack is now 30 percent smaller in volume than the Escape Hybrid's pack and weighs 23 percent less, and this one doesn't need its own AC system to stay cool. The main numbers that everyone wants to know is MPG. Ford expects its new hybrid sedans to achieve 38 mpg in the city, which is 5 mpg better than its most obvious competitor, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Click here to read Sam's explanation of what Ford did to improve its hybrid powertrain so much.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid expected to get 38 mpg city originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford fusion hybrid2010 fusion2010FordFusionHybrid2010Fusionford fusionford fusion hybridFordFusionFordFusionHybridfusionThu, 30 Oct 2008 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Ford Fusion revealed with new face, new engines and new six-speed transmission]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/2010-ford-fusion-revealed-with-new-face-new-engines-and-new-six/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/2010-ford-fusion-revealed-with-new-face-new-engines-and-new-six/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/2010-ford-fusion-revealed-with-new-face-new-engines-and-new-six/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above image to enlarge

We love mid-size sedans if for no other reason than buyers benefit from the incredibly high level of competition between each player in the segment, and Ford's just-revealed 2010 Fusion appears ready to compete. We only have one image, but it shows the Fusion's new face with an even bigger three-bar grille, nicely contoured hood, angry-eye headlights and a sharply redesigned lower bumper. There's also a new engine lineup with three mills to choose from. The first is an all-new Duratec 2.5L four-cylinder with 174 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque (up 14 hp/16 lb-ft from prior 2.3L). The second is a reworked version of the current 3.0L V6 with 19 more horsepower for a total of 240 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque. And finally Ford will be offering the Fusion with its new 3.5L V6 for 2010, which will make a class competitive 263 hp and 249 lb-ft of torque. The best part? All three engines will be paired with Ford's 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford hasn't revealed fuel economy numbers yet, but says the four-cylinder's fuel economy will go up a full 10% and the sixes between 4-6% thanks in large part to the new tranny. This will also be the year Ford introduces the Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, which will feature the previously announced SmartGauge and can travel up to 47 mph in all-electric mode with a range of more than 700 miles. Unfortunately, it appears that the 2010 Fusion won't be available with any turbocharged, direct-inject EcoBoost powertrains, but the new engines and transmission, along with the nose job, are a big step forward for Ford's already competitive Fusion.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion revealed with new face, new engines and new six-speed transmission

2010 Ford Fusion revealed with new face, new engines and new six-speed transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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