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The Ford Fusion will be going away in due course as part of the company's plan to put more focus on utility vehicles and trucks. But that doesn't mean the Fusion name will heading to the trash bin. Bloomberg has learned from sources that Ford is planning to move the Fusion name to a new wagon that will compete with the Subaru Outback. The new model will also use the same mechanical underpinnings as the current Fusion - leading us to believe that it will be some version of the Mondeo wagon sold in Europe. Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to comment on the new model, but did say the Fusion name would continue "because of its awareness, positive imagery and value with consumers.” Ford needs a way to keep their current sedan buyers returning their showroom after the Fusion sedan drops out. Analysis done by Kelly Blue Book revealed the less than half of Fusion owners are loyal to the brand. KBB also found that the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 were the most popular SUV models that Fusion owners would consider. “Ford has a hard time moving people from their cars to SUVs,” said Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst with Autotrader. Source: Bloomberg (Subscription Required) -
The Ford Fusion will be going away in due course as part of the company's plan to put more focus on utility vehicles and trucks. But that doesn't mean the Fusion name will heading to the trash bin. Bloomberg has learned from sources that Ford is planning to move the Fusion name to a new wagon that will compete with the Subaru Outback. The new model will also use the same mechanical underpinnings as the current Fusion - leading us to believe that it will be some version of the Mondeo wagon sold in Europe. Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to comment on the new model, but did say the Fusion name would continue "because of its awareness, positive imagery and value with consumers.” Ford needs a way to keep their current sedan buyers returning their showroom after the Fusion sedan drops out. Analysis done by Kelly Blue Book revealed the less than half of Fusion owners are loyal to the brand. KBB also found that the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 were the most popular SUV models that Fusion owners would consider. “Ford has a hard time moving people from their cars to SUVs,” said Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst with Autotrader. Source: Bloomberg (Subscription Required) View full article -
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Ford is serious about cutting costs and that means cars will be cut. During the company's first-quarter earnings, it was announced that Ford would be killing off the Fiesta, Focus Sedan/Hatch, Fusion, and Taurus in North America. The only vehicles that will remain are the Mustang and the upcoming Focus Active in 2019. This will save Ford $11.5 billion and up their cost-cutting goal to $25.5 billion by 2022. This is a sizeable increase from $14 billion projected by CEO Jim Hackett in October. “Everything is on the table. We can exit products (and) markets. We will do that. That work (started in October) has really gained traction. We have looked at every single part of the business. It’s a very complex endeavor. We are determined to turn this business around right throughout the whole company. There’s more work that’s underway,” said Ford Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks. The move to reduce Ford's passenger car lineup is not shocking. Sales of Ford's passenger cars have been tanking for the past couple of years as trucks/SUVs have taken off. We've also be reporting on the death of Ford's car lineup in the rumorpile within the past year. It is unclear the timeframe as to when the various models will end production for North America. Our guess would be Taurus, Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion. Ford is also not planning "next generations of traditional Ford sedans for North America.” Instead, the company will focus on what it calls “white space” silhouette vehicles - models hat combine attributes from cars and utility vehicles (A.K.A. crossovers) Also in the cards are hybrid powertrains for various models and 16 electric vehicles by 2022. By 2020, the company expects 90 percent of their North American lineup will be comprised of pickups, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. For the time being, other markets will continue to get the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and Taurus. One item that is still up in the air is what will happen to the Lincoln models that share platforms - the Continental and MKZ. Source: Ford, Automotive News (Subscription Required), Bloomberg, The Detroit News -
Ford is serious about cutting costs and that means cars will be cut. During the company's first-quarter earnings, it was announced that Ford would be killing off the Fiesta, Focus Sedan/Hatch, Fusion, and Taurus in North America. The only vehicles that will remain are the Mustang and the upcoming Focus Active in 2019. This will save Ford $11.5 billion and up their cost-cutting goal to $25.5 billion by 2022. This is a sizeable increase from $14 billion projected by CEO Jim Hackett in October. “Everything is on the table. We can exit products (and) markets. We will do that. That work (started in October) has really gained traction. We have looked at every single part of the business. It’s a very complex endeavor. We are determined to turn this business around right throughout the whole company. There’s more work that’s underway,” said Ford Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks. The move to reduce Ford's passenger car lineup is not shocking. Sales of Ford's passenger cars have been tanking for the past couple of years as trucks/SUVs have taken off. We've also be reporting on the death of Ford's car lineup in the rumorpile within the past year. It is unclear the timeframe as to when the various models will end production for North America. Our guess would be Taurus, Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion. Ford is also not planning "next generations of traditional Ford sedans for North America.” Instead, the company will focus on what it calls “white space” silhouette vehicles - models hat combine attributes from cars and utility vehicles (A.K.A. crossovers) Also in the cards are hybrid powertrains for various models and 16 electric vehicles by 2022. By 2020, the company expects 90 percent of their North American lineup will be comprised of pickups, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. For the time being, other markets will continue to get the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and Taurus. One item that is still up in the air is what will happen to the Lincoln models that share platforms - the Continental and MKZ. Source: Ford, Automotive News (Subscription Required), Bloomberg, The Detroit News View full article
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Previous Page Next Page Ford will be using next week's New York Auto Show to show off an updated Fusion. The exterior gets the mildest of refreshes with slightly tweaked fascias, more color choices, and new wheel designs. But the big news deals with safety. The 2019 Fusion will be the first Ford model to come with the company's Co-Pilot360 Protect suite of driver assistance technologies. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The suite will come standard on all Fusion models. A new 9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is installed into the Fusion Energi plug-in, boosting electric-only range to 25 miles. The rest of changes for the 2019 Fusion deal with simplifying the trim lineup and feature set. SE models will now come standard with the 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder, dual-zone climate control, 8-inch touchscreen with Sync3, and In-Car WiFi SEL replaces the SE Luxury Package Titanium adds more luxury features such as adaptive cruise control and heated steering wheel The 2019 Fusion arrives at dealers this summer. