Category: Ford

Ford Sues John Cena For Breach Of Contract

One of the most famous superstars in the Hollywood John Cena has been sued American car-maker Ford.

Last year, Ford handpicked 500 applicants out of total of about 7,000 aspirants to purchase the company’s new Ford GT. Some of those chosen were high-profile clients, such as John Cena. It was done as a marketing gimmick to show how cool and amazing the new car is. That, however, loses a bit of sheen when a celebrity goes ahead sells that car in less than a month since getting it.

That is exactly what John Cena did. He received the car on the 23rd of September, and sold it less than a month later, on the 20th of October. At the time of purchase, Cena had signed a contract with Ford which stated that he will keep the car for at least 2 years, which he didn’t.

The agreement, which John Cena signed, reads:

By signing this Order Confirmation Form you are verifying the following: … (B) You understand that being selected for the opportunity to purchase this vehicle is non-transferable and agree not to sell the vehicle within the first 24 months of delivery.

John Cena later confirmed in a phone conversation with Ford that he had sold the car, and promised to work with the company to make things right. However, Ford has said that this has not turned out the way it should have and is now suing Cena for damages. This is what the lawsuit reads:

Mr. Cena has unfairly made a large profit from the unauthorized resale flip of the vehicle, and Ford has suffered additional damages and losses, including, but not limited to, loss of brand value, ambassador activity, and customer goodwill due to the improper sale.

It will be interesting how this legal battle pans out.

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December 4, 2017
A Self-Driving Ford Fusion Will Now Deliver Domino’s

Ford and Domino’s are teaming up to test autonomous vehicles for pizza deliveries in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States in order to understand how everyday customers will react to, and interact with the autonomous service vehicles in the future. However, the Ford Fusion Hybrid research vehicle (outfitted with a pizza container) used during the experiment will be driven by a safety engineer along with other researchers.

The self driving Ford Fusion will randomly be made available to the selected Domino’s customers who will then have an option to accept deliveries from a self-driving pizza delivery car. With no driver involved, the customer will need to to unlock their pizza containers by typing their unique delivery code. The Heatwave Compartment unlocking code will be sent to the customer. This code will match the last four digits of the customer’s phone number. Those who opt for the service can track their order via Domino’s app. Rest of the order info will be communicated through screens and speakers on the exterior of the cars.

Sherif Marakby, Vice President of Ford Autonomous Vehicles and Electrification said “We will be looking at how customers respond to this new experience, which will require them to interact with the self-driving car instead of a delivery person—walking out to the vehicle instead of just walking to answer their front door,” He also described the project as ethnographic research in an interview

Ford is using this real-time trial to test its new project and develop the consumer aspect of autonomous driving technology. The company hopes to commercialise the experiment in a few years’ time.

Domino’s has also been experimenting with the idea of autonomous vehicles for sometime. The company has already tested pizza delivering robots in Australia and in Germany. Though the delivery robot trials were in partnership with smaller robotics startups, whereas the latest trial involves a more traditional car-maker.

Sherif Marakby said “The human aspect is the most significant piece here. We know we can create technology, but it has to be based on the human element of how we’re using the AVs,” and “We believe self-driving technology can play a significant role in helping grow the market for restaurant delivery, serving as one way that we’ll build demand and scale for our autonomous vehicle business, in addition to people movement such as ride hailing,”

The current experiment hopes to gain insight on various factors like, willingness of a consumer to come outside to pick up their orders, the way they approach the car, and the manner in which they interact with the screen placed on the exterior of the vehicle.

Ford, like many other carmakers, has invested heavily in autonomous technology and hopes to introduce its self-driving cars in market by 2021.

August 30, 2017
Ford Fiesta EcoBoost wins Women’s World Car of the Year 2013 award

The Ford Fiesta EcoBoost has bagged the 2013 Women’s World Car of the Year award. The Fiesta won the economy car category, and edged out other finalists Mazda CX5 and the Range Rover in the final round, to be announced as the Supreme winner.

Women pack powerful purchasing power, representing a huge market opportunity. The fact that a respected panel of published and specialist women motoring writers selected the Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost is a significant accolade as we work to design, develop and market our vehicles, technologies and services in a way that captures the attention of this very influential buying group.

