First Look: 2010 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid

It’s no surprise that Ford is aiming its upcoming 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids directly at the Camry Hybrid, but what does get our attention is Ford’s claim today that its sedan hybrids will best the Camry Hybrid’s city mileage by 5 mpg. That would put the Fusion and Milan hybrids’ city rating at 38 mpg. While no number was given for highway mileage, Ford says it beats the Camry Hybrid there as well. The Camry Hybrid gets 34 mpg on the highway.

The full reveal of the Fusion and Milan hybrids will have to wait until closer to the Los Angles auto show, but Ford disclosed these interesting tidbits at a powertrain discussion today for the new midsize sedans. We also got a good look at the non-hybrid 2010 Ford Fusion, pictured above, with more information on that coming in a later post. 

The Fusion and Milan hybrids will be Ford’s first use of hybrid technology outside the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute hybrids. Battery technology has improved since Ford launched those compact SUV hybrids, and the sedans will use a smaller, more efficient hybrid traction battery. Ford says the Fusion and Milan hybrids will be able to cruise at speeds up to 47 mph on electric power alone. Additionally, the Fusion and Milan will be the first Ford hybrids to use an electric air-conditioning compressor to save engine load; previous compressors were belt-driven by the engine.

Comments

[Tony]

Good Idea, Ford! Will execution be on par?
And how much will it cost. If this is the continuation of Escape story, then it is all worthless

[Watchdog]

Please explain why you consider the Escape worthless.

[Dave T.]

The Escape Hybrid is about $8K more than an Escape 4x2 XLS with auto.

the Fusion SE w/auto is just under $21. So let's say the hybrid would be $29.

Toyota Camry hybrid starts at $26 (if you can find one).

So no, I'd say Ford would have to compete with the Camry Hybrid on price too. It couldn't be $3K more without lots of standard equipment.

[John M]

i think the fusion looks great and i want to get my hands on one though i think id like the gas better because if a hybrid battery goes out.....its about an $8k fix and when they officialy die all the battery juice is worse for the enviorment than a gas car i just dont see the point

[Ken L.]

My first thoughts were Mercedes C63 AMG. It's a very aggressively styled bread and butter main stream sedan for Ford, but it looks like the same size as the current Fusion.

[D]

the Fusion gets bigger headlights & the Milan gets smaller!! Go figure! C a pic of the Milan on my flickr page!

[Billy4202]

Damn, can't wait to see the MPG numbers here. I just hope it's not overpriced like the Escape Hybrid. Almost $30k for no options...

[Tony]

Watchdog ,

Ford is limiting Escape production because they don't make money of it. And people are in line many months to get one.
This is why I said, that if it follows Escape, it is all worthless.

the new fusion & milan have much bigger grilles!

[Zerf]

This is really the first car with electric air conditioning? I was sure our HHR was doing the same but I guess I did not research. The belt only has 3 stops: crank, alternator and I thought the third was water pump. I was thinking it had electric air conditioning. Looks like I need to do more research.

If Ford can deliver on the mpgs at a reasonable price then I have to say way to go. I guess I will believe it when I see it.

[cody]

It looks like the only thing changed is the front end. From this angle, the side looks pretty similar to the current Fusion. Guess I'll have to wait for more pics.

[markt]

i'm not big on domestics, but wow! If the real fusion will look like it does in the picture and delivers on its promise, watch out toyota!

[Watchdog]

Tony,
A manufacturer does not limit production because they are not making money on it especially when demand exceeds supply. Unit cost goes down as volume increases. And it must not be that worthless if people are waiting months to get one even at its current price. Regardless, I'm sure these new ones will be mass market offerings.

[sheth]

markt,

Spy shots have been posted of the interior and it looks pretty nice. The Fusion already handles better than camry and accord and is just as reliable. The 2010 model will correct the flaws of the current one and looks to be a superior car. As with the Malibu the Fusion I-4 will exceed Accord/Camry in mileage. How much longer will we be able to accept the idea that the "best" midsize sedans come from Japan? Not much longer. I dont think the press is going to be able to bury this car in 2nd or 3rd place as they have often done with the Malibu. This looks to be a no excuses execution.