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 Sleeker, Smarter 2019 Fusion Is First Ford With Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Driver-Assist Technology, Greater Plug-In Hybrid Range The new 2019 Fusion brings the debut of Ford Co-Pilot360™, the most advanced suite of standard driver-assist technologies among full-line brands that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, lane keeping system, rear backup camera and auto high-beam lighting 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine now standard on Fusion SE and higher trim levels, while new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid model is projected to have an EPA-estimated electric-only range of up to 25 miles – nearly 20 percent greater than the current model Fusion Titanium and Fusion Hybrid customers will get even more standard technologies, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and an advanced navigation system Updated Fusion styling for all models includes sleeker front and rear design, new wheels and fresh color palettes inside and out, while simplified lineup makes for easier ordering DEARBORN, Mich., March 20, 2018 – Ford today announces the 2019 Fusion sedan – the first Ford vehicle globally with standard new state-of-the-art Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technology, plus sleeker styling for all models and greater projected all-electric driving range for the plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi. The new Fusion, which makes its public debut at the New York Auto Show later this month, will be in showrooms by late summer – complete with new technology to make driving safer and easier. “People tell us they are stressed with crowded roads and more distracted drivers and pedestrians. Our Ford Co-Pilot360 with standard automatic emergency braking and other technologies can help them drive more confidently so they can enjoy the journey,” said Corey Holter, Ford car group marketing manager. “For our green-minded customers, we’ve amped up our Fusion Energi with a projected increase of nearly 20 percent electric-only driving range.” Ford Co-Pilot360 means more standard driver-assist technology, greater connectivity Fusion launches Ford Co-Pilot360 for the company globally, standardizing driver-assist technologies both to improve the driving experience for customers and to make the ordering process easier and faster. From the entry-level Fusion S to Fusion Energi Titanium, every 2019 Fusion features must-have Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect driver-assist technologies as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, lane keeping system, a rear backup camera and auto high-beam lighting. Automatic emergency braking helps reduce the severity of or potentially avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians who might accidentally cross in front of the car’s path. Standard blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert for every Fusion uses radar to detect surrounding vehicles – providing alerts if vehicles are detected approaching unseen from either side. To help avoid lane drift, standard lane keeping system vibrates the steering wheel and can apply extra steering wheel torque to help keep the car centered in the lane. Beyond standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect is a more advanced bundle of optional driver-assist technologies that makes driving even easier. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go, which automatically accelerates and brakes to a full stop when traffic halts, while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist includes voice-activated navigation and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. SYNC® 3 with 8-inch LCD touch screen is now standard for Fusion SE and above models, while voice-activated touch screen navigation with pinch-to-zoom capability, plus SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link is standard for Fusion Hybrid SEL, Fusion Titanium and Fusion V6 Sport. Fusion SE and above models now include a standard embedded 4G LTE modem providing Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices. Furthermore, SYNC 3 with the Ford+Alexa app offers access to Alexa skills, like adding items to a shopping list or playing music. New Waze compatibility will help drivers avoid troublesome traffic spots. Commands and functionality for Ford+Alexa and Waze may vary depending on smartphone and required software. Fusion Energi’s electric range projected to gain nearly 20 percent The new Fusion Energi is projected to offer an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 25 miles, which is nearly 20 percent greater than that of the current model. Ford engineers designed a new 9.0-kilowatt-hour air-cooled lithium-ion battery offering greater energy capacity with no change to the physical size of the battery pack. Based on data generated by more than 23,000 MyFord® Mobile plug-in hybrid customers over several years, Ford estimates the 2019 Fusion Energi will potentially allow up to 80 percent of plug-in customers to drive their typical daily commute on electricity alone, with the support of both home and workplace charging, assuming the vehicle is fully charged daily at home and at work. Even without workplace charging, Ford estimates approximately 48 percent of plug-in hybrid customers could potentially get to and from their jobs on electric power alone. This estimate is based on MyFordMobile data collected from more than 19 million unique trips from 23,000 Ford battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Simplified new lineup brings more features, more value than ever A simplified Ford Fusion lineup now includes even more technology and style for 2019: The new Fusion models include: Fusion S: Upgraded entry model now includes standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect, which combines automatic emergency braking with pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beams and rain-sensing wipers Fusion SE, Fusion Hybrid SE: Adding to the equipment on Fusion S, gasoline-powered Fusion SE comes standard with 1.5-liter EcoBoost®, SYNC 3 with 8-inch LCD touch screen, SYNC Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control. Fusion Hybrid SE adds a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid engine with continouously variable transmission for smooth operation Fusion SEL, Fusion Hybrid SEL: Return of Fusion SEL replaces SE Luxury Package. It includes 10-way power driver’s seat with two memory settings, ActiveX seating surfaces, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, intelligent access with remote start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlamps and warm interior accents. Hybrid model adds voice-activated touch screen navigation with pinch-to-zoom capability, plus SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Fusion Titanium, Fusion Hybrid Titanium: Fusion Titanium includes standard heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, rear inflatable seat belts, 19-inch wheels, navigation system, moonroof and adaptive cruise control with stop and go Fusion Energi Titanium: In addition to a near 20 percent projected increase in electric-only driving range, Fusion Energi now includes rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, voice-activated navigation, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Fusion V6 Sport: With standard all-wheel drive and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, the 325-horsepower Fusion V6 Sport remains the most powerful car in its class Still a head-turner Fusion brings new front and rear styling including a new grille featuring a five-bar design finished in chrome on S, SE and SEL models and new chrome mesh on Titanium. This sleeker Fusion also features a new trunk lid panel, fog lamps and LED taillamps. Two new wheel designs and fresh color palettes inside and out also debut for 2019. Previous Page Next Page View full article
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Previous Page Next Page Ford will be using next week's New York Auto Show to show off an updated Fusion. The exterior gets the mildest of refreshes with slightly tweaked fascias, more color choices, and new wheel designs. But the big news deals with safety. The 2019 Fusion will be the first Ford model to come with the company's Co-Pilot360 Protect suite of driver assistance technologies. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The suite will come standard on all Fusion models. A new 9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is installed into the Fusion Energi plug-in, boosting electric-only range to 25 miles. The rest of changes for the 2019 Fusion deal with simplifying the trim lineup and feature set. SE models will now come standard with the 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder, dual-zone climate control, 8-inch touchscreen with Sync3, and In-Car WiFi SEL replaces the SE Luxury Package Titanium adds more luxury features such as adaptive cruise control and heated steering wheel The 2019 Fusion arrives at dealers this summer. