Ford’s all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

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

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

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

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

Triple-crown fuel efficiency

The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers’ choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, following through with the commitment by Ford to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market.

Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost™ four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

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

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

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

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

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

2013 Ford Fusion Energi

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

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

Fusion looks out for you

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

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

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

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

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

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

The power of voice

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

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

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

Different, by design

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

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

•Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk “three-box” designs synonymous with midsize sedans

•Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet

•Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter

•Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability

•New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

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

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support the comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.

Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel

Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strength and safety

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

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

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

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

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com.

Just days after being revealed to the world, the new Ford Fusion is already bringing home awards. The Autoweek editorial staff has chosen Fusion for its Best in Show award at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The selection is based on one compelling measurement – the car people will remember most five years from now.

“It’s very rare for a midsize sedan to win Best in Show,” said Autoweek Editor Wes Raynal. “I think it’s the first of a lot of awards the Fusion is going to win this year.”

The highest award from Autoweek comes just one day after the car received the prestigious Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology’s EyesOn Design award at NAIAS.

Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford. It is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

“I’ve been with the company for 13 years,” said J Mays, Ford chief creative officer, “and I can truly say this is the best car ever to come out of the design and engineering center in Dearborn. We are delighted for the entire global design team, because this really was a global effort.”

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

Smart, sleek and fresh, the new Fusion is set to change how people think about midsize sedans, elevating the game with jaw-dropping fuel economy and the smart technology and refinement typically found in cars costing thousands more. From its groundbreaking design to its enhanced craftsmanship, Fusion is setting a higher standard.

The all-new Fusion will be on public display – along with other award-winning Ford vehicles – in Detroit’s Cobo Hall through Jan. 22.

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com.

The 2012 Ford F-150, which established a new standard for full-size pickups with best-in-class fuel efficiency and capability, today was named Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year®.

“The 2012 F-150 is a no-compromise solution that can be tailored to fit virtually every customer’s needs, and the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award further reinforces that this is truly the best choice for America’s truck owners,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We are proud to receive this award and even more pleased that our F-150 customers have additional validation of their top choice.”

This is the fourth time the F-150 has won the award – the most awards for any truck since Motor Trend began presenting its Truck of the Year award in 1989. The Ford pickup received the magazine’s prestigious award for previous groundbreaking new models in 1997, 2004 and 2009.

Motor Trend editors applauded F-150 because, they said, “F-150s are built to work and felt better the more they were challenged. Ford offers an enormous variety of configurations and designs, making the truck tailorable to just about any need. It’s the combination of advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value, and the performance of intended function that has earned the Ford F-150 the title of Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year.”

With more than a half-million sales through November and a lead of almost 150,000 sales versus the nearest competitor, the Ford F-Series is on track this year to extend its streak of truck leadership to 35 straight years.

Helping spark the F-150’s continued success is the powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, which now accounts for more than 40 percent of F-150 retail sales and is on pace to exceed 100,000 sales in less than a year on the market.

More capability, more technology

The 2012 F-150 offers customers plenty of technologies that boost capability, performance, driving enjoyment and fuel efficiency. One such technology is the class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS). The system has been carefully tuned with sophisticated speed mapping to deliver accurate responses at high speed while remaining light and manageable in parking maneuvers. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.

A 4.2-inch LCD message center that features information related to fuel economy, towing performance and off-roading, SYNC® AppLink™ and SiriusXM Travel Link also are among the customer conveniences available.

New features for 2012 include:

•36-gallon fuel tank on 4×4 F-150 EcoBoost-equipped units providing best-in-class 756 miles of driving range

•Two-speed automatic 4×4 system on Lariat, King Ranch, Harley-Davidson and Platinum models for improved all-weather traction

•Hill Start Assist, which helps keep the truck from rolling backward at a stop, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill, especially when towing

•Best-in-class payload capability of 3,120 pounds

Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings

All of the changes for the 2012 model year complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class fuel economy, horsepower, torque and capability. Ford is also the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Engine highlights include:

 3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6:

•Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors

•Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors

•Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2)

•Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V8:

•Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors

•Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors

•21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4×2)

•Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8:

•Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors

•Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors

•13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4×2)

•Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost:

•365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel

•Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors

•Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm

•22 mpg highway, 16 mpg city (4×2)

•Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

•Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Fuller Ford is Cincinnati’s truck leader. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com.

