Friday, January 27, 2012

New 2013 Ford Fusion

New 2013 Ford Fusion Brings More Technology, Expected Triple Crown of Best-in-Class Gas, Hybrid, Plug-In Efficiency


2013 Ford Fusion
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  • New Ford Fusion is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, each with expected top fuel economy, underscoring Ford’s commitment to give customers the power of choice
  • With seven must-have technologies, including a Lane Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch®, the all-new Ford Fusion shows how Ford is delivering features customers truly want and value
  • Customers can choose from Fusion’s widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains including EcoBoost, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology
  • Revealed in North America as the midsize Fusion sedan, this all-new car signals the next-generation Ford Mondeo for world markets
 
DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012 – 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://youtu.be/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
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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
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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 feelsare 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.
 
The story behind the new Fusion
For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring plenty of unique content including articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from your smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or blogs.
 
 
 
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com

Saturday, January 7, 2012

What is the Motor Trend Certified Advantage Program?

Apple Auto Group has been awareded one of the first Motor Trend Certified Advantage Dealerships in the United States!

MOTOR TREND® Certified Advantage Program:  A Better Way to Buy A Better Car!SM
With the MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage program, two of the nation’s biggest automotive brands, MOTOR TREND and EasyCare, guarantee that you will drive away from the dealership confident - and stay confident- in your pre-owned vehicle. Apple Auto Group has been awarded one of the first Motor Trend Certified Advantage Dealerships in the United States! 

Before You Buy
Each Apple Auto Group MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage vehicle has been Inspected, Repaired and Guaranteed: Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous, industry-leading inspection covering hundreds of critical components, conducted by a trained, certified mechanic to make sure that Apple Auto Group MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage vehicles are in like-new condition.

While You Buy
Shopping for a car can and should be fun! The MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage 7-Point Performance Pledge was built based on consumer feedback, and helps create the fair, friendly and fun buying experience that you deserve to expect from a Motor Trend Certified Advantage dealer. You will be treated with respect, and will be given the time, space, and information you need to make the right vehicle decision for you and your family. 
Take a look at what other Motor Trend Certified Advantage customers are saying!

After You Buy   
The MOTOR TREND Recommended Best Buy EasyCare® benefits included in the MOTOR TREND Certified Advantage Program make your Pre-owned Apple Auto Group vehicle a pleasure to own and drive.
Mechanical Repair coverage is included, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected repair bills
EasyCare Dent Repair Paintless Dent Removal Coverage1
EasyCare KeyCare Key and Key Fob Replacement Coverage
EasyCare Personal Assistant 24/7 Concierge Service
72 Hour Exchange Policy – Maximum of 300 miles

 

EasyCare® Dent Repair

EasyCare Dent Repair removes those unsightly shopping cart dents and car door dings (as well as other types of dents and dings) on vertical panels. It uses a paintless dent repair process, an innovative way to virtually erase small dings and dents from painted sheet metal surfaces without harming the vehicle's factory finish.

EasyCare® KeyCare

EasyCare KeyCare provides 24/7 emergency assistance protecting you and your family from being locked out of your car or home. With KeyCare, you receive the following benefits:
-24 Hour Lock Out Assistance – Simply call the 24 Hour EasyCare KeyCare Assistance toll-free number (800) 230-2434 and someone will come out to unlock your car or home.
-Replacement Coverage – EasyCare picks up the cost of replacing lost or stolen keys/fobs, including home or other keys that were lost.
-Recovery and Identity Protection – Keys are recovered without putting your identity or location at risk. With KeyCare, you’ll receive a key tag with your EasyCare member number and postage-paid return address. Anyone who finds the keys can drop them in a mailbox for return to the secure KeyCare Return Center. You’ll be contacted immediately, and the finder will never know your name or address.
             -Taxi, Loaner, Towing and Driver’s Valet Assistance – If replacement keys can’t made at the lock-out location, KeyCare will provide you with a taxi or rental car, and even towing coverage.

EasyCare® Personal Assistant

EasyCare Personal Assistant is your own Anything, Anytime, Anywhere™ personal concierge service. Simply call a
toll-free number from your mobile phone, and you’ll speak with a LIVE person, your EasyCare Personal Assistant who is ready to provide you with real-time information. EasyCare Personal Assistant can provide you with:
-Driving Directions
-Price Comparisons
              -Phone Numbers and Addresses


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