– Craig Von Essen, product and communications manager, Ford, Asia-Pacific and Africa

Judges were also asked to nominate their ‘Dream Car’. This was won by the Aston Martin Vanquish, ahead of the Jaguar F-type.

According to Chief Judge, Sandy Myhre of New Zealand, the judging categories changed for 2013 and the three-tier voting system makes it hard for any car to be selected as a category finalist, let alone winning. Judges supply their own shortlist from 2013 model year cars they’ve tested. From there a shortlist is formed to determine the finalists and from the finalist list judges choose their supreme winner and the podium finishers.

The official results in each category are:

Family Car: 1st – Audi Allroad, 2nd – Volkswagen Golf, 3rd – BMW 3 Series

Luxury Car: 1st – Range Rover, 2nd – Mercedes Benz SL550, 3rd – BMW 6 Series

Sports Car: 1st – Porsche Boxster S, 2nd – Audi RS5, 3rd – Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ

SUV: 1st – Mazda CX5, 2nd – Hyundai Sante Fe, 3rd – Nissan Pathfinder

Economy Car: 1st – Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre EcoBoost, 2nd – Kia Forte, 3rd – Toyota Prius

July 21, 2013
Ford EcoSport diesel recalled over glow plug issue

Well, this is slightly awkward. Launched just over 2 weeks, ago, the diesel Ford EcoSport is being recalled to relocate the glow plug module in the car.

The American manufacturer has released a statement saying that a potential concern with the diesel variants of the compact SUV was found during routine checks. This suspected issue can be fixed by relocating the glow plug module, and Ford is contacting customers to take their vehicle to their dealership to have the work carried out.

The highly anticipated EcoSport was launched on the 26th of June with an offer of 3 engines, one of which is a 1.5-litre diesel. According to reports, public response has been great with more than 20,000 cars already booked. However, Ford would’ve definitely wanted to avoid a product recall so early in the car’s life cycle. Could this affect the EcoSport’s future in the market? Let us know what you think, in the comments section below.

July 12, 2013
Ford EcoSport Launched, Starts At Rs. 5.59 Lakh

The much awaited Ford EcoSport compact SUV has been launched in India at an astonishing base price of Rs. 5.59 Lakh. The EcoSport will be offered in no less than 10 variants spread across 4 trims, 3 engine options and 7 colours.

The EcoSport is the first Ford vehicle in India to offer the famous turbocharged 3 cylinder, 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Despite being the smallest in the range, the 2-time Engine of the Year award winning EcoBoost churns out the maximum power output of around 122bhp and 170Nm torque. It also returns a claimed fuel efficiency of around 18 kmpl. The other two engines – 1.5L petrol and 1.5L diesel are the same as those which fulfill the power needs of the Fiesta sedan. The petrol unit puts out 110 bhp and 140 Nm of torque whereas the diesel mill produces 90 bhp and 204 Nm of torque.

The sub-4 metre compact SUV is also the first car in India to offer Ford’s voice-enabled in-car connectivity system, SYNC. This means you can operate your Bluetooth-enabled phone and USB devices, dial calls, read out text messages and browse and select music tracks via voice commands. In terms of safety equipment, the EcoSport will come with Ford’s Emergency Assistance system. This system enables the car to deliver a voice message directly to emergency operators in the event of an accident in which the airbags have been deployed or fuel pump shut-off is triggered.

The EcoSport is available in four trims – Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Optional.

The Ambiente version comes with a quite a bit of equipment despite being the base version. Tilt and telescopic steering, a music player with Aux-in and Bluetooth, electric wing mirrors, remote locking, a multi-function display, front power windows and 15-inch wheels make up most of the Ambiente trim.

Next up the ladder is the Trend trim, which comes with rear power windows, steering-mounted audio controls and driver-seat height adjust over everything that the Ambiente has to offer. Both these trims will be available only with manual transmissions coupled to 1.5-litre petrol or diesel engines.

Further up is the aptly named Titanium trim. The famous 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available only with the Titanium trim which also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, cooled glovebox, roof rails, front fog lamps, reverse parking sensor, and dual airbags. An option pack for the Titanium is also available, which offers push-button start, leather seats, keyless entry, and side and curtain airbags. The EcoBoost engine is mated to a manual gearbox but an automatic-gearbox-equipped Titanium version is available with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. There is no diesel version available for the top-spec EcoSport.