Ford customers said MyFord Touch^® could be faster and feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with a broad set of performance upgrades to the system – launching first on the new 2013 Ford Escape, Flex and Taurus.

 Available early next year – and offered at no charge to existing MyFord Touch owners – the software upgrade enhances the ownership experience as it was developed by listening and responding to customer feedback.

 “SYNC^® has clearly been a game-changing technology and now we’re changing the game again, showing how quickly we can deliver more of what customers really want,” said Graydon Reitz, director, Ford Global Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “Our strategy to create the SYNC software platform and add the customizable screens of MyFord Touch gives us a level of flexibility and speed to respond to customer input like never before seen in the auto industry.”

 The new touch-screen interface features simpler graphics and controls that are easier to use. Customers will also experience significantly faster touch-screen response times, one of the top requests from owners.

 New features include support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction.

 For a video demonstration of the improvements, please visit http://youtu.be/c3k4iDZyhYE.

 Listening to customers

Since MyFord launched last fall, Ford has held four customer clinics in which hundreds of owners talked directly to Ford engineers about their experiences with the new technology. Owner feedback was clear and consistent, revealing that MyFord Touch was a key purchase reason.

A survey of 2011 Ford Edge owners shows that four of the top seven purchase reasons were elements of the MyFord Touch system: the touch screen, steering wheel controls, voice recognition and dashboard styling.

 While owners reported that they love the system, there were distinct areas where they wanted improvements. Earlier this year, Ford started delivering on their requests, beginning with more instructions and information on how to best utilize the capabilities of the system.

Ford launched two programs modeled after what consumers experience when purchasing a new electronic device. First, the company added a new MyFord Touch owner support website featuring how-to videos at www.syncmyride.com. Second, free “SYNC My Ride” personalized training sessions for new owners are now offered through Ford dealers – scheduled at customers’ convenience.

 “The keys to continuous improvement are simple: Listen, learn and respond. That’s how we’re going to keep our customers happy,” said Gary Jablonski, manager, SYNC Platform Development. “Evolving the software with meaningful enhanced features was part of our plan from the very beginning. It’s no different than the experience with our smartphones and laptop computers – except now, it’s your car that gets better.”

 Upgrade your ride

All of the new improvements will be offered to existing owners of MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles, including the 2011 and 2012 models of Ford Explorer and Edge and the 2012 Focus. Owners of 2011 and 2012 Lincoln MKX crossovers will also receive the upgrade for their MyLincoln Touch^™ systems.

 “We’re seizing the opportunity to continuously improve the Ford ownership experience, and revolutionize what it means to own a car,” said Reitz. “Introducing new technology is only one step in our journey to become known as a technology company. Consistently improving it based on what our customers are telling us marks another milestone in that journey.”

 Early next year, owners located in the U.S. will be mailed a USB flash drive with the software upgrade for installation that they can do at their own convenience. If they prefer, owners may also visit their local Ford or Lincoln dealer for the software installation. The upgrade mailing will include instructions informing owners how to simply plug the USB flash drive into the MyFord Touch Media Hub’s USB port in order for installation to automatically begin.

 New look

The visual enhancements to MyFord Touch are based on simplifying the graphics with larger, bolder fonts, removing low-priority visual content, and designing screens based on a consistent pattern. More than 1,000 screens in total have been updated with the improved look.

 “Our goal when designing the upgrade was to simplify the screens and give customers a fast and easy way to get information at any given moment,” said Jennifer Brace, User Interface Design engineer for Ford. “That meant removing buttons, relocating high-use controls closer to the driver’s reach, simplifying tasks and improving font size.”

 The new fonts are as much as 40 percent larger on some redesigned screens. The fonts also are wider and bolder to provide easier legibility, particularly among the rapidly increasing number of drivers age 60 and older.

 New features

Ford also took the opportunity to update the performance of the system and add new features for customers to help them keep pace with the fast-moving consumer electronics market.

 Faster touch-screen response time, for example, was a key request from owners. Initial testing shows that touch and voice response is at least two times faster than the current system.

