EV Charging Etiquette

Here's a fun look at EV charging etiquette for drivers of electric plug-in vehicles like the all-new Focus Electric.

Evolution of Ford Vans

Showing the history of the E-Series Van and the introduction of the Transit.

Ford Power of Choice and the 47 MPG 2013 Fusion Hybrid

Ford Power of Choice and the 47 MPG 2013 Fusion Hybrid

Ford Fusion Certified As America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Midsize Sedan

• All-new Ford Fusion is America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan after being certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deliver 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, 47 mpg combined in hybrid model

• Ford Fusion Hybrid beats Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg highway, 4 mpg city

• New Fusion offers greatest powertrain range of all midsize sedans with five engines, including two EcoBoost^® options and hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants for true power of choice

 

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2012 – The all-new Ford Fusion is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America with an EPA-certified 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined fuel economy rating for its hybrid model.

 

Fusion Hybrid tops the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg highway and 4 mpg city, and delivers the highest-ever fuel economy numbers in city and highway driving for a midsize sedan.

 

“The new Fusion is part of our plan to offer vehicles with the very best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value,” says Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “We are absolutely committed to class-leading fuel efficiency as a reason to buy Ford vehicles, with customers able to choose the fuel-efficient powertrain that best fits their lifestyle.”

 

Power of choice: Two EcoBoost engines, one hybrid, one plug-in hybrid

The all-new Fusion brings the widest range of powertrain options to the U.S. midsize segment.

 

Fusion offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants and two fuel-efficient EcoBoost^® four-cylinder engines for customers. In addition, Fusion is available with Ford’s patented Auto Start-Stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine at stationary idle to help save customers even more fuel in stop-and-go city driving. Fusion is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations with both six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.

 

“Ford is bringing power of choice to midsize sedan buyers,” says Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “More than 2 million customers this year will purchase midsize cars. Our new Fusion delivers the fuel savings people truly want and value, with technologies that cost two to three times the price on some German sedans.”

 

Fuel economy numbers for the remainder of the Fusion lineup are:

 

• 1.6-liter EcoBoost: 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined
• 2.0-liter EcoBoost: 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
• 2.5-liter: 22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
• Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Projected 100-plus MPGe (miles-per-gallon equivalent)

The Fusion equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is available with Ford’s patented, fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop system, which smoothly shuts off engine power when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal. This feature, available for just $295, improves fuel efficiency by 3.5 percent and reduces emissions.

 

Fusion Hybrid features two additional innovations to help deliver industry-best fuel efficiency: Ford’s patented SmartGauge^® with EcoGuide that coaches drivers for top fuel efficiency; and ECO Cruise, a greener cruise control functionality that helps optimize powertrain elements for convenient yet economical highway travel.

 

Fusion Hybrid achieves a top speed of 62 mph in electric or EV mode and also has Active Grille Shutters, which make the car more aerodynamic at highway speeds to improve fuel efficiency. An underbody with aerodynamically designed panels provides even better fuel efficiency.

 

World-class craftsmanship, driving dynamics

The full Fusion range delivers visual quality through improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail. To deliver its world-class driving dynamics, Ford engineers equipped Fusion with a specially tuned electric power-assisted steering system, MacPherson strut front suspension and all-new multilink rear suspension that is comparable to the setups found in more expensive Audis and BMWs.

 

“Fusion is a driver’s car,” said Raj Nair, group vice president of Product Development. “We have carefully tuned this car to reward the driving expert and flatter the novice.”

 

Ford’s quietest midsize sedan ever, Fusion Hybrid models are equipped with Active Noise Cancellation, which uses the audio system to mitigate powertrain noise.

 

Technology you can use

The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies using sensors, cameras and radar to 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 practically park itself – it can even aid drivers backing out of a parking space in which visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

 

• Lane-Keeping System: Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, this 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. The system can help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
• Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology identifies a suitable parallel parking space, calculates the trajectory, and steers the car to properly position it within the spot. Drivers operate accelerator and brake pedals
• BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) 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 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 vehicles

The all-new Fusion also offers the newest version of Ford’s award-winning 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 is available with 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.

 

Fusion equals growth

The midsize car segment is the fastest-growing segment in America this year. Overall U.S. industry sales are up 15 percent in 2012, while midsize car sales have grown 26 percent.

 

To meet expected demand for the new Fusion, Ford is adding 1,200 hourly jobs and investing $555 million at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

 

New Fusion models begin arriving at dealers nationwide this fall.