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 Sleeker, Smarter 2019 Fusion Is First Ford With Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Driver-Assist Technology, Greater Plug-In Hybrid Range The new 2019 Fusion brings the debut of Ford Co-Pilot360™, the most advanced suite of standard driver-assist technologies among full-line brands that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, lane keeping system, rear backup camera and auto high-beam lighting 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine now standard on Fusion SE and higher trim levels, while new Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid model is projected to have an EPA-estimated electric-only range of up to 25 miles – nearly 20 percent greater than the current model Fusion Titanium and Fusion Hybrid customers will get even more standard technologies, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and an advanced navigation system Updated Fusion styling for all models includes sleeker front and rear design, new wheels and fresh color palettes inside and out, while simplified lineup makes for easier ordering DEARBORN, Mich., March 20, 2018 – Ford today announces the 2019 Fusion sedan – the first Ford vehicle globally with standard new state-of-the-art Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technology, plus sleeker styling for all models and greater projected all-electric driving range for the plug-in hybrid Fusion Energi. The new Fusion, which makes its public debut at the New York Auto Show later this month, will be in showrooms by late summer – complete with new technology to make driving safer and easier. “People tell us they are stressed with crowded roads and more distracted drivers and pedestrians. Our Ford Co-Pilot360 with standard automatic emergency braking and other technologies can help them drive more confidently so they can enjoy the journey,” said Corey Holter, Ford car group marketing manager. “For our green-minded customers, we’ve amped up our Fusion Energi with a projected increase of nearly 20 percent electric-only driving range.” Ford Co-Pilot360 means more standard driver-assist technology, greater connectivity Fusion launches Ford Co-Pilot360 for the company globally, standardizing driver-assist technologies both to improve the driving experience for customers and to make the ordering process easier and faster. From the entry-level Fusion S to Fusion Energi Titanium, every 2019 Fusion features must-have Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect driver-assist technologies as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system, lane keeping system, a rear backup camera and auto high-beam lighting. Automatic emergency braking helps reduce the severity of or potentially avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians who might accidentally cross in front of the car’s path. Standard blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert for every Fusion uses radar to detect surrounding vehicles – providing alerts if vehicles are detected approaching unseen from either side. To help avoid lane drift, standard lane keeping system vibrates the steering wheel and can apply extra steering wheel torque to help keep the car centered in the lane. Beyond standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect is a more advanced bundle of optional driver-assist technologies that makes driving even easier. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go, which automatically accelerates and brakes to a full stop when traffic halts, while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist includes voice-activated navigation and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. SYNC® 3 with 8-inch LCD touch screen is now standard for Fusion SE and above models, while voice-activated touch screen navigation with pinch-to-zoom capability, plus SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link is standard for Fusion Hybrid SEL, Fusion Titanium and Fusion V6 Sport. Fusion SE and above models now include a standard embedded 4G LTE modem providing Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices. Furthermore, SYNC 3 with the Ford+Alexa app offers access to Alexa skills, like adding items to a shopping list or playing music. New Waze compatibility will help drivers avoid troublesome traffic spots. Commands and functionality for Ford+Alexa and Waze may vary depending on smartphone and required software. Fusion Energi’s electric range projected to gain nearly 20 percent The new Fusion Energi is projected to offer an EPA-estimated electric-only range of 25 miles, which is nearly 20 percent greater than that of the current model. Ford engineers designed a new 9.0-kilowatt-hour air-cooled lithium-ion battery offering greater energy capacity with no change to the physical size of the battery pack. Based on data generated by more than 23,000 MyFord® Mobile plug-in hybrid customers over several years, Ford estimates the 2019 Fusion Energi will potentially allow up to 80 percent of plug-in customers to drive their typical daily commute on electricity alone, with the support of both home and workplace charging, assuming the vehicle is fully charged daily at home and at work. Even without workplace charging, Ford estimates approximately 48 percent of plug-in hybrid customers could potentially get to and from their jobs on electric power alone. This estimate is based on MyFordMobile data collected from more than 19 million unique trips from 23,000 Ford battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Simplified new lineup brings more features, more value than ever A simplified Ford Fusion lineup now includes even more technology and style for 2019: The new Fusion models include: Fusion S: Upgraded entry model now includes standard Ford Co-Pilot360 Protect, which combines automatic emergency braking with pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beams and rain-sensing wipers Fusion SE, Fusion Hybrid SE: Adding to the equipment on Fusion S, gasoline-powered Fusion SE comes standard with 1.5-liter EcoBoost®, SYNC 3 with 8-inch LCD touch screen, SYNC Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control. Fusion Hybrid SE adds a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid engine with continouously variable transmission for smooth operation Fusion SEL, Fusion Hybrid SEL: Return of Fusion SEL replaces SE Luxury Package. It includes 10-way power driver’s seat with two memory settings, ActiveX seating surfaces, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, intelligent access with remote start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlamps and warm interior accents. Hybrid model adds voice-activated touch screen navigation with pinch-to-zoom capability, plus SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Fusion Titanium, Fusion Hybrid Titanium: Fusion Titanium includes standard heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, rear inflatable seat belts, 19-inch wheels, navigation system, moonroof and adaptive cruise control with stop and go Fusion Energi Titanium: In addition to a near 20 percent projected increase in electric-only driving range, Fusion Energi now includes rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, voice-activated navigation, and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link Fusion V6 Sport: With standard all-wheel drive and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, the 325-horsepower Fusion V6 Sport remains the most powerful car in its class Still a head-turner Fusion brings new front and rear styling including a new grille featuring a five-bar design finished in chrome on S, SE and SEL models and new chrome mesh on Titanium. This sleeker Fusion also features a new trunk lid panel, fog lamps and LED taillamps. Two new wheel designs and fresh color palettes inside and out also debut for 2019. Previous Page Next Page -
Ford Issues Recall For Fusion and MKZ Due to Steering Wheels Coming Off
William Maley posted an article in Ford
Ford has issued a recall 1.3 million 2014-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans that can have their steering wheels come off. The problem is a faulty bolt that attaches the wheel to the steering column. The bolt may not provide enough torque, which results in the bolt loosening and causing the wheel to fall off. Ford reports that two accidents and one injury are attributed to this issue. The models affected by this were built between July of 2013 and March of 2018 at Ford's Flat Rock, MI and Hermosillo, Mexico plants. The fix involves a dealer replacing the current bolt with one a larger one featuring more threads along with a larger nylon patch to keep the steering wheel where it should be. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 Select 2014-18 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for loose steering wheel bolts that could lead to a steering wheel detaching from steering column Ford is issuing a safety recall in North America for approximately 1.3 million 2014-18 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for potentially loose steering wheel bolts that could result in a steering wheel detaching from the steering column. In affected vehicles, the steering wheel bolt may not maintain torque, allowing the bolt to loosen over time, and if not serviced, a steering wheel could potentially detach and lead to a loss of steering control and increased risk of a crash. Ford is aware of two accidents with one injury allegedly related to this condition. Affected vehicles include: 2014-17 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Aug. 6, 2013 to Feb. 29, 2016 2014-18 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 25, 2013 to March 5, 2018 2014-18 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 25, 2013 to March 5, 2018 The recall involves approximately 1,378,637 vehicles in North America with 1,301,986 in the United States and federalized territories, 62,479 in Canada and 14,172 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S08. Dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt on the vehicle with a longer bolt with more robust thread engagement and larger nylon patch placed properly for proper torque retention— at no cost to customers. -