The Ford EcoSport will not only compete with the likes of the Renault Duster as was expected, but with its aggressive pricing, it may have a drastic impact on other hatchbacks in the similar price range. Ford seems to have a winner on its hands with the EcoSport.

Ford EcoSport prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

1.5-litre Petrol Manual

Ambiente: Rs 5.59 lakh

Trend: Rs 6.49 lakh

Titanium: Rs 7.51 lakh

1.5-litre Diesel Manual

Ambiente: Rs 6.69 lakh

Trend: Rs 7.61 lakh

Titanium: Rs 8.62 lakh

Titanium (O): Rs 8.99 lakh

1.0-litre EcoBoost Petrol Manual

Titanium: Rs 7.89 lakh

Titanium (O): Rs 8.29 lakh

1.5-litre Petrol Auto (DCT)

Titanium: Rs 8.44 lakh

June 26, 2013
Ford EcoSport Bookings open at Rs. 50,000

Bookings for the highly anticipated compact SUV, the Ford EcoSport, are finally open. While there has been no official announcement, the Ford EcoSport is expected to be launched in the last week of June, and according to the official Ford EcoSport Facebook page, those interested can now book it after paying a sum of Rs 50,000. There’s no word however on the vehicle’s pricing, and there’s a Rs 3,000 cancellation fee in case you change your mind later for whatever reason.

First showcased at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, the EcoSport is one of the most awaited cars this year. An endless delay in the SUV’s launch has begun to take a toll on customer patience with several angry fans making their opinions heard on the car’s Facebook page, slamming Ford for the lack of clarity on the SUV’s launch date and price. In response, Ford said that prices will be announced in a couple of weeks.

The Ford EcoSport will be the first car in India offering the excellent 1.0- litre EcoBoost engine produced by the American manufacturer. The same engine has won the famed Engine of the Year Award two years on the trot now. The Ford EcoSport will be available in four trims (Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Optional) and three engine options: the 1.0-litre petrol EcoBoost, and the 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines from the Fiesta. All three engines come mated to the standard 5-speed manual gearbox also employed in the Fiesta though the 1.5-litre petrol can also be specified with the six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. Ford claims a fuel efficiency figure of 18.9kmpl for the EcoBoost-powered version.

Read more about the different features of the Ford EcoSport here.

June 15, 2013
Ford’s 1.0L EcoBoost wins second consecutive Engine of the Year Award

Ford has taken top honors in the International Engine of the Year voting for the second year in the row. As was the case last year, Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost earned the the American automaker the accolade, achieving the highest-ever accumulated score in the 15 year history of the award.

The award is voted on by 87 automotive journalists from 35 countries around the world based on drivability, performance, economy, refinement and the successful application of advanced engine technology. This is only the third time an automaker has managed back-to-back victories. Voters were impressed by the EcoBoost engine’s power output – 123 horsepower between 1,400 and 4,500 rpm, 148 pound-feet of torque from 1,400 to 4,000 rpm. It is also surprisingly compact in size; Ford has demonstrated that the package is small enough to fit in the overhead bin of a passenger airplane.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost will be offered in the Ford EcoSport when it goes on sale in India later this summer. Apart from this, it is offered in the European Fiesta, B-MAX, Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, and Ford plans to put the engine in the Transit Connect, Transit Courier, Tourneo Connect, Tourneo Courier and Mondeo and EcoSport soon. It’s no wonder that Ford is planning on increasing production of the EcoBoost engine at its factory in Cologne, Germany to almost 1000 engines a day from mid-August to meet demand.

The other category winners are listed below:

New Engine
Ford three-cylinder turbo (Focus)

Green Engine
General Motors 1.4-liter range extender (Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera)

Performance Engine
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia)

Sub 1.0-Liter
Ford three-cylinder turbo (Focus)

1.0-Liter to 1.4-Liter
Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger (Polo, Beetle, Golf, etc.)

1.4-Liter to 1.8-Liter
BMW-PSA 1.6-liter turbo gasoline (Mini Cooper S, Peugeot 207, etc.)

1.8-Liter to 2.0-Liter
BMW 2.0-liter twin-turbo four gasoline (125i, 320i, Z4 20i, etc.)