Ford Gives Consumers 47 More Reasons to Get Involved with Random Acts of Fusion

• Ryan Seacrest announces “47 Challenges, 47 Days” chapter of Random Acts of Fusion; details available at www.RandomActsofFusion.com
• Ford announces new Fusion Hybrid attains EPA-certified 47 mpg city and 47 mpg highway for a 47 mpg combined rating, making it America’s most fuel-efficient sedan
• Random Acts of Fusion is a unique transmedia marketing program that already has introduced Fusion to millions of fans by playing out a story arc through multimedia platforms

 

 

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2012 – The number 47 takes center stage today in Times Square with a new Random Acts of Fusion chapter introduced by TV and radio host and producer Ryan Seacrest. The latest chapter, “47 Challenges, 47 Days,” inspired by the 47 mpg fuel economy rating achieved by the 2013 Fusion Hybrid, adds new interactive content to the program and will give consumers multiple chances to win an all-new Ford Fusion.

 

The all-new Fusion Hybrid has earned EPA-certified 47 mpg city and 47 mpg highway for a 47 mpg combined rating, making it America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan. The innovative Fusion Hybrid achieves a top speed of 62 mph in EV mode, enabling the stylish hybrid sedan to match city and highway fuel economy ratings.

 

Random Acts of Fusion, the unique transmedia program hosted by Seacrest, has introduced the Fusion to millions of fans by playing out a story arc through multimedia platforms. Fans following the program atwww.RandomActsofFusion.com experience daily storytelling, local market events and now even a chance to win one of three new Fusions. The program always delivers something unexpected – just like the new Fusion. To date, there have been more than 11 million engagements with Random Acts of Fusion.

 

“Through this campaign, we’ve been able to show the Fusion to people with an interactive and entertaining program long before it ever went on sale,” said Crystal Worthem, manager, Ford Brand Content & Alliances. “With these daily challenges and giveaways, we’re taking the next step forward.”

 

The challenges all involve the number 47, and fun and simple photos that participants can take and upload. Each day, a new challenge is unveiled on www.RandomActsofFusion.com. Three winners will be chosen throughout the challenge.

 

“This is another exciting opportunity for people to get involved with Random Acts of Fusion,” says Seacrest. “This challenge offers fans a chance to show off their creativity and win an exceptional vehicle.”

 

The market leader in immersive, participatory and cross-platform entertainment experiences, 42 Entertainment, in association with Team Detroit, plays an integral part in developing Random Acts of Fusion. The program runs through November.

 

All-new Ford Fusion

With its sleek new design, the new Ford Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford.

 

In addition to its fresh face, Fusion offers the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost^® four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive applications and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

 

On sale this fall, Fusion offers consumers seven must-have technologies, including a Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFordTouch^®.

Guess Who Won The Ford Fusion MPG Challenge Featuring NASCAR Drivers

These famed NASCAR drivers have mastered MPH, but can they master MPG? NASCAR drivers Trevor Bayne, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle recently got behind the wheel of our new 2013 Fusion with 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine for the Fuel Efficiency Challenge

Steve Parks: Harnessing the Wind at Work and Play'

Ford Aerodynamicist Steve Parks worked with Fusion designers and engineers, tuning the vehicle to smoothly slip through the atmosphere with the least possible aerodynamic drag and helping to improve overall fuel economy. A Grand Rapids, Michigan native, Steve uses the wind to surf with a sail in his kite-boarding hobby. Prior to joining Ford, he applied computational fluid dynamics for Space Shuttle use.

Ford’s New Li-Ion Batteries Reduce Use of Rare Earth Metals, Enable Superior Fuel Economy for Fusion, C-MAX Hybrids

• New projected 47-mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid and EPA-certified 47-mpg C-MAX Hybrid feature lighter, more efficient, more powerful lithium-ion batteries that are expected to reduce Ford’s use of expensive, rare earth metals by up to 500,000 pounds annually

• Dysprosium, the most expensive rare earth metal used in Ford vehicles, is reduced by approximately 50 percent in new Fusion and C-MAX hybrids’ electric machines

• These rare earth metal reductions helped Ford cut the cost of its third-generation hybrid technology by 30 percent, adding to the overall value of the new C-MAX Hybrid – America’s most affordable hybrid utility vehicle starting at $25,995 – and Fusion Hybrid

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 13, 2012 – Ford’s third-generation hybrid system, which replaces nickel-metal-hydride batteries with new lighter, more efficient lithium-ion batteries, could reduce the company’s use of expensive, less-abundant rare earth metals by up to 500,000 pounds a year.

 

This reduction of rare earth metals is important for both financial and physical reasons. First, the cost is reduced by 30 percent when compared to previous-generation hybrid batteries. Also, lithium-ion batteries are 50 percent lighter and 25 to 30 percent smaller. The result: Better fuel efficiency in Ford’s new electric vehicle offerings, including a projected 47 mpg for Fusion Hybrid and an EPA-certified 47 mpg for C-MAX Hybrid.