Ford has issued a recall 1.3 million 2014-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans that can have their steering wheels come off. The problem is a faulty bolt that attaches the wheel to the steering column. The bolt may not provide enough torque, which results in the bolt loosening and causing the wheel to fall off. Ford reports that two accidents and one injury are attributed to this issue. The models affected by this were built between July of 2013 and March of 2018 at Ford's Flat Rock, MI and Hermosillo, Mexico plants. The fix involves a dealer replacing the current bolt with one a larger one featuring more threads along with a larger nylon patch to keep the steering wheel where it should be. Source: Ford Press Release is on Page 2 Select 2014-18 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for loose steering wheel bolts that could lead to a steering wheel detaching from steering column Ford is issuing a safety recall in North America for approximately 1.3 million 2014-18 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for potentially loose steering wheel bolts that could result in a steering wheel detaching from the steering column. In affected vehicles, the steering wheel bolt may not maintain torque, allowing the bolt to loosen over time, and if not serviced, a steering wheel could potentially detach and lead to a loss of steering control and increased risk of a crash. Ford is aware of two accidents with one injury allegedly related to this condition. Affected vehicles include: 2014-17 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Aug. 6, 2013 to Feb. 29, 2016 2014-18 Ford Fusion vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 25, 2013 to March 5, 2018 2014-18 Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant, July 25, 2013 to March 5, 2018 The recall involves approximately 1,378,637 vehicles in North America with 1,301,986 in the United States and federalized territories, 62,479 in Canada and 14,172 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this recall is 18S08. Dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt on the vehicle with a longer bolt with more robust thread engagement and larger nylon patch placed properly for proper torque retention— at no cost to customers. View full article
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There is a new twist in the fate of the Ford Fusion. The Detroit News obtained a letter from November that Ford sent out to suppliers saying plans for a redesigned Fusion for North America had been canceled. This follows a report from last month where Ford notified suppliers that it will not produce the next-generation Fusion at their Hermosillo, Mexico plant. This doesn't mean the Fusion nameplate is going away anytime soon. A source tells the paper that the Fusion and Mondeo (sister model sold outside the U.S.) will be in Ford's portfolio for at least three to four years. This possibly hints that Ford executives are having a rethink as to the future of the Fusion. Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to comment on the letter or future of the Fusion, only saying in a statement, “Fusion remains an important part of the Ford lineup for years to come with even more new fresh features on the way. We will have more news to share in the future.” Ford reported a 21.1 percent drop in Fusion sales for 2017, continuing a sales decline for a third year. Like other midsize sedans, the reason for the fall in sales is due to the increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Not helping are redesigned models from Toyota and Honda. “It does make sense. A lot of vehicles on the market right now that are not SUVs are kind of caught in this death spiral. They are on an aging platform and they’re in a segment that’s not showing any growth," said Karl Brauer, industry analyst and executive publisher of Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. “Anyone at any high-level point of decision-making is going to ask why they’re spending this money.” Source: The Detroit News -
There is a new twist in the fate of the Ford Fusion. The Detroit News obtained a letter from November that Ford sent out to suppliers saying plans for a redesigned Fusion for North America had been canceled. This follows a report from last month where Ford notified suppliers that it will not produce the next-generation Fusion at their Hermosillo, Mexico plant. This doesn't mean the Fusion nameplate is going away anytime soon. A source tells the paper that the Fusion and Mondeo (sister model sold outside the U.S.) will be in Ford's portfolio for at least three to four years. This possibly hints that Ford executives are having a rethink as to the future of the Fusion. Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to comment on the letter or future of the Fusion, only saying in a statement, “Fusion remains an important part of the Ford lineup for years to come with even more new fresh features on the way. We will have more news to share in the future.” Ford reported a 21.1 percent drop in Fusion sales for 2017, continuing a sales decline for a third year. Like other midsize sedans, the reason for the fall in sales is due to the increasing popularity of SUVs and crossovers. Not helping are redesigned models from Toyota and Honda. “It does make sense. A lot of vehicles on the market right now that are not SUVs are kind of caught in this death spiral. They are on an aging platform and they’re in a segment that’s not showing any growth," said Karl Brauer, industry analyst and executive publisher of Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. “Anyone at any high-level point of decision-making is going to ask why they’re spending this money.” Source: The Detroit News View full article
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Rumorpile: Ford Plans to End Fusion Production in North America
William Maley posted an article in Ford
A new report from Automotive News says that Ford is planning to end North American production of the Fusion sedan at the end of this decade. According to sources, the automaker has begun to notify suppliers that it will not produce the next-generation Fusion at their Hermosillo, Mexico plant. Suppliers have also been told that Ford will stop producing the Mondeo (Fusion in other markets) at their Valencia, Spain plant. This is further complicated by a report from Reuters saying the company is consolidating production to a plant in China. Ford has since denied this report. “We have no plans to export the next-generation Fusion/Mondeo from China to North America and Europe. Fusion/Mondeo are an important part of the Ford car lineup. We will have more information to share about the next Fusion/Mondeo at a later date,” the company said in a statement. A spokesman declined to comment when asked if Ford would stop selling Fusion in the U.S., replace it with another vehicle, or build it elsewhere. Previously, Ford executives have said that the shift from cars to crossovers/SUVs will be permanent. Back in October, the company announced that it would be cutting back on the number of car nameplate it offers, but wouldn't go into details. Ford has already ended production of the C-Max Energi and plans on ending the C-Max Hybrid sometime next year. The Fiesta and Taurus are reportedly on the chopping block as well. What does the future hold for the Fusion? At the moment, it is tough to say. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Reuters -
A new report from Automotive News says that Ford is planning to end North American production of the Fusion sedan at the end of this decade. According to sources, the automaker has begun to notify suppliers that it will not produce the next-generation Fusion at their Hermosillo, Mexico plant. Suppliers have also been told that Ford will stop producing the Mondeo (Fusion in other markets) at their Valencia, Spain plant. This is further complicated by a report from Reuters saying the company is consolidating production to a plant in China. Ford has since denied this report. “We have no plans to export the next-generation Fusion/Mondeo from China to North America and Europe. Fusion/Mondeo are an important part of the Ford car lineup. We will have more information to share about the next Fusion/Mondeo at a later date,” the company said in a statement. A spokesman declined to comment when asked if Ford would stop selling Fusion in the U.S., replace it with another vehicle, or build it elsewhere. Previously, Ford executives have said that the shift from cars to crossovers/SUVs will be permanent. Back in October, the company announced that it would be cutting back on the number of car nameplate it offers, but wouldn't go into details. Ford has already ended production of the C-Max Energi and plans on ending the C-Max Hybrid sometime next year. The Fiesta and Taurus are reportedly on the chopping block as well. What does the future hold for the Fusion? At the moment, it is tough to say. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Reuters View full article