 Also, the software upgrade includes the following enhancements:

 Improved voice recognition experience powered by Nuance

• Quicker voice recognition upon startup and faster command prompt when the voice button is pushed
• Voice commands used in conjunction with navigation are simplified through elimination of the need to provide street direction, e.g., “Main Street” instead of “North Main Street”
• Music requests are simpler by removing the need to include the additional song, album or artist information often found at the end of a name in parenthesis or brackets
• Customers can find their favorite sports team in action via new Sirius Game Finder simply by saying a command such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game”

• Tablet device compatibility
• Music and other media content from most popular tablet computers like the Apple iPad can now be accessed through a simple USB connection

• Audible.com audiobook support
• Listen to Audible.com content using voice commands or the easy-to-use touch-screen controls

• Connected navigation powered by TeleNav features new map data by NAVTEQ
• Updated map views are richer and feature more 3D landmarks
• Views of freeway junctions and signs are enhanced through photorealistic screen images
• Smart routing options are provided based on a database of historical traffic patterns

• Phone compatibility
• Automatic Bluetooth^® connection upon vehicle entry has been improved
• Noise and echo cancellation during phone calls has been improved to enhance call quality

• Gracenote^® album cover art database
• Inclusion of the latest music metadata available enhancing the music playback experience
• Improved voice recognition for music search allowing drivers to pinpoint artists with hard-to-pronounce names or nicknames

Fuller Ford’s friendly sales and service staff can help you with all of your Ford SYNC questions. Fuller Ford is the Cincinnati Tri-State Region’s leader for the hottest, cutting-edge, most fuel efficient vehicles available. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. Check us out on the web at http://www.fullerisford.com.

Ford continues to deliver more choices for customers craving top fuel economy, offering its largest-ever EcoBoost® engine lineup in the all-new Ford Escape debuting next month and an all-new C-MAX Hybrid that’s 25 percent more fuel efficient than even today’s Escape Hybrid.

“Customers are prioritizing fuel economy above every other trait when they make most vehicle purchases,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford is meeting people’s needs by offering a family of fuel-efficient vehicles – from hybrids to electrics to traditional gasoline-powered cars – packed with class-leading technology, giving customers both exciting and greener driving choices.”

The all-new Ford Escape, slated for reveal next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show, features a powertrain lineup with three fuel-efficient four-cylinder options, including the new 1.6- and 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines and a 2.5-liter Ti-VCT four-cylinder. The Escape will be Ford’s first SUV to be available with two fuel-efficient EcoBoost engines, delivering class-leading fuel economy and performance.

“Expanding the availability of EcoBoost technology in the all-new Ford Escape will give customers a great range of choices for the fuel efficiency and performance they want in a small SUV,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Powertrain Engineering. “This advanced technology in the new Escape delivers on our commitment to provide class-leading fuel efficiency in every new Ford product.”

Ford’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, which uses turbocharging, twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) and direct injection to deliver the performance feel of a larger engine, makes its North American debut in the new Escape. It is expected to deliver even higher highway fuel economy than the current Escape Hybrid, which is EPA-rated at 31 mpg. The new 1.6-liter engine also is expected to deliver better fuel economy than competitors’ larger four-cylinder engines.

Since launch, sales of the 1.6-liter EcoBoost in Europe in Focus and C-MAX are exceeding expectations by 40 percent. The engine’s broad, flat torque curve has been praised for its diesel-like performance.

Escape’s new 2.0-liter EcoBoost will have better fuel economy than competitors’ V6 engines while delivering unsurpassed performance compared to those larger six-cylinder powertrains.

Ford holds more than 125 patents on EcoBoost technology, a global approach to provide affordable fuel efficiency for millions of drivers that will extend to 90 percent of Ford vehicles by 2013. EcoBoost increases fuel economy up to 20 percent while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent. 

With the addition of EcoBoost engines to the Escape, Ford will offer more advanced technology engines in its utility vehicle lineup than any other full-line manufacturer.

Next-generation hybrids for next-generation fuel efficiency

Next year, Ford also will grow its electrified vehicle production capacity when it launches the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in vehicles. Both five-passenger hybrids will provide another fuel-efficient option for customers.

The next generation of the Escape Hybrid’s award-winning powertrain moves to the five-passenger C-MAX Hybrid and features the first hybrid transmission and lithium-ion battery system Ford is building in-house.

Ford’s new hybrid powertrain will be available exclusively in C-MAX, and it will deliver a more than 25 percent improvement in fuel economy versus the outgoing Escape Hybrid while still offering hybrid customers the five-passenger capability they expect.