2.0-Liter to 2.5-Liter
Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo (TT RS, RS3 Sportback)

2.5-Liter to 3.0-Liter
BMW 3.0-liter bi-turbo six-cylinder (1 Series M Coupe, 335is, Z4 35is)

3.0-Liter to 4.0-Liter
BMW M 4.0-liter V8 (BMW M3)

Above 4.0-Liter
Ferrari 4.5-liter V8 (458 Italia)

Image courtesy: Ford

June 6, 2013
Ford EcoSport Model Range For India Leaked

According to reports, the model range for the Indian version of the much anticipated Ford EcoSport has been leaked. Four trims namely Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Titanium optional will be on offer. These trims will be available in a choice of 3 engines, a 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and obviously the center of attraction will be Ford’s much awaited 1.0-litre turbo charged direct-injection EcoBoost petrol. The EcoBoost however will be available only with the top-end Titanium trim.

The Ambiente is expected to be the base trim and comes with a quite a bit of equipment despite it. Tilt and telescopic steering, a music player with Aux-in and Bluetooth, electric wing mirrors, remote locking, a multi-function display, front power windwos and 15-inch wheels make up most of the Ambiente trim. Next up the ladder is the Trend trim, which comes with anti lock brakes, rear power windows, steering-mounted audio controls and driver-seat height adjust over everything that the Ambiente has to offer. Both these trims will be available only with manual transmissions coupled to 1.5-litre petrol or diesel engines.

Further up is the aptly named Titanium trim. The famous 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available only with the Titanium trim which also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, cooled glovebox, roof rails, front fog lamps, reverse parking sensor, and dual airbags. An option pack for the Titanium will also be available, which offers push-button start, leather seats, keyless entry, and side and curtain airbags. The EcoBoost engine is mated to a manual gearbox but an automatic-gearbox-equipped Titanium version will be available with the normal 1.5-litre petrol. There is no diesel version available for the top-spec EcoSport.

The 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines will produce 107 bhp and 88.8 bhp respectively and the new EcoBoost is expected to put out between 95 and 100 bhp. The Ford EcoSport is expected to have a base price around Rs. 7.5 lakh with the top of the line Titanium trim costing upwards of Rs. 12 lakh.

[Autocar]

May 5, 2013
Autogyaan: Ford India In The Soup Over Sexist Figo Ads

Ford India has landed itself in a tricky spot after controversial advertisements of the Figo made their way on to the internet last week. The advertisements, reportedly made by the creative team at the Indian arm of advertising giant, JWT, emphasize on the boot space offered by the Figo, but are taking serious heat for being sexist and distasteful.

In one of the commercials, the infamous former Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi is shown grinning in the driver’s seat as three skimpily clad women are shown bound and gagged stuffed into the boot. In another version, we see Paris Hilton similarly kidnapping fellow millionaire socialites, the Kardashian sisters. There’s a third, comparatively less offensive version, with Michael Schumacher having managed to fit Sebastien Vettel, Lewis Hamilton & Fernando Alonso in the Ford Figo’s boot. All three commercials feature the tagline, ‘Leave Your Worries Behind’.

The timing of the ads is especially poor, with the recent uproar in the nation over stronger anti-rape laws, and the parliament’s recently passed anti-rape legislation on everyone’s mind. Since a large number of India’s masses might not identify Berlusconi, Hilton or the Kardashians, JWT India’s attempt at black humor may backfire and evoke a strong reaction towards Ford India and the Figo.

Ford India has since apologized, in the form of the statement given to NBC

We deeply regret this incident and agree with our agency partners that it should have never happened…. The posters are contrary to the standards of professionalism and decency within Ford and our agency partners.

If they keep up with such risky tactics, it might be a little while before Ford India leaves its worries behind.

March 26, 2013
Autogyaan: 5 Hatchbacks We’d Love to See in India

We as Indians love hatchbacks. We love how they are practical and economical. We love how they can be easily manoeuvred out of any traffic jam and parked in the tightest of corners, doing all this while not emptying our bank accounts. Here are 5 hatchbacks we’d love to see on Indian roads (only if they were assembled here, of course).

1) Volkswagen Golf

The quintessential hatchback, the VW Golf is one of the all-time best selling cars, and has graced international ‘car of the year lists’ time and again. The newest iteration is over a 100kg lighter than the previous one, and has impressive safety features such as lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. It’s still a great ‘driver’s car’ and does everything that a hatchback should, and how.