[Joe Bruzek]

Zerf --

These will be the first Ford hybrids to use an electric air conditioning. Toyota has been using an electric air conditioning compressor for a while now, and the GM and Chrysler hybrid trucks and SUVs also use an electric air conditioning compressor.

[Tony]

Watchdog,

I've said what I've heard from reliable sources, not what I took from the air.

They calculated that 2009 Escape Hybrid saves $200 per year compare to Escape I4. But you pay $6000 more. (To me - it is worthles).
"...sources suggest there’s another reason why Ford might not want to build many more Escape Hybrids. The technology is still obscenely expensive, and even with a $6,000 premium, insiders say Ford is swallowing a lot of cost. Lose money on every one, you don’t make it up in volume."

Do you reading here
http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/blogs/paul_blog/enthusiasts/261/

[Rick]

This is stictly a marketing gimmick. I read where they say it will go 8 miles on electricity alone. But keep in mind, this is not a plug in. So the energy to go the 8 miles has to come from either energy absorbed during braking or from the engine/generator. Assuming that the batteries are kept at full charge so they can be used for “electric only” travel after a shutdown the energy to do that comes from the engine burning fuel. So the process for those 8 miles is taking precious gasoline to power an engine (efficiency loss) which turns a generator (efficiency loss) which in turn charges a battery (efficiency loss) which sits overnight (energy loss) which feeds an electric motor (efficiency loss) which eventually turns the wheels (efficiency loss). Basically this is hopeless. For electricity to be used solo for motoring, it must come from the utility companies at 5 to 8 cents / kw-hr, period.

reminds me of the fords in Australia

[Watchdog]

Paul Einstein is your reliable source who himself is getting "suggested" information from unidentified "insider" sources? If you are basing the worth of a hybrid on its ability to pay back the cost premium then all hybrids to this point are worthless. People buy hybrids for the image and statement they make, not for the economics.

[Tony]

Watchdog,
Let me put it this way:
I've read about it before and today I found and took first available reference where it also said same thing.
Now, what you trying to do is to spin around facts and to come on top at any cost.

I can admit that there is a chance that all sources together, reliable or not, while telling same thing, they all might be wrong.

Your point about image and so is also legit. But hey, with all the green guys out there, there are still more regulars (not too green) buying a hybrid. And with high gas prices some hybrids would pay back.
I am sure (and we can ask other people opinion) that people habits of buying hybrids are in direct relation to the gas prices. And I argued myself in these forums that what is good about hybrids is that they don't pollute. And I can prove it. Because just before gas went soaring, the Prius was selling $1000 under MSRP. And soon it was $2000 over MSRP.

Ford Escape HEV is worthless to me because it doesn't bring anything to the table besides "hybrid" label. Toyota will have all their models in HEV soon and available. What for do people have to spend 30 grand on the Escape HEV? What does it give back? Image? Most people looking into hybrid as a way to get off the Crude needle or a way to save. If everyone was chasing the image we would see higher markups on the MSRP from the dealers.

grille is a bit BIG but still looks better than the new Acura "shield"

[Colin]

Whoever thinks the Fusion handles better than the Accord clearly has not driven both. The Accord handles better and is larger too. Let's be honest the Fusion has a long way to go to be seriously considered. I see the car all the time at Avis and that says it all.

[sheth]

colin,

You need to read up on the Fusion. Since its debut its been called one of the better handling family sedans. In a recent MT comparo it was praised as one of the best, if not best in class from a chassis standpoint. You mention Avis but you dont mention that the 6, Altima, Camry and Sonata are also used as rentals. The presence of a car in a rental fleet doesnt mean its crap. You can also rent cars like the CTS and Mazda3 at some outlets. Does that make them substandard cars? If you think the 2010 Fusion cant compete you need to give some real reasons. Its got better mileage than accord, more features and better styling. Seems like a legit contender to me.

[Dave T.]

Yeah, um, the current Fusion does not handle as well as a new Accord. Can't speak for the new Fusion, but it doesn't.