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We're sure Ford would like to have kept their 2017 Fusion refresh a secret till next Monday where it debut at the Detroit Auto Show. But two different spy photographers have caught the 2017 Fusion with no camouflage. The front gets a new oval-ish grille shape with a mesh insert and reshaped headlights. There is also a more aggressive air intake in the center of the bumper. Around back is are a set of reshaped taillights. Sadly, we don't have any shots of what the interior will look like, but we expect Ford's SYNC 3 to play a big role. One item that is still up the air is whether or not there will be a performance oriented Fusion ST that we first saw back in September. We'll learn more about the 2017 Fusion when it debuts on January 11th. In the meantime, you can follow all 2016 Detroit Auto Show news here. Source: Autoblog, Motor Trend -
Ford News: Spying: Ford Fusion Readies For Its Debut At Detroit
William Maley posted a topic in Ford
We're sure Ford would like to have kept their 2017 Fusion refresh a secret till next Monday where it debut at the Detroit Auto Show. But two different spy photographers have caught the 2017 Fusion with no camouflage. The front gets a new oval-ish grille shape with a mesh insert and reshaped headlights. There is also a more aggressive air intake in the center of the bumper. Around back is are a set of reshaped taillights. Sadly, we don't have any shots of what the interior will look like, but we expect Ford's SYNC 3 to play a big role. One item that is still up the air is whether or not there will be a performance oriented Fusion ST that we first saw back in September. We'll learn more about the 2017 Fusion when it debuts on January 11th. In the meantime, you can follow all 2016 Detroit Auto Show news here. Source: Autoblog, Motor Trend View full article -
It appears Ford's performance arm is taking a crack at building a high-performance Fusion. A fresh set of spy shots show off a Fusion mule with some interesting hardware. There is are larger brake discs, bigger wheels and tires, quad exhaust pipes, and some body changes hidden in camo. Automobile reports that the sportier Fusion will pack the 2.7L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower. A six-speed automatic will route all the power to all four wheels. These pictures come at an interesting time for Ford. As we've reported, the fate of the Ford Taurus is unknown for the U.S. By building a sporty Fusion, it gives Ford a sporty sedan to take the place of the Taurus SHO. Automobile does go on say that it's unknown whether this is an engineering exercise or a precursor to a production model. If it's the latter, we could see it as 2017 - the year where Ford will give the Fusion a refresh. Source: Automobile Pic Credit: William Maley -
It appears Ford's performance arm is taking a crack at building a high-performance Fusion. A fresh set of spy shots show off a Fusion mule with some interesting hardware. There is are larger brake discs, bigger wheels and tires, quad exhaust pipes, and some body changes hidden in camo. Automobile reports that the sportier Fusion will pack the 2.7L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower. A six-speed automatic will route all the power to all four wheels. These pictures come at an interesting time for Ford. As we've reported, the fate of the Ford Taurus is unknown for the U.S. By building a sporty Fusion, it gives Ford a sporty sedan to take the place of the Taurus SHO. Automobile does go on say that it's unknown whether this is an engineering exercise or a precursor to a production model. If it's the latter, we could see it as 2017 - the year where Ford will give the Fusion a refresh. Source: Automobile Pic Credit: William Maley View full article
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Being the car guy in the family is sometimes a difficult thing. Case in point is when someone asks for your help with buying a car. About a year or two ago, my dad asked me for some help with buying a new midsize sedan. He had two contenders in mind to replace his 2006 Ford Fusion - the new Fusion or the Nissan Altima. At the time, I had just reviewed the Altima and thought the four-cylinder powertrain needed a bit more refinement. The Fusion had its own set problems as the 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder - the engine my dad was considering - was having a number of reliability issues. There was also MyFord Touch which had a number of problems. At the time, I was leaning towards the Fusion when my dad threw a curveball; what about the last-generation Fusion? After giving it a few moments of thought, I thought it would be the best choice at the time. So fast forward to now when a 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD came in for a week’s evaluation and I found myself wondering if my dad had made the right call with going with an older Fusion. Well, let’s find out. The Fusion has a number of items to help make it stand out in the crowded midsize class. The biggest one is the exterior design. The Fusion’s shape follows the trend of four-door coupes with a low roofline and a short rear end. The front end is very much like an Aston Martin with a low-slung front end and a trapezoidal front end. The overall look gives the Fusion an air of looking more expensive than it really is. However, I think the Fusion design is just trying a little bit too hard to stand out. Also, I think the Fusion must have mugged an Aston Martin to use its front clip. As for the Fusion’s interior, I wished Ford had done more in terms of design. Step inside and you find yourself surrounded by materials in black and sliver. While the company does deserve some credit for using high-quality materials throughout the interior, I wished Ford’s designers had taken some of the enthusiasm from the exterior and placed it inside. Front seat passengers get power-adjustments, along with heat and cooling. I found the seats to provide excellent support and comfort. Rear seat passengers will find legroom is decent. Headroom is tight thanks to the sloping roof. When I put my 5’8” frame back here, I found my head to be touching the roof. My tester came equipped with the MyFord Touch infotainment system, This system has been criticized for a number of issues including non-responsive capacitive buttons, laggy performance, and a questionable voice recognition system. Ford has been ironing a number of problems and the good news is that some of the problems are gone. The capacitive buttons actually respond when pressed and a good amount of the lag is gone. But there is still a fair amount lag in the system. An example of this comes when going to my presets on the radio and it taking a few seconds to respond. Also, I found the voice recognition system not recognizing my voice. I tried using the commands the system provides, but it couldn’t understand anything I said to it. Just for a laugh, I swore at the system and the response it gave back was something to effect of ‘Do you need help?’ For Powertrain and Handling Impressions, See Page 2 Being the top-of-the-line Fusion, it means that it gets the turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic, and the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. My tester had the latter of the two drivetrains. Since this was a turbocharged four-cylinder, I was expecting it to be like other ones I have driven where power would come on instantaneously before running out of steam midway through the rpm band. In the case of the 2.0L EcoBoost, power doesn’t come on instantly. Instead it feels more like a V6, gradually building up power as the revs climb. It should also be noted the 2.0L EcoBoost is quite refined with barely any noise coming from the hood. The six-speed automatic is quick and responsive for any situation you throw at it. Fuel economy is the biggest drawback with the 2.0 EcoBoost. Equipped with all-wheel drive, the 2.0 EcoBoost is rated by the EPA at 22 City/31 Highway/25 Combined. My average for the week was around 24 MPG. Although it should be noted that I was seeing around 20 to 21 when driving in stop and go city traffic during my first few days of testing. Driving around in the Fusion presented a mostly comfortable and quiet ride. I say mostly due to my tester being fitted with optional 19-inch wheels which do let in a few more bumps and imperfections. On the freeway, there is barely the hint of road and wind noise. Out on a twisty road, the Fusion handles quite well. The car barely has any body lean and is very nimble. Steering is quite hefty, but more exuberant drivers will wish for a bit more feel. So at the end my week, I felt a bit mixed about the Fusion. On one hand, Ford has done a lot to make the Fusion stand out with an upscale look, impressive powertrain, and a nice balance between comfort and sport. But there are some big downsides to the Fusion as well: MyFordTouch still has a fair amount of issues, the rear seat is kind of tight, and the optional AWD results in some poor MPGs. The biggest sticking point though is the price. A base Fusion Titanium starts at $30,390. With AWD and options equipped on my tester, it rose to $38,820. That price puts in the range of base and decently equipped compact luxury sedans, Drop AWD and the price goes to around $36,000. Still that's a lot of money for a midsize sedan, especially when many competitors offer a lot of the same features for less money. So when I think back about my dad and whether or not he made the right call with going the older Fusion and not the newer one, I can say now that he made the right call. Disclaimer: Ford Provided the Fusion, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Ford Model: Fusion Trim: Titanium AWD Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Four-Cylinder Driveline: All-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 240 @ 5500 Torque @ RPM: 270 @ 3000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/31/25 Curb Weight: 3,821 lbs Location of Manufacture: Hermosillo, Mexico Base Price: $32,600 As Tested Price: $38,820* (Includes $825 Destination Charge and $490 Sync and Sound Discount) Options: Driver Assist Package - $1,200.00 Adaptive Cruise Control - $995.00 Active Park Assist - $895.00 Navigation System - $795.00 19-Inch Aluminum Wheels - $695.00 Heated and Cooled Front Seats - $395.00 Ruby Red Tinted Clearcoat - $395.00 Rear Inflatable Seatbelts - $190.00 Premium Floor Mats W/ Trunk Mat - $175.00 Heated Steering Wheel - $150.00 View full article
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Being the car guy in the family is sometimes a difficult thing. Case in point is when someone asks for your help with buying a car. About a year or two ago, my dad asked me for some help with buying a new midsize sedan. He had two contenders in mind to replace his 2006 Ford Fusion - the new Fusion or the Nissan Altima. At the time, I had just reviewed the Altima and thought the four-cylinder powertrain needed a bit more refinement. The Fusion had its own set problems as the 1.6L EcoBoost four-cylinder - the engine my dad was considering - was having a number of reliability issues. There was also MyFord Touch which had a number of problems. At the time, I was leaning towards the Fusion when my dad threw a curveball; what about the last-generation Fusion? After giving it a few moments of thought, I thought it would be the best choice at the time. So fast forward to now when a 2015 Ford Fusion Titanium AWD came in for a week’s evaluation and I found myself wondering if my dad had made the right call with going with an older Fusion. Well, let’s find out. The Fusion has a number of items to help make it stand out in the crowded midsize class. The biggest one is the exterior design. The Fusion’s shape follows the trend of four-door coupes with a low roofline and a short rear end. The front end is very much like an Aston Martin with a low-slung front end and a trapezoidal front end. The overall look gives the Fusion an air of looking more expensive than it really is. However, I think the Fusion design is just trying a little bit too hard to stand out. Also, I think the Fusion must have mugged an Aston Martin to use its front clip. As for the Fusion’s interior, I wished Ford had done more in terms of design. Step inside and you find yourself surrounded by materials in black and sliver. While the company does deserve some credit for using high-quality materials throughout the interior, I wished Ford’s designers had taken some of the enthusiasm from the exterior and placed it inside. Front seat passengers get power-adjustments, along with heat and cooling. I found the seats to provide excellent support and comfort. Rear seat passengers will find legroom is decent. Headroom is tight thanks to the sloping roof. When I put my 5’8” frame back here, I found my head to be touching the roof. My tester came equipped with the MyFord Touch infotainment system, This system has been criticized for a number of issues including non-responsive capacitive buttons, laggy performance, and a questionable voice recognition system. Ford has been ironing a number of problems and the good news is that some of the problems are gone. The capacitive buttons actually respond when pressed and a good amount of the lag is gone. But there is still a fair amount lag in the system. An example of this comes when going to my presets on the radio and it taking a few seconds to respond. Also, I found the voice recognition system not recognizing my voice. I tried using the commands the system provides, but it couldn’t understand anything I said to it. Just for a laugh, I swore at the system and the response it gave back was something to effect of ‘Do you need help?’ For Powertrain and Handling Impressions, See Page 2 Being the top-of-the-line Fusion, it means that it gets the turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder with 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a six-speed automatic, and the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. My tester had the latter of the two drivetrains. Since this was a turbocharged four-cylinder, I was expecting it to be like other ones I have driven where power would come on instantaneously before running out of steam midway through the rpm band. In the case of the 2.0L EcoBoost, power doesn’t come on instantly. Instead it feels more like a V6, gradually building up power as the revs climb. It should also be noted the 2.0L EcoBoost is quite refined with barely any noise coming from the hood. The six-speed automatic is quick and responsive for any situation you throw at it. Fuel economy is the biggest drawback with the 2.0 EcoBoost. Equipped with all-wheel drive, the 2.0 EcoBoost is rated by the EPA at 22 City/31 Highway/25 Combined. My average for the week was around 24 MPG. Although it should be noted that I was seeing around 20 to 21 when driving in stop and go city traffic during my first few days of testing. Driving around in the Fusion presented a mostly comfortable and quiet ride. I say mostly due to my tester being fitted with optional 19-inch wheels which do let in a few more bumps and imperfections. On the freeway, there is barely the hint of road and wind noise. Out on a twisty road, the Fusion handles quite well. The car barely has any body lean and is very nimble. Steering is quite hefty, but more exuberant drivers will wish for a bit more feel. So at the end my week, I felt a bit mixed about the Fusion. On one hand, Ford has done a lot to make the Fusion stand out with an upscale look, impressive powertrain, and a nice balance between comfort and sport. But there are some big downsides to the Fusion as well: MyFordTouch still has a fair amount of issues, the rear seat is kind of tight, and the optional AWD results in some poor MPGs. The biggest sticking point though is the price. A base Fusion Titanium starts at $30,390. With AWD and options equipped on my tester, it rose to $38,820. That price puts in the range of base and decently equipped compact luxury sedans, Drop AWD and the price goes to around $36,000. Still that's a lot of money for a midsize sedan, especially when many competitors offer a lot of the same features for less money. So when I think back about my dad and whether or not he made the right call with going the older Fusion and not the newer one, I can say now that he made the right call. Disclaimer: Ford Provided the Fusion, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2015 Make: Ford Model: Fusion Trim: Titanium AWD Engine: Turbocharged 2.0L Four-Cylinder Driveline: All-Wheel Drive, Six-Speed Automatic Horsepower @ RPM: 240 @ 5500 Torque @ RPM: 270 @ 3000 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 22/31/25 Curb Weight: 3,821 lbs Location of Manufacture: Hermosillo, Mexico Base Price: $32,600 As Tested Price: $38,820* (Includes $825 Destination Charge and $490 Sync and Sound Discount) Options: Driver Assist Package - $1,200.00 Adaptive Cruise Control - $995.00 Active Park Assist - $895.00 Navigation System - $795.00 19-Inch Aluminum Wheels - $695.00 Heated and Cooled Front Seats - $395.00 Ruby Red Tinted Clearcoat - $395.00 Rear Inflatable Seatbelts - $190.00 Premium Floor Mats W/ Trunk Mat - $175.00 Heated Steering Wheel - $150.00 -
Rumorpile: Ford Dropping Some Girth From The Next-Gen Taurus