The Ford C-MAX Energi targets more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine, more than any other plug-in or extended-range vehicle. It also targets AT-PZEV status and delivers better charge-sustaining fuel economy than the Chevrolet Volt.

“The C-MAX family of electrified vehicles will provide versatile, practical options for customers who need utility while reducing carbon output and significantly lowering fuel costs,” Kuzak said. “No other company is providing this type of choice in a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.”

Ford developed the new generation of hybrid electric vehicles using its extensive experience with first-generation hybrids including the Ford Escape Hybrid, the world’s first SUV hybrid. This led to offering the two C-MAX multi-activity hybrid vehicles that feature superior fuel economy on long road trips and in stop-and-go city traffic.

“Using our platform approach to hybridization, developing two choices for customers in the heart of the market with the dedicated, front-wheel-drive Ford C-MAX was our strategy to extend the benefits of hybrid technology to even more customers,” Kuzak said.

Power of choice

Ford is delivering electrified vehicles that are attainable, meeting real people’s needs in the center of the market where it counts the most.

Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and the new C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. 

Ford has 13 vehicles with best-in-class fuel economy. In the most recent J.D. Power survey, Ford leads in fuel economy in more segments than any other major automaker, answering the demand of consumers for more fuel efficiency in their vehicles.

Today, fuel economy is 2.5 times more important to American customers than environmental concerns when it comes to buying a vehicle.

Ford Motor Company has four cars that achieve an EPA-rated 40 mpg or higher, including Fiesta, Focus, Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Thirteen Ford vehicles achieve an EPA-rated 30 mpg or higher.

Ford’s recent lineup of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles has gained significant market share in key regions of the country. Vehicles such as the all-new Ford Focus and Fiesta both achieve 40 mpg or higher, boasting better fuel economy than even some hybrids.

Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. Fuller Ford is the Cincinnati Tri-State Region’s leader for the hottest, cutting-edge, most fuel efficient vehicles available. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. Check out our entire inventory at www.fullerisford.com.

Ford has released its latest free SYNC® software update, G1 V3.2.2, to give more SYNC users the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while driving.

Tailored for owners of select SYNC-equipped 2011 and early-release 2012 vehicles, the update includes the emerging Message Access Profile (MAP) Bluetooth® standard, which is custom-made for the automotive hands-free environment and outlines a set of features and procedures used to exchange email, SMS and MMS between devices – in this case SYNC and the smartphone. 

Last year, Ford announced it was voluntarily integrating MAP into SYNC for all 2011 MyFord Touch®-equipped vehicles and is now extending the capability to the broader SYNC user community – with thousands of 2011 and 2012 vehicles equipped with the first generation SYNC system.

“A limited population of phones has the capability to work with the text message readback feature of SYNC,” said Mark Porter, supervisor of SYNC Product Development. “With our initial adoption of MAP for our latest generation of SYNC and our recent efforts to integrate it into our previous variations of the system, we hope we are setting an example that encourages more collaboration between Ford, the phonemakers and the wireless industry to help drivers find smarter alternatives to hand-held texting while on the road.”

According to Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), MAP adoption by mobile device manufacturers is still in its infancy but the growth needle is starting to quiver.

“Texting is becoming a ubiquitous part of our day, so it stands to reason the remote message access profile is an essential addition for handsets, automobiles, headsets and aftermarket car kits,” said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director Bluetooth SIG. “The Bluetooth MAP standard gives users the ability to simply and smartly manage incoming text messages from their vehicle while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. We are seeing significant uptake in MAP adoption among phonemakers, in particular with recent qualifications from manufacturers such as HTC, RIM, Samsung and LG.”

Ready for an update

Since SYNC launched in 2007, Ford has offered several significant and simple software-based updates. And owners are taking advantage, with software downloads recorded on www.syncmyride.com ranging up to nearly 14,000 each month in 2011.

Major SYNC updates that have been released to date include:

•G1 V2.0 – availability of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report for 2008 SYNC-equipped vehicles (dealership installation required) (December 2008)

•G1 V3.0/V3.1 – availability of SYNC Services for Traffic, Directions and Information services for 2010 SYNC-equipped vehicles (June 2009)

•G1 V3.2 –  improved voice command structure, constant display of turn-by-turn directions and GPS coordinates for 911 Assist for 2011 SYNC-equipped vehicles (April 2010)

•G1 V4.0 – AppLink™ software application for hands-free voice control of smartphone apps for the 2011 Ford Fiesta only (December 2010)

•G1 V3.2.2 (non-AppLink)/V4.0.2 (AppLink-equipped) – increased MAP support for select 2011 and early-release 2012 SYNC-equipped vehicles with AppLink such as Ford Mustang (May 2011)

Ford owners interested in finding out if their SYNC-equipped vehicle is eligible for any of the available SYNC updates can visit www.syncmyride.com and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If eligible, owners can simply download the update to a USB memory stick and bring into their vehicle for installation through SYNC’s USB port.