[Tony]

To me, boys, the handling alone means nothing.
I look at the road manners, as summary of:
-- how driver feels
-- how car drives
-- how car feels on the rough road
-- how comfortable rear passenger

And Accord is the champ of road handling to me. It has the best summary of the details

the milan loses its clear lens taillights. IMHO, they won't be looking as nice on the new model. Haven't seen any of the new Fusion tho.

[casey]

i love ford cars but ars are solf these days i can kick a dent in this

I have any Escape Hybrid with the limited package. It was only $3,000 more than the regular Escape limited. I get well over 35 mpg on the freeway using the a/c and keeping the windows shut. If they are opened, the mileage goes down. The a/c runs weather you have the switch on or off as it is used to cool the battery which most people don't know.
I think the Escape Hybrid is the best vehicle on the road. I am also looking into the Fusion Hybrid since the Escape has been such a great vehicle.
As for the battery going bad, Ford backs it 150,000 miles and 10 years in CA so I am not very concerned. Most people don't keep a car that long, and I know I sure don't.
Bottom line is if you are looking for great mileage and a very reliable vehicle, the Hybrid Escape is the vehicle for you!

I've driven the Accord and the Fusion. The person who said there is no comparison between the two is right. The Accord sucked as far as handliing compared to the Fusion. I would never buy one.

[Honda Car Deals]

I love ford cars. how much cost of this car. and actual on road price of it...

[Bob Dole]

It is a moving target. Ford is too early to claim better MPG.

[John]

I've read all the reviews, I 've not heard any comments about get up and go.

Can this car get out of the way of an 18 wheeler
while merging.

This is the only thing holding me back from
placing an order.

[boeingboy]

Does the Fusion/Milan hybrids use the Toyota Synergy Drive as it does on the Escape or it's own in-house system?

[Hybrit]

Boeingboy,
The assumption in the reports I've read is it will be a modified version of Hybrid Synergy Drive. It sounds like they may have improved on it by putting in a bigger battery pack, but maybe Toyota is doing the same thing on the next generation Prius, which is supposed to be faster yet get better mileage.
Rick, I think this is much more than a marketing gimmick. You are correct on how the battery in a hybrid gets recharged, but fail to recognize that Hybrid Synergy Drive allows the gasoline engine to spin the electric motor as a generator while it's powering the car at highway speeds. Since it only takes about 15 hp to keep a car that size cruising at 55 mph, the Hybrid system allows the driver to get double duty from the gasoline that's burned. And as far as electricity from the utility is concerned, it will cost the equivalent of $.70 per gallon gasoline to plug in your next generation hybrid and top off the batteries. Consumer Reports, in the February 2009 issue, reports on converting a Prius into a Plug-in at a cost of $11,000. For the first 35 miles or so after being charged at home, the car achieves an average of 67 mpg. Their best mileage was 87 mpg in one stretch. After the home charge is worn off, it behaves like a typical Prius, but loses about 2 or 3 mpg because of having to carry around a heavier battery pack.

[Seren]

No one has mentioned this:
1 in 10 homes are being repo'd / Obama says its possible ANOTHER 4.5 MILLION people will be without a job in 2009. Heres my point / for those of us lucky enough to keep our homes, keep any job and loose only 45% of our life 401 savings value..etc...WHY would I be 'exicited' about a hybrid that is not priced around $17k or so ? Everyone talks about 'ONLY $26-30k'! My gosh, thats way too high for average American. The VOLT will average over $30k with any options! same with Fusion Hybrid. Looks to me like Toyota and especially Honda (insight) will be light years cheaper and a better all around value to boot...till GM and FORD start making Hybrids that cost LESS than $18k, I will stick with great used Toyota which costs over 7 years way less than any 'hybrid' to operate.
So where the 'excitement' for spending $6K more when over 7+yrs you will NEVER recover its costs??? Am i missing something here ?? Help me out hehe

[geoff]

well, I do own a 2006 Fusion ( obviously not hybrid) & in 75,ooo miles it has been no trouble, zero problems, nada. I used to own an accord. Is the fusion better handling? you bet! at 27k, it is a bit more expensive than te regular lineup. will I recoup the difference? definately not! I will however be a little more environmentally friendly & if we all did this, we would have a better place to live for future generations. Lots of companies claim to be green, I think a lot of it is hype however there is no denying the hybrid car is "greener"
Interesting info on the battery pack. 98% of it is recyclable.