 

“We’re continually looking to find ways to provide greater fuel efficiency as well as cost savings to customers of our hybrid vehicles, and the reduction of rare earth metals is a key part of this strategy,” said Chuck Gray, chief engineer, Global Core Engineering, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.“The third-generation hybrid technology we are now using builds on our 20 years of electric vehicle innovations.”

 

Among the rare earth metals used in nickel-metal-hydride batteries are neodymium, cerium, lanthanum and praseodymium, none of which are used in the new lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, Ford has reduced its use of dysprosium by approximately 50 percent in magnets employed in the hybrid system’s electric machines. Dysprosium is the most expensive rare earth metal used in Ford vehicles. This reduction is the result of a new diffusion process that is used in the magnet manufacturing process.

 

The overall reduction of rare earth metals in the lithium-ion batteries and electric machines lowers vehicle costs, which is key as Ford triples production of its electric vehicles by 2013, ultimately translating to more affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle choices for customers.

 

Rare earth metals are a set of 17 atomic elements in the periodic table. While some are indeed rare, others are plentiful within specific regions in the earth’s crust. These metals are used in many consumer products including mobile phones, LED televisions, computer screens and hybrid vehicle batteries.

 

Maximum power of choice

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is projected to deliver best-in-class 47 mpg on the highway, making it America’s most fuel-efficient sedan. The new Fusion will also give customers the power to choose across three powertrain options – gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

 

Ford’s all-new C-MAX Hybrid, in showrooms this fall, is EPA-certified at 47 mpg on the highway, 47 mpg in the city and 47 mpg combined, making it America’s most fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle. C-MAX Energi, launching later this fall, is projected to deliver 95 MPGe.

Ford Boosts Police Interceptor Sedan Performance and Fuel Economy with New 3.7-Liter Ti-VCT Engine

• Ford Police Interceptor sedan now available with 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine offering increased power with fuel efficiency
• Standard all-wheel-drive sedan with 3.7-liter Ti-VCT engine offers EPA-rated 25 mpg on the highway, 18 mpg in the city and a combined 21 mpg – an improvement over current powertrain lineup
• Both Ford Police Interceptors, sedan and utility vehicle, recently earned top safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover

 

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 13, 2012 –The new Ford Police Interceptor is getting another boost under the hood with the addition of the 3.7-liter twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine, offering law enforcement agencies fuel economy with more power.

 

The 3.7-liter V6, now available on the Police Interceptor sedan, delivers a performance increase to 305 horsepower and 279 lb.-ft. of torque while also achieving increased fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway, 18 mpg in the city and 21 mpg combined. The horsepower and torque ratings are the highest of any naturally aspirated V6 engine offered for pursuit-rated sedans.

 

“This combination of great performance and top-notch fuel economy means law enforcement agencies won’t have to compromise power or fuel efficiency while getting the job done,” said Bill Gubing, chief engineer for Police Interceptor.

 

A tough lineup
Ford’s Police Interceptor engine strategy provides a V6 lineup that performs better than V8 engines of years past. The Police Interceptor sedan lineup now comes with three powertrain options, allowing police to choose the powerhouse that best meets their patrol requirements. The Police Interceptor sedan is available with a standard 3.5-liter V6, the new 3.7-liter V6 and the performance powerhouse 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost^® engine.

 

The 3.7-liter engine now available on the sedan was already available on the Police Interceptor utility vehicle.

 

To develop the all-new Police Interceptor, Ford engineers worked hand-in-hand with Ford’s Police Advisory Board of law enforcement professionals, who provided input on key vehicle attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.

 

Safe, durable, functionalBuilding on Ford’s safety leadership, Police Interceptor is engineered to pass 75-mph rear-end crash testing.

 

Both sedan and utility Police Interceptors recently earned top safety ratings in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and resistance to rollover.

 

Throughout its development, Ford’s new Police Interceptor has been put through the paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure its individual components can hold up to the rigorous driving styles of police professionals.

 

To meet the rigors of durability testing, the unique police brakes have been increased in size and performance for confidence. The cooling package is purpose-built as well, featuring a heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. Its honeycomb grille is designed to work in harmony with the interior components, offering more airflow throughout the vehicle. Plus, the standard 18-inch steel wheels are vented, designed to work in concert with the enhanced brake system.

 

Front seats have been specially designed, with a lower bolster removed to better accommodate officers’ utility belts. Inserted into the seatback are anti-stab plates, designed to protect front-seat occupants.