Fuller Ford’s friendly sales and service staff can help you with all of your Ford SYNC questions. Fuller Ford is the Cincinnati Tri-State Region’s leader for the hottest, cutting-edge, most fuel efficient vehicles available. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. Check us out on the web at http://www.fullerisford.com.

What do Ford’s latest safety innovation and director/filmmaker James Cameron have in common? Both are about to receive a prestigious technology award from Popular Mechanics.

Just like our business, your business started with an idea and a plan. Every day you make critical decisions that build on your plan. You face new competition, rising costs and regulatory challenges. This means, that every decision you make, will have a more immediate impact on your success.

Economic Stimulus Acts – A Brief Background

On February 13, 2008 President Bush signed H.R. 5140, otherwise known as the ‘Economic Stimulus Act of 2008’. Through this act, IRS Section 179 deduction limits were increased from $125,000 to $250,000.

The fifth and most recent version is H.R. 4853, also known as the ‘Tax Relief Act of 2010’. This version expanded the IRS Section 179 limits to $500,000 and included a provision that allows a business to take a tax depreciation deduction equal to 100% of the cost of new equipment. The increased Section 179 limit has been extended through tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2011. The 100% depreciation deduction is available on equipment bought before December 31, 2011.

For 2012, all indications are that the allowable Section 179 deduction will drop back down to the pre-2007 $25,000 level and the bonus depreciation deduction will be reduced to 50% of the cost of new equipment.

Eligible New Equipment Purchases

Computers, machinery, office furniture and business vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 6,000 pounds qualify for the deductions. This means, you could purchase a qualified new Ford F-150, Super Duty® or Econoline and depreciate 100% of that purchase on your 2011 tax return!

Timing

We have some of our best incentives during our “Truck Event” and many of our incentives are protected with an order. Don’t wait until the last week of December to find out that we don’t have the exact truck you want.

Advisory

Individual tax situations may vary. Federal rules and tax guidelines are subject to change. You should consult your Tax Advisor for complete rules applicable to your transaction.

The attached Q&A will help you with your plan.

Q&A

Q. What is a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)?

A. GVWR is the manufacturers rating of maximum weight of the vehicle when fully loaded with people and cargo.

Q. Are all trucks eligible?

A. No. All full-size pickups are not eligible for the full Section 179 deduction. In the Ford line up, the F-150 (over 6’ bed), F-250, F-350, F-450 and Econoline cargo van are fully eligible for the 179 deduction. All trucks that have a GVWR of at least 6,000 lbs are eligible for the 100% depreciation deduction.

Q. We want the benefits of IRS 179 yet we don’t want to use the cash and we don’t want to reduce our available credit. Does Ford offer any financing options that will help us?

A. Yes. Whether you need 1 or 100 commercial vehicles, Ford Credit can help you get them quickly and easily with a Commercial Line of Credit (CLOC). Once you establish a CLOC with Ford Credit, you can acquire additional vehicles whenever you need to – just sign and drive.

Q. For our business, we need to modify our vehicles. Are the modifications eligible?

A. Yes. As long as the modifications are included in the complete purchase price. Additionally, we offer various ‘up fit’ discounts for vehicle modifications. See your Local Ford Dealer.

Q. Are extended warranties or pre-paid maintenance programs eligible?

A. Yes. They must be included in the total purchase price. In fact, the Ford Extended Service plan offers various combinations and coverage for commercial use.

Q. Are certified pre-owned or used vehicles eligible for the IRS 179 deduction?

A. Both new and used vehicles are eligible for the Section 179 deduction, but not for the 100% depreciation deduction.

Q. Why should we think about this now don’t we have until December?

A. Our inventories are limited and we anticipate that in late December our ground stock may be impacted by IRS 179. Additionally, we are now in our annual truck sales event. This means that we now have some of our best incentives. Many of those incentives are protected when accompanied by an order.

