Autoblog

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

John Neff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST

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

For the first time ever, Motor Trend announced the winner of its annual Car of the Year award this afternoon live via webcast. Though the field of 23 contenders was highly competitive this year (follow the jump for a complete list), we guessed immediately that the winner was a Ford as soon as the webcast came online. How'd we know? The fact they were broadcasting the announcement from Ford World Headquarters in Detroit was a not-so-subtle clue. The Fusion, Taurus and Mustang were all in the running, but it was Ford's redesigned mid-size sedan, the Fusion, that took home the coveted Golden Calipers.

In retrospect, the choice is a solid one and not all that surprising. The Fusion was extensively reworked for the 2010 model year and features a new exterior design, new models and new powertrains. Ford offers a four-cylinder model, two strong V6 options and a full-on parallel hybrid variant, which means buyers should have no trouble finding a Fusion that fits their needs. And indeed they have, as the Fusion has already broken its own yearly sales record - with two months left to go.

Like MT, we're big fans of the Fusion here at Autoblog, and even have high hopes that one day it could be the domestic car that knocks the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord from atop their perches as the best selling cars in the States. That said, this Ford still has a long way to go. Toyota has sold nearly twice as many Camry models as the Fusion so far this year, and the Accord and Nissan Altima are still flashing their taillights at Ford's CoTY winner. It's not just demand, as Ford doesn't even have the production capacity at the moment to match Camry sales, and it doesn't help that the Mercury Milan siphons off a few potential Fusion customers, as well.

Nevertheless, this is less about what the Fusion could be in the future than what it is today: the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Congrats to Ford and the Fusion team.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion SE 6MT

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award

Ford Fusion wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

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.

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VIDEO: Ford debuts slew of new Drive One commercials starring real people

Chris Shunk — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford

Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Ford is feeling pretty good about its products right now, and the Blue Oval is spreading the word by doubling down with a multitude of new ads for print, web and TV. Ford's newest ads feature real Ford owners talking about features they like in their new vehicles. The 15-second spots highlight the company's new technologies featured in much of its 2009 and 2010 lineup including SYNC, Travel Link and even the second row refrigerator in the Ford Flex.

Hit the jump to watch Paul, Becky, Hayley, Kristen, Jonathon, Amie and Adam talk about their favorite new features. We're thinking it's a little annoying that everyone in the commercial is under 30 and Ford found it necessary to use the lame shaky camera bit to give the quick ads that viral YouTube look, but that seems to be all the rage these days. On the bright side, Becky loves her Fusion Hybrid so much that she can't help but mumble at the end.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford debuts slew of new Drive One commercials starring real people

VIDEO: Ford debuts slew of new Drive One commercials starring real people originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Ford, Reviews

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

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.

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John McCain tweets plans for next automobile purchase

Chris Shunk — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Green, Ford

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.

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Ford Fusion Hybrid the most patented car in history?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Ford

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.

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Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC

Chris Shunk — Thu, 28 May 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Ford

One Millionth SYNC: Click above to view the high-res gallery

Ford and SYNC have combined to be the peanut butter and jelly of automotive tech combo deals. 80% of the vehicles Ford sells now has the infotainment system, helping the Blue Oval and Microsoft reach 1 million sales of the infotainment system in less than two years.

Since Microsoft created the SYNC software, it has just as much reason to celebrate its success as Ford. Microsoft CEO and Detroit native Steve Ballmer decided the best way to celebrate was to get his hands on SYNC vehicle number 1 million; a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 41 mpg sedan was delivered by none other than Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Mulally reiterated his support of SYNC, saying that Ford would "continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers' lifestyles." SYNC already interfaces with navigation and entertainment systems, and 911 Assist helps call emergency services in the event of an accident. SYNC will receive further updates this summer when it gains the ability to deliver traffic, directions and information services. Hit the jump to view the Ford press release, and check out the gallery below to see Mulally deliver a 2010 Fusion Hybrid to the Microsoft CEO.

Gallery: One Millionth SYNC

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC

Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Ford

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.

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2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Ford

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

In the market for a fuel-sipping mid-size sedan? Now, and for a limited time only, buyers of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will be eligible for the $3,400 federal tax credit for hybrid vehicles. Late last year, Ford hit the magic 60,000 limit on individual hybrid sales that's been imposed by the Feds, so the tax credit for all of the Blue Oval's hybrid machines will be halved beginning on April 1st. Beginning in October, the credit will again be cut in half to $850 and the entire amount will be gone starting January 1st of 2010.

Tax credit or not, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid's EPA rating of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway bests the Toyota Camry Hybrid by a whopping eight mpg in the city and two mpg on the highway. For what it's worth, hybrid tax credits for Toyota (and Honda, for that matter) have already expired.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit

2010 Ford Fusion hybrid earns full $3,400 federal tax credit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fusion Hybrid rated 41 city/36 highway

John Neff — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Green, Ford

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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First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

John Neff — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Ford, First Drive

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

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

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Ford

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.

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Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO

Chris Tutor — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Ford, Mercury

You drive like crap and you know it. Stop the burnouts, late braking and 100-mph freeway sprint and you just might make a tank of gas last longer than a day. Sure, automakers like Ford could spend a few million on lectures to teach car buyers a thing or two about better driving. But if you didn't get it in Driver's Ed, you're not likely to get it now. Instead, Ford's new Smart Gauge will teach better driving through rewards. Do a better job controlling your right foot, and Smart Guage adds a green leaf to a display next to the speedo. The better you do, the more leaves you get. Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of hybrid-vehicle programs, tells The Wall Street Journal, "You don't have to count the leaves. But if you're in a forest of leaves, you'll know you're doing well."

You can also grow your Virtual Dash Tree[TM] for a chance to defeat the boss monster on the final level and, if successful, Smart Gauge will reward drivers with Fordelicious Fruit[TM], which you can trade for Microsoft Points that can be used to pay for your Sync subscription. No. Not really.

Ford is expected to announce the Smart Gauge today and it will initially be available on the hybrid versions of 2010 Mercury Milans and Ford Fusions. There is a video from Ford after the jump.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO

Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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