 

The Police Interceptor second row also has been optimized to address police-specific needs. The vinyl seats are specially sculpted and set back to improve second-row space and maximize legroom. The back door hinges are modified to open up another 10 degrees versus traditional rear doors.

 

The Ford Police Interceptor also is equipped with a column shift specifically designed so the console area is free for the ever-increasing amounts of aftermarket police equipment necessary for officers to do their jobs.

Ford Names Date Idea Suggestion Service, Dates.fm, As Winner of Second SYNC AppLink Developer Challenge

• Ford SYNC AppLink Developer Challenge, held during the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon, offered the developer community an opportunity to create new mobile apps that will be compatible with the voice-activated Ford SYNC^® system

• Startup BeCouply used the opportunity to create Dates.fm, an app that allows couples to “tune in” to relevant location-based date options; it was selected as the winner and will be considered for future integration with Ford SYNC AppLink^TM

• As the winner, the Dates.fm team will travel with Ford to the International CES in January 2013 and showcase the app as part of Ford’s presence at the show; they also received $1,000 from Nuance Communications for being the best use of in-car voice recognition

 

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 11, 2012 – Ford, in a continuing quest to support app developers working with the industry-leading SYNC^® connectivity system, today announces Dates.fm, a location-based date suggestion service, as the winner of the Ford SYNC AppLink Developer Challenge held this past weekend during the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon in San Francisco.

 

“Picking a winner was harder than ever, but Dates.fm stood out as an area that has tremendous opportunity in the context of the car. If you think about it, the car is an integral part of any relationship, and Dates.fm can ensure a romantic date night with the help of SYNC,” said Julius Marchwicki, SYNC AppLink^™ global product manager. “We’re excited to see developers embracing SYNC AppLink to deliver new ideas that add voice-activated convenience and value for our customers.”

 

The Dates.fm team now has the opportunity to further develop a SYNC AppLink-enabled version of their app and travel to the International CES in Las Vegas in January 2013 with Ford, where they will be able to demonstrate their app as part of Ford’s presence at the show.

 

Dates.fm was created by the start-up app and service, BeCouply. The free BeCouply app, currently in private beta, makes it fun and easy to discover great date ideas, capture special moments, and connect with other couples. The BeCouply subscription service, also in private beta, works with local venues and national partners like EMI/Capitol Records to send couples on amazing, all-inclusive dates each month.

 

The team behind BeCouply (http://becouply.com) and Dates.fm (http://dates.fm) is a couple in real life, Becky Cruze and Pius Uzamere. Cruze has a degree from The George Washington University in political communications and Uzamere holds a degree in computer science and engineering from MIT. Uzamere has fond memories of summer 2002 when he interned at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Mich. for the PNGV (Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles) team working on bringing hybrid vehicles to market.

 

“I had a blast working with Ford as a college intern and I’m incredibly excited that now, 10 years later, I’ll have the opportunity to work with them again, this time as a partner integrating my startup’s product.”

 

“We had just planned to come and work on our core product for fun during the Hackathon, but when we saw the opportunity to hack on the Ford SYNC AppLink platform, we couldn't stop thinking of cool integrations we could do with it. The AppLink API (application programming interface) lets you start thinking outside the box about things that previously seemed impossible,” Cruze said.

 

“Given the breadth of features available,” Uzamere added, “integrating with SYNC AppLink was surprisingly easy. I built the first version in a single night.”

 

Uzamere went on to describe what drew them to hack on Ford SYNC. “Our startup, BeCouply, has a mission of helping couples have epic social lives. Well, for so many couples, great dates begin in their car. So we thought to ourselves, how could we extend our app concept to the car and build a truly magical experience for couples?”

 

Cruze explains how Dates.fm could work, “One of the things our BeCouply mobile app allows couples to do is find fun date ideas nearby and ‘heart’ ones they want to return to later. What if they could ‘tune in’ to a service that would push great, relevant date options to them as they drive and let them make plans on the go? That didn’t exist, so we decided to build it.”

 

“It's a huge opportunity for us to make the lives of millions of couples more fun,” Uzamere added.

 

BeCouply, based in San Francisco, has previously had a round of angel investment led by Mitch Kapor, creator of Lotus 1-2-3.

 

The Ford SYNC AppLink Developer Challenge was designed to help stimulate ideas amongst the mobile app developer community and give them the opportunity to “hack” using the AppLink API. Teams participating in the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon were given the opportunity to submit ideas, become a licensed SYNC developer to gain access to the SDK (software development kit) and TDK (technology development kit) to build and integrate their app with SYNC AppLink, then travel to CES and showcase their app as part of Ford’s presence at the show.