[Stu]

I have a 2007 Camry Hybrind.. I get 39MPG combined city/highway with a light foot, 34MPG lowest witha a heavy foot. Heat and A?C are electric. The Toyota synergy drive was licensed to Ford in 2008. That is what is used in the FUsion .. Ford uses a different battery technology, but Toyota will be chaning to Lithium-Ion batteries as soon as safety issues pass. With LIO batteries the Camry will get over 50MPG. As for pollution, that's BS> ALl of the battery components are desingned to be recycled. Japan is a signatary of the Kyoto accords. The FOrd batteries cannot be recycled. Without the Toyota drive system, you have the failed Ford Escape hybrid, that powertrain is scrapped. The Camry is really a Lexus, all are produced on the Lexus assembly line. I paid 28K for mine loaded with 100K warranty on everything including the battery and electrical systems. Ford offers a 36K warranty only for free. GOod Luck! I had a FORD .. Fixed or Repaired Daily!

[stan da man]

Soemone pointed out that the new accord is larger. News flash; THAT IS EXACTLY WHY I AM STRAYING AWAY FROM HONDAS!!!!! BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER!!!! Economical, price, comfort, value is what matters!!!! Who wants the FUGLY NEW ACCORD SEDANS. That new fusion may em a winner!!! 2010 Mid-size car of the year award goes to FORD FUSION

[reb]

According to the Ford Fusion Hybrid project manager (whom I met in phoenix, AZ) the batteries used are recyclable as they are roughly equivalent to a D-cell battery and so can go in any battery recycling facility.

The Fusion Hybrid I saw in the showroom was around $2,500 to $3,000 more than the equivalent non-hybrid.

[ford guy who has driven it]

Seen the car and driven it. The one I drove was loaded with all the options including the extra cost paint job and it is 32K about 10K more than a base model. On a test loop with out ever having driven one before I got 37.5 MPG. Yes it accelerates onto the freeway good, not as good as my GT mustang but for what it is, it is good. Very comfortable but like I said with all the options it better be. Researching the battery concerns and recycling issues. But so far from what I see it is a winner

[Max Reid]

Apr-2009 sales update.

Ford has overtaken Toyota for #2 spot.
Fusion hybrid is better than Camry Hybrid in technology and mileage.

Hybrid sales top 21,000.

Insight is selling well in its 1st month.

Escape is #1 among crossovers.

Minivan sales continue to lag along with SUV's.

Car sales outpace Truck Sales for the second month.

As Fiat will be controlling Chrysler in future, expect more small cars to be sold and trucks to be closed.

[Dave T.]

Max
In April truck sales were down less than car sales. At least for the domestics.

[T-Mark]

Ford has a superior product finally to Japan's version of a good car. You must remember the original technology comes from the USA, it's a simple fact that they enjoy success due to our sharing of advanced technologies - because if we didn't share there would be no Toyota, Honda, or Nissan success stories in the automotive arena. So do not continue to downplay american 1st against japanese possibilities. While japan has enjoyed prosperity, it clearly has been against american expense, we are blessed to bring other countries along. We could have kept it all for ouselves. Don't always believe the hype.

[Potential Ford Escape Hybrid Buyer]

Does anyone have the answer from Ford Corporation regarding the inclusion of an electric motor-driven air compressor for the A/C unit in the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid?

The use of a gas driven motor for the air compressor in the 2009 and older hybrid models negates any benefit of the electric motor in the hot states located in the southern half of the United States since the gas motor will always be running with max A/C. I don't know about where you live, but here in Florida, you can't live without max A/C in traffic.

I have tried to get an answer and they refuse to tell me citing "confidentiality" issues and the lack of a press release on the issue. They have the answer - they know the answer - but they just won't tell me the answer.

Thanks for any assistance.