Who’s Walking The Walk On Fuel Efficiency Improvement?
The Blue Oval is on a ‘green’ streak.
Ford Motor Company has improved in fuel economy more than any other major automaker since 2004, according to a recent report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA rated Ford’s combined car and truck fuel economy improvement at nearly 20 percent, almost double the next closest competitor.
Ford credits its recent gains in fuel economy in part to its introduction of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids and numerous incremental aerodynamic, mechanical, energy management and weight-saving improvements across its vehicle lineup. Going forward, it expects the 2009 introduction of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids and its fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines to further improve its fleet-wide fuel economy.
Fuel efficiency across the lineup
Dramatic fuel efficiency improvement is evident throughout Ford’s vehicle lineup – from cars and crossovers to sport utilities and trucks. Depending on powertrain specifications, the 2010 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Escape Hybrid, Taurus SHO, Flex, F-Series and Transit Connect offer best-in-class or unsurpassed fuel economy. The same can be said of the 2010 Lincoln MKS and MKT and Navigator, Mercury Milan Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid.
Ford expects to see its overall fuel economy continue to rise in 2010 with the introduction of the 2011 Ford Fiesta and redesigned 2011 Ford Focus – both high-mileage small cars.
Not only is the improved fuel efficiency good for customers’ wallets, it benefits the environment as well. As a result of the boost, Ford lowered its tailpipe CO2 emissions more than any other automaker with a fleet-wide average of 434 grams per mile – 37 grams lower than its 2007 total and 25 grams lower than 2008.
Learn more about how Ford has been improving its fuel efficiency.
Quotes
“2009 has been a breakthrough year for Ford, leading with the launch of EcoBoost and the introduction of new products that will result in further improvement in 2010. Our commitment to delivering affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles for millions has never been stronger or better demonstrated.”
– Sue Cischke, Group Vice President, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering
Runners, Surfers and Triathletes, Take Note
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Lincoln MKT are the perfect choice for people with active lifestyles, according to the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards.
The Fusion Hybrid took the title in the “green” category and MKT won in the “luxury on road” group, beating out the 2010 Toyota Prius and 2009 Audi Q5, respectively.
The Fusion Hybrid delivers a class-leading 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT, a three-row luxury crossover, delivers the optimal blend of distinctive design, interior spaciousness, fuel economy and technology. MKT offers abundant technologies aimed at making life luxurious for both the driver and three rows of passengers, including Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System.
About the Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards
The awards program, now in its sixth year, recognizes new cars and trucks that best meet the needs of active buyers. The program is sponsored by AAA and the Active Network.
Twenty manufacturers participated in the 2010 competition, entering vehicles in seven categories. A panel of 12 automotive journalists drove the initial field of entries and pared the group down to 28 finalists.
Athletes on hand included members of Team Aquaphor, Active Network Media and the San Diego Triathlon Club, participating in sports that ranged from surfing and sprint triathlons to ultra-distance running. The athletes’ votes weighed 50 percent in the final tally, with jury panel votes comprising the remaining 50 percent.
Quotes
“The MKT and Fusion Hybrid were both vying in extremely competitive categories, and that speaks to the versatility and quality of the product, that it beat out all the competitive entries. The designers dealt with ergonomic challenges in the case of both vehicles. The standard safety available also was impressive because that’s tremendously important to people with active lifestyles.”
– Nina Russin, Active Lifestyle Vehicle Jury Coordinator
“Many Fusion customers have a very active lifestyle, often including outdoor athletic activities. They want a vehicle that supports their ‘On the go’ spirit and the Fusion delivers.”
– Chantel Lenard, Group Marketing Manager, Global Small and Midsize Cars
“MKT is versatile enough for any athlete. With plenty of cargo space for gear and three rows of seating for teammates or friends, we’ve got any sport covered. It also has the functionality of an SUV and the technology of a luxury sedan to get you where you need to go in comfort and style.”
– Kate Pearce, Lincoln MKT Marketing Manager
Corrections/Clarifications – December 11, 2009 at 19:19
Finally… A Car for the Environmentally Progressive
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid was named Most Environmentally Progressive Car of the Year by Earth, Wind & Power™ (EWP) at the Los Angeles Auto Show Tuesday.
The award is designed to recognize vehicles driven by a power source that helps to reduce global warming, are conducive to promoting a cleaner environment, and support the mission to achieve energy through alternative sources.
41 and Loving It
The all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, which tops the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
The Ford Fusion Hybrid has been a strong seller since its introduction earlier this year. Hybrid sales account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales, and the majority of those sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.
According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
In addition to the EWP award, the Ford Fusion Hybrid was recently named one of CAR and DRIVER’s “10Best” cars for 2010, and the entire Fusion lineup was honored with the prestigious MOTOR TREND 2010 Car of the Year Award®.
Quotes
“Ford’s Fusion Hybrid sedan has the styling punch of a powerhouse with authority built into the design. With unsurpassed fuel economy, this car has real ecological know-how. We call it purity on wheels.”
– Kevin Smith, Editorial Director of Edmunds.com and one of 19 national automotive editors and journalists who selected the winner of the EWP award
“Ford has worked diligently to make the Fusion Hybrid America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan. It is very gratifying to see our hard work recognized by some of the most prominent automotive journalists in the country through the EWP award.”
– Jonathan Richards, Fusion Marketing Manager
Corrections/Clarifications – December 11, 2009 at 19:20