2013 Ford Fusion

As 2013 Ford Fusions begin rolling into dealerships, Ford can say that it has finally created the mythical Toyota Camry fighter. It's something we've heard again and again from Detroit's carmakers, always poised but never able to deliver a midsize sedan that will outsell the venerable Camry. This time, however, Ford may have a case. Offering five powertrains, including a 47-mile-per-gallon gas-electric hybrid, and a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost model, all wrapped in a sexy exterior, the Fusion makes a strong case that it deserves a spot at the top of America's most cutthroat segment. But numbers don't lie. Last year, Ford sold 248,000 Fusions. This year, sales are up 7.7 percent through August at 181,000 cars, making the Fusion Detroit's top selling midsize car in America. But it's not even close to the top selling midsize car in the U.S., it's not even the third-best-selling midsize sedan. The Camry is on a big rebound. It has sold 280,000 cars this year alone, and sales are up 37 percent. It could sell 400,000 cars by year's end. Meanwhile, through August, the Honda Accord at 219,000 cars (sales up 19 percent) and the Nissan Altima is at 210,000 units. Furthermore, the Camry remains the default choice for Baby Boomers. Style and performance be damned, these customers have always had a Camry and always will have a Camry.
So Ford, admittedly, has its work cut out for it. Furthermore, the Fusion, which was originally assembled in Mexico, faced capacity limits, never having the ability to build as many Camrys as Toyota could. However, with the change over to the Flat Rock, Michigan, factory, which also builds the Mustang, Ford will have the ability to match Toyota's capability.
According to Sam Hoyt, Fusion brand manager, Ford expects big growth in Fusion sales next year, topping last year's high mark, though she would not give specific numbers. "We've got to get more customers in places on the east and west coasts in order to grow," said Hoyt of the traditional import-centric regions. Of the initial four powertrains offered, Hoyt says roughly 15 percent of new Fusion sales will be hybrids, 15 percent will be 2.0-liter turbocharged models – including the high-end Titanium – 35 percent will have the base 2.5-liter engine under the hood and 35 percent will be powered with Ford's 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Of course, those are just the original expectations.
Ford plans on being able to quickly adapt if demands change. Hoyt says that Ford expects a conquest rate around 50 percent overall and about 70 percent for the hybrid. "It could be even higher," Hoyt said. Perhaps. And while the new Fusion bests the Camry in many areas at first blush, it's not likely to depose it as sales leader in the coming years. But give it time. This race is far from over.

Contact us at (805) 642-6701 to get more information about the 2013 Ford Fusion.

Original Article By Scott Burgess of Autoblog

2013 Ford C-Max

 

 

2013 Ford C-Max

 



Introducing the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid, the all-new five passenger MAV (multi-activity vehicle) hybrid, and the 2013 C-MAX Energi, the first production plug-in hybrid from Ford. Many advantages come with owning a hybrid, such as battery recharging (when utilizing the gas engine and regenerative braking) and the powersplit hybrid architecture–which allows the gas engine to work with the electric motor to maximize efficiency. The main difference between the C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi is the plug-in capability. The C-MAX Energi has an external charge port and a larger state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery than the C-MAX Hybrid, for an electric-only driving experience. The vehicle can fully charge overnight using a standard 120V outlet or in under three hours using a 240V charging station outlet. Both the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi have a new 2.0L hybrid I-4 powertrain that is combined with the electric motor to generate a projected 188 total system horsepower, delivering the responsive power you want when you need it.

The dual-LCD next-generation SmartGauge® with EcoGuide is an innovative cluster that provides real-time information to help you get the most efficiency from your C-MAX Hybrid or C-MAX Energi. The next-gen SmartGauge with EcoGuide features a “MyView” screen so drivers can customize the screens to their liking. Efficiency Coach screens such as Brake Coach help you maximize your vehicle’s efficiency. Screens include Inform, Enlighten, Engage or Empower, and explain your options within each. Five-way steering wheel-mounted controls make it all easy. The gauge can indicate instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, plus trip data including fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty. Watch the display grow leaves when you drive efficiently. Or watch them fade when you don’t. This green motivator works in any of the four display modes.

This new hybrid powertrain uses an eCVT, or electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. It is engineered, designed and produced in-house by Ford in an all-new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. The eCVT combines power from the engine and electric motor to deliver power to the wheels when you command it. The C-MAX Hybrid is projected to operate electrically up to 62 mph, allowing the electric traction motor to power the vehicle, providing maximum efficiency. It also eliminates the noticeable upshifts and downshifts of conventional transmissions, providing a seamless driving experience.

To charge the high-voltage, state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery of Ford plug-in electric vehicles more quickly, Ford recommends that you purchase an optional 240-volt Leviton charging station. Ford teamed up with Leviton, a leading producer of electrical devices, to develop the station which is UL-Listed, weather-resistant, compact and portable--making it easy to take along if you relocate. You won’t have to worry about wiring or installing the charging station on your own either. Ford has also teamed up with the Best Buy® Geek Squad® to take care of the process for you. Order yours through a Ford Certified EV Dealer. Your dealer can also help answer any questions you may have and set up your appointment with the Best Buy® Geek Squad® to have a site inspection, to facilitate a hassle-free installation process. Please keep in mind that this charging station is not available through the Best Buy website or in the store.

 

Available MyFord® Mobile

The C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi maximize technology to help you get the most out of your vehicle experience. Available SYNC® with MyFord Touch® is uniquely outfitted for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid experience when you combine it with next generation SmartGauge® with EcoGuide. With this combination, efficiency may be customized to display a leafy vine visual on the SmartGauge cluster screen. The more vines, the more efficiently you’re driving. SYNC with MyFord Touch® keeps you engaged with the world–and still lets you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.* Start your C-MAX with the push of a button. Just keep the Intelligent Access key on you or in the vehicle. Press the brake pedal, then push the start button, and it’s as easy as that. For those times you’re away from the vehicle, there’s the available MyFord® Mobile app or access the MyFord mobile website for the C-MAX Energi. This smartphone app lets you monitor vehicle settings at any time.

The combined energy of a dynamic electric motor powered by a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and the 2.0L Atkinson-cycle I-4 gas engine supply the power for the C-MAX Hybrid. The C-MAX Hybrid is projected to operate electrically up to 62 mph, allowing the electric traction motor to power the vehicle, providing maximum efficiency. The engine kicks in extra power when needed, such as when passing or merging, and provides the main source of power. The gas engine and the electric motor work together to deliver maximum horsepower. The C-MAX Hybrid battery uses an air cooling system to regulate battery temperature and help maximize battery life. Also helping you get the most efficiency out of your hybrid vehicle is the powersplit hybrid architecture, which allows the state-of- the-art- battery and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately using the motor and generator to help maximize the vehicle’s efficiency. All of this together helps provide 47 city/47 hwy mpg* or over 570 miles per tank.

Contact us at (805) 642-6701 to get more information about the 2013 Ford C-Max