Dec 2, 2008

Ford BattlesToyota

With the economy on shaky ground and gas prices zooming up and down like a drunken yo-yo, Americans are looking for new ways to save. In the midst of a troubled economy which has brought into question its very existence, Ford Motor Co. is preparing to introduce what it calls the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America: the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

The Fusion Hybrid will beat the Toyota Camry Hybrid by at least 6 miles per gallon in the city while meeting the needs of today’s fuel- and eco-conscious consumers. The Fusion Hybrid and its sistership, the Mercury Milan Hybrid, employ Ford's next-generation hybrid system, providing all-electric driving up to 47 miles per hour -- twice the speed of most competitors. But more important, both hybrids offer a range of 700 miles on a single tank of gas. The twin benefits are achieved by a more fuel-efficient transition between the battery-powered motor and the gasoline-driven engine. The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience with unique instruments that help them optimize performance with the driving techniques.

The SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two screens showing different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles per gallon. Having this info at a glance helps drivers maximize fuel efficiency. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid will arrive in dealer showrooms in the spring of 2009.