2) Ford Focus

Like the Golf, the Focus is hatchback royalty. It has been an unmitigated success since its launch in 1998. The 2013 model manages to improve upon an aging design with new stylish looks and a well thought out interior. Very refined and practical, it still handles brilliantly and the pricier sporty versions offer some of the quickest engines in the range. Hot hatches really don’t get better than this (just look at those alloy wheels!).

3) Renault Clio

First things first, the Clio’s menacing looks ooze character, you can’t help but notice it. The supermini ticks all the boxes its accomplished predecessor dealt with, and still manages to improve upon others. It’s wider, lower and lighter than before making it handle much better and providing a very composed and comfortable ride. It has a bold, lively interior and comes with a punch-filled economical engine. It may not be as refined as some of its competitors, but it might put a bigger smile on your face.

4) Volkswagen Up

Volkswagen has built more than its share of hatchbacks, and there have been quite a few misses (read VW Fox) to go with the hits. But let there be no doubt, the Up belongs with the latter. This agile, little city car has a lot more space than it seems, and an interior that will put many pricier hatchbacks to shame. It’s not the most powerful or the best equipped car in its class, however it more than makes up for it with a very forgiving ride and a snappy gearbox. The Up does a lot more than is expected from it, and is just too much fun to drive for us to ignore it.

5) Kia Rio

Considerably cheaper than the Golf and the Focus, the Kia Rio will fit in well in the Indian market. Although its performance and handling is not at par with most of its pricier competitors, it has an extremely spacious and stylish interior. Coupled with great modern looks, the gulf between it and its rivals isn’t as big as you’d expect it to be. Boasting a five star NCAP crash test rating, it’s very safe and sturdily built. On top of what is simply a very solid and reliable car, Kia offers a mind-boggling 7 year warranty on all its models in more than 20 European countries. If that won’t sell a car, god knows what will.

March 24, 2013
AutoGyaan : Ford Unleashes the Fusion Hybrid Plug-in (PR)

Ford has released a new Fusion Hybrid Plugin for their 2013 model lineup. The lineup which will consist of the petrol, and petrol hybrid will also be greeted with this new plug-in hybrid. The car offers doubly improved efficiency vs standard petrol and hybrid engines. The Fusion Energi plug-in offers an efficiency 14 KMPe more than the Chevrolet Volt topping in at 100 MPGe.

Ford plans to sell these vehicles in India sometime at the end of 2013, for a very comfortable(!) 20 Lac. The car also features plus interiors along with 11 Airbags, SOny Sound system with integrated navmapping and surround stereo.

The Ford Fusion 2013 has undergone 180 validating crash tests to ensure optimum safety for its passengers.

[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]

New Ford Fusion Brings More Technology, Expected Triple

Crown of Best-in-Class Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Efficiency
• 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

• With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value

• Customers can choose from Fusion’s widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrain options including EcoBoost™, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings and auto start-stop technology

• Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 – Ford’s all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and 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.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars – developed to satisfy customers everywhere looking for leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what ‘One Ford’ stands for,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with ground- breaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result.”

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

For more information on the importance of the midsize car market, please follow this link: http://youtu.be/7C2ipp5A7gQ

Triple-crown fuel efficiency
New Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers’ choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, delivering on Ford’s commitment to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market.
Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost™ four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.

The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.

Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start-stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent.

Fusion looks out for you
The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

• Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position

• Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected

• Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

The power of voice
The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC® communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Different, by design
“The previous Fusion was an easy purchase for a customer to rationalize,” said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer for the next-generation model. “Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice.”

These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Fusion:

• Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk “three-box” designs synonymous with midsize sedans
• Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet
• Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter
• Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability
• New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.
Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel
Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.

“The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only delivers a superior visual experience but also feels like quality to the customer,” said Adrian Whittle, Fusion chief engineer.

Key contributors to how the Fusion feels are the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.

“This really is a driver’s car,” said John Jraiche, program manager. “Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations.”

Careful tuning by Ford’s vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.

Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.

Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise while enhancing powertrain sounds.

Strength and safety
Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.

The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.

The most prominent example is Fusion’s front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous – and seemingly conflictive – standards across regions. The car’s front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection – thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests.

Fusion will be produced at Ford’s Hermosillo, Mexico, manufacturing facility, soon adding production at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The car will appear in Ford showrooms in North America and South America later this year. Mondeo will be introduced next year in Asia and Europe.

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

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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 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.

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January 10, 2012