William Maley posted an article in Ford
Usually the rule with vehicles is that the older they get, the heavier and bigger they become. The Ford Taurus mostly follows this rule. Outside the car is big and heavy, while the interior isn't. It can be best described as a rolling sensory deprivation tank. However a new report from Edmunds says the next-generation Taurus plans to rectify that. A source tells Edmunds that Ford plans a major weight-loss plan for the Taurus. It begins with a modified Fusion platform that will be extended and widened for the Taurus. "The problem with today's Taurus is that it is overweight and even the high performance SHO is not really competitive. With all the power from the (365-horsepower) V6 EcoBoost, it is pretty hard to overcome the amount of mass that the SHO has to move." The Taurus SHO "actually weighs about as much as the stretched Audi A8 L. Of course, Audi uses an extensive amount of aluminum, but it is a much bigger car," the source said. Another item that Edmunds reported was the Taurus getting a nine-speed automatic transmission to help with fuel economy. Source: Edmunds William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Usually the rule with vehicles is that the older they get, the heavier and bigger they become. The Ford Taurus mostly follows this rule. Outside the car is big and heavy, while the interior isn't. It can be best described as a rolling sensory deprivation tank. However a new report from Edmunds says the next-generation Taurus plans to rectify that. A source tells Edmunds that Ford plans a major weight-loss plan for the Taurus. It begins with a modified Fusion platform that will be extended and widened for the Taurus. "The problem with today's Taurus is that it is overweight and even the high performance SHO is not really competitive. With all the power from the (365-horsepower) V6 EcoBoost, it is pretty hard to overcome the amount of mass that the SHO has to move." The Taurus SHO "actually weighs about as much as the stretched Audi A8 L. Of course, Audi uses an extensive amount of aluminum, but it is a much bigger car," the source said. Another item that Edmunds reported was the Taurus getting a nine-speed automatic transmission to help with fuel economy. Source: Edmunds William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 14, 2013 The new Ford Fusion has become an instant hit with consumers. It's currently in a four car race for the best selling midsize sedan in American and has helped Ford crack into the east and west coast markets, two places where Ford has lagged in sales. With all of that success, Ford is finding itself with a Fusion supply problem. “Inventory is going to be real tight during the summer months,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s U.S. sales analyst to The Detroit News. According to Wards Auto, Ford is currently sitting on a 39 day supply of Fusions. To put it another way, if Ford stopped production of the Fusion, they would have enough supply to last 5 1/2 weeks. The industry average for supply stands at 60 days. Most of this is coming from the coasts which have taken a huge liking to the Fusion. Ford currently builds the Fusion at its Hermosillo, Mexico plant, and later this year will begin building the Fusion at its Flat Rock, MI plant. The plant in Mexico can produce about 300,000 Fusions annually; Flat Rock can add another 100,000 Fusions annually. Ford is planning to send more Fusions out to the coasts to help stabilize inventory. “Clearly, it's a matter of getting more stock out to those regions of the country and that's what we plan to do in the fall when we get Flat Rock on line,” said Merkle. “Although midsize is still the best-selling segment, in terms of growth, things have stabilized. With such competitive products from the four automakers, it's going to be a very, very tight race to try and own the segment outright,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Source: The Detroit News William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 14, 2013 The new Ford Fusion has become an instant hit with consumers. It's currently in a four car race for the best selling midsize sedan in American and has helped Ford crack into the east and west coast markets, two places where Ford has lagged in sales. With all of that success, Ford is finding itself with a Fusion supply problem. “Inventory is going to be real tight during the summer months,” said Erich Merkle, Ford’s U.S. sales analyst to The Detroit News. According to Wards Auto, Ford is currently sitting on a 39 day supply of Fusions. To put it another way, if Ford stopped production of the Fusion, they would have enough supply to last 5 1/2 weeks. The industry average for supply stands at 60 days. Most of this is coming from the coasts which have taken a huge liking to the Fusion. Ford currently builds the Fusion at its Hermosillo, Mexico plant, and later this year will begin building the Fusion at its Flat Rock, MI plant. The plant in Mexico can produce about 300,000 Fusions annually; Flat Rock can add another 100,000 Fusions annually. Ford is planning to send more Fusions out to the coasts to help stabilize inventory. “Clearly, it's a matter of getting more stock out to those regions of the country and that's what we plan to do in the fall when we get Flat Rock on line,” said Merkle. “Although midsize is still the best-selling segment, in terms of growth, things have stabilized. With such competitive products from the four automakers, it's going to be a very, very tight race to try and own the segment outright,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. Source: The Detroit News William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2013 Earlier this week, everyone went into a tizzy with the report of a new 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder that would be coming to the 2014 Fusion midsize. Well, that report was only half right. Today at a event, Ford announced the 2014 will come with a 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder. This will be Ford's fifth EcoBoost engine and will be offered in the Fusion's twin, the Mondeo in other markets. The 1.5L EcoBoost will make its official debut later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show, a perfect place to show the new engine since the Chinese Government offers a significant tax relief for vehicles powered by engines with a capacity of 1.5L or less. Ford is keeping their lips shut on power details, transmissions, and what models you will be able get the 1.5L till a later date. Our guess is the 1.5L EcoBoost will take the place of the 1.6L EcoBoost and offer close or equal the power output to the 1.6L as well. Source: Ford William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Launches New Fuel-Efficient 1.5-Liter EcoBoost Engine; Boosts Company's Global EcoBoost Capacity - Ford announces new fuel-efficient 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, extends successful EcoBoost lineup to meet global demand for four-cylinder EcoBoost engines - Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually, triples number of plants that produce EcoBoost engines in Europe, Asia and North America from 2010 to 2013 - 1.5-liter EcoBoost offers trademark EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing; delivers power of a larger engine with smaller unit economy - Fifth Ford EcoBoost engine delivers new innovations, and significant consumer benefits in global markets offering tax reductions for vehicles equipped with engines of 1.5-liter capacity or less DEARBORN, Mich., April 11, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today announces a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine will join its lineup of fuel-efficient, innovative powertrains. The 1.5-liter engine is a key strategic entry for Ford, as the company works to meet strong global demand for its four-cylinder EcoBoost engines. With the launch of this newest fuel-efficient engine, Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually. By the end of 2013, six plants across Europe, Asia and North America will be producing EcoBoost engines, triple the number that were doing so in 2010. Production of the four-cylinder 1.5-liter EcoBoost – the fifth member of the EcoBoost family – will commence initially at Ford's world-class facility in Craiova, Romania, later this month. Other manufacturing locations will be announced in the future. The new engine will be first introduced in China in the all-new Ford Mondeo, making its public debut later this month at Auto Shanghai 2013, with applications following in the Fusion sedan in North America this year, and later the new Mondeo in Europe. As a key contributor to Ford's aggressive fuel economy and emissions strategy, EcoBoost technologies enable improvements to both fuel efficiency of 20 percent and emissions of up to 15 percent. The 1.5-liter engine benefits from signature EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, and has been