Q. 2011 was a challenging year for our business; we don’t expect to see enough in profits. Can we carry over the depreciations benefits into future years?

A. The Section 179 deduction is limited to taxable income during the year. You cannot elect to take the deduction if you do not have taxable income. The 100% depreciation deduction can be taken even if you do not have taxable income. The tax loss that is created by the 100% depreciation may be able to be carried over into future years depending on your company’s tax situation. The loss may also be able to be carried back to prior tax years in order to get a refund of taxes that were previously paid.

As always, Fuller Ford offers Lifetime Free Oil Changes on ALL new vehicle purchases – in stock or factory ordered. This includes ALL Ford commercial trucks! Fuller Ford is the Cincinnati Tri-State Region’s commercial truck leader. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati.  Check out our entire commercial truck inventory at http://www.fullerisford.com/commercial-new.aspx.

In a step to further enhance the SYNC® experience, Ford is adding Operator Assist, a new free service that allows users to connect with a live person, as a standard feature of SYNC Services.

Previously in beta test trial phase, the service is now available as part of SYNC Services and joins the growing list of cloud-based driver assistance features offered by Ford Motor Company.

“This isn’t just about offering customers a back-up option to the services we have already. This is about giving customers a variety of choices when it comes to how they would like to receive information,” said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services Solutions Organization.

How it works

Cloud-based, on-demand, voice-activated SYNC Services provides access to information about traffic, news, sports, weather, horoscopes, stock quotes and movie listings along with business searches and turn-by-turn directions. Seventy percent of all SYNC Services calls are for business searches and from those seeking turn-by-turn directions, said David Gersabeck, product manager, SYNC Services.

Using advanced vehicle sensors, integrated GPS technology and comprehensive map and traffic data, the SYNC Services automated voice recognition system delivers turn-by-turn directions to the user. Further, with access to more than 14 million business listings, SYNC Services directs users to the businesses they seek. Operator Assist works with both the business search and directions options.

At any time during a business search or directions interaction between the user and the SYNC Services automated system, the user can say, “Operator,” confirm his or her request to speak with an operator, and connect to a live operator.

In the event a user says an address or business that the voice recognition system can’t identify, the user will be prompted with the option to connect to a live operator. If the user confirms he or she would like to speak with an operator for further assistance, the system automatically connects the user to the live operator.

“This is more than getting from point A to point B,” said Gersabeck. “It’s about delivering a level of connectivity that provides fast, hands-free connections to businesses or residences without the need for drivers to take their eyes off the road.”

A beta test trial phase – started in spring and ended with the official launch of Operator Assist – found that drivers really like having the option of talking to a live person, said Gersabeck.

“The feedback was very positive,” he said. “Our operators were told by customers that they were very happy and surprised to have an option for additional help, especially when they realized it was a free service. They expected Ford to charge for these services like our competitors do.”

When a live operator assists with a business search, the user can choose to receive turn-by-turn directions to the business, receive a text message with name, address and phone number information about the business (applies to certain phone carrier networks), or be directly connected to the phone number of the business. When a live operator assists with address entry, the user can have the directions sent directly to the vehicle. When the information is sent or the user is connected to a business, a “session” has been completed.

New customers eligible for a three-year complimentary SYNC Services account will receive 60 Operator Assist sessions. Customers with an active SYNC Services account receive a number of complimentary sessions depending on the remaining duration of their SYNC Services account:

•Less than a year remaining, 20 complimentary sessions

•Between one and two years remaining, 40 complimentary sessions

•Between two and three years remaining, 60 complimentary sessions

Owners of Ford cars and trucks can go to syncmyride.com/support to:

•Buy a one-year SYNC Services subscription for $60, which includes 20 complimentary Operator Assist sessions

•Purchase additional Operator Assist sessions

•View how many Operator Assist sessions are available on their account

No in-vehicle software upgrade is required. The live operator services are provided by MyAssist, a leading live assistance and telematics service company for individuals and businesses based in Stevens Point, WI.

Fuller Ford’s friendly sales and service staff can help you with all of your Ford SYNC questions. Fuller Ford is the Cincinnati Tri-State Region’s leader for the hottest, cutting-edge, most fuel efficient vehicles available. Whether you are coming from Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, we are conveniently located right off of I-75, just west of downtown Cincinnati. Check us out on the web at http://www.fullerisford.com.