designed to be even more fuel efficient and offer high levels of refinement, quietness and performance. Additionally, the newest EcoBoost engine will be a strategic entry for Ford in global markets that offer tax relief to consumers who purchase vehicles powered by engines of 1.5-liter capacity or less. The new aluminum-block, twin-cam 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine will include some of the innovative features introduced on the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost such as an integrated exhaust manifold. The new engine is expected to provide similar horsepower and torque performance to Ford's current 1.6-liter EcoBoost, while delivering improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost is the first engine from Ford to incorporate a computer-controlled clutch on the belt-drive water pump, which further improves efficiencies by reducing warm-up time. A water-cooled charge air cooler is added to offer a more efficient feed of air into the engine. "Ford EcoBoost technology has changed the way people look at gas engines and has enjoyed huge success with customers," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, powertrain engineering for Ford. "The new 1.5-liter unit further extends our EcoBoost promise of economical driving in terms of both fuel efficiency and – in some markets – tax savings." Ford has sold more than 600,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles globally since the range was launched with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost in 2009. Ford added the 2.0-liter EcoBoost in 2010, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost followed in 2011, and last year the 1.0-liter EcoBoost was launched, winning the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" award. By the end of this year, nearly 80 percent of the company's global nameplates will be available with fuel-saving EcoBoost technology. -
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 11, 2013 Earlier this week, everyone went into a tizzy with the report of a new 1.5L EcoBoost three-cylinder that would be coming to the 2014 Fusion midsize. Well, that report was only half right. Today at a event, Ford announced the 2014 will come with a 1.5L EcoBoost four-cylinder. This will be Ford's fifth EcoBoost engine and will be offered in the Fusion's twin, the Mondeo in other markets. The 1.5L EcoBoost will make its official debut later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show, a perfect place to show the new engine since the Chinese Government offers a significant tax relief for vehicles powered by engines with a capacity of 1.5L or less. Ford is keeping their lips shut on power details, transmissions, and what models you will be able get the 1.5L till a later date. Our guess is the 1.5L EcoBoost will take the place of the 1.6L EcoBoost and offer close or equal the power output to the 1.6L as well. Source: Ford William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Launches New Fuel-Efficient 1.5-Liter EcoBoost Engine; Boosts Company's Global EcoBoost Capacity - Ford announces new fuel-efficient 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, extends successful EcoBoost lineup to meet global demand for four-cylinder EcoBoost engines - Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually, triples number of plants that produce EcoBoost engines in Europe, Asia and North America from 2010 to 2013 - 1.5-liter EcoBoost offers trademark EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing; delivers power of a larger engine with smaller unit economy - Fifth Ford EcoBoost engine delivers new innovations, and significant consumer benefits in global markets offering tax reductions for vehicles equipped with engines of 1.5-liter capacity or less DEARBORN, Mich., April 11, 2013 – Ford Motor Company today announces a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine will join its lineup of fuel-efficient, innovative powertrains. The 1.5-liter engine is a key strategic entry for Ford, as the company works to meet strong global demand for its four-cylinder EcoBoost engines. With the launch of this newest fuel-efficient engine, Ford now has capacity to build 1.6 million EcoBoost engines annually. By the end of 2013, six plants across Europe, Asia and North America will be producing EcoBoost engines, triple the number that were doing so in 2010. Production of the four-cylinder 1.5-liter EcoBoost – the fifth member of the EcoBoost family – will commence initially at Ford's world-class facility in Craiova, Romania, later this month. Other manufacturing locations will be announced in the future. The new engine will be first introduced in China in the all-new Ford Mondeo, making its public debut later this month at Auto Shanghai 2013, with applications following in the Fusion sedan in North America this year, and later the new Mondeo in Europe. As a key contributor to Ford's aggressive fuel economy and emissions strategy, EcoBoost technologies enable improvements to both fuel efficiency of 20 percent and emissions of up to 15 percent. The 1.5-liter engine benefits from signature EcoBoost turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, and has been designed to be even more fuel efficient and offer high levels of refinement, quietness and performance. Additionally, the newest EcoBoost engine will be a strategic entry for Ford in global markets that offer tax relief to consumers who purchase vehicles powered by engines of 1.5-liter capacity or less. The new aluminum-block, twin-cam 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine will include some of the innovative features introduced on the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost such as an integrated exhaust manifold. The new engine is expected to provide similar horsepower and torque performance to Ford's current 1.6-liter EcoBoost, while delivering improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost is the first engine from Ford to incorporate a computer-controlled clutch on the belt-drive water pump, which further improves efficiencies by reducing warm-up time. A water-cooled charge air cooler is added to offer a more efficient feed of air into the engine. "Ford EcoBoost technology has changed the way people look at gas engines and has enjoyed huge success with customers," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, powertrain engineering for Ford. "The new 1.5-liter unit further extends our EcoBoost promise of economical driving in terms of both fuel efficiency and – in some markets – tax savings." Ford has sold more than 600,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles globally since the range was launched with the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost in 2009. Ford added the 2.0-liter EcoBoost in 2010, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost followed in 2011, and last year the 1.0-liter EcoBoost was launched, winning the 2012 "International Engine of the Year" award. By the end of this year, nearly 80 percent of the company's global nameplates will be available with fuel-saving EcoBoost technology. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com December 10, 2012 The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Saturday that it would look into the Ford Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid not getting the claimed 47 MPG combined. On Thursday, Consumer Reports said their test C-Max and Fusion Hybrids are not coming anywhere close to the 47 MPG combined. The C-Max Hybrid got 37 MPG combined and the Fusion got 39 MPG combined. "These two vehicles have the largest discrepancy between our overall-mpg results and the estimates published by the EPA that we've seen among any current models," Consumer Reports said in a statement. If the EPA finds a discrepancy in Ford's mileage claims, they will likely impose civil penalties. The EPA does say hybrids have far more variability in miles per gallon when compared to their gas counterparts. "There's absolutely no doubt: A hybrid is going to be far more variable than a conventional vehicle. If you said that I could operate in EV-mode until 60 miles an hour for a period of time, you go a long portion on (the EPA) test cycle without the engine going on. That's going to improve your fuel economy," said Linc Wehrly, director of light-duty vehicle center compliance division at the EPA's Ann Arbor laboratory. Ford says customers have been impressed with the C-Max and Fusion Hybrids. "Early C-Max Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid customers praise the vehicles and report a range of fuel economy figures, including some reports above 47 mpg. This reinforces the fact that driving styles, driving conditions and other factors can cause mileage to vary," said Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood. Source: The Detroit News William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
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