2010 Ford Fusion

[JalopnikMatt]

The first official pic and details:

http://jalopnik.com/5070563/2010-ford-fusion-revealed-with-new-face-engine-and-six+speed-transmission

[against the wall]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/10fusionsport_01.jpg
rehosted because the mods are probably gonna get pissed at your spamming.

[turbonium959]

It simply amazes me how close recent US desings come to be something good, when at the last moment it turns out to be something totally nasty. The only, but major thing that is wrong here is the big, stupid, chrome grill! Why is it that US OEMs think that slapping chrome every where makes things look better? I mean, there are so many lessons to be learned - Focus (butt ugly), Flex (boxy ugly and off to very slow sales) and the trend does not stop there. My only hopes that an SVT like Fusion would have a nice honeycomb grill that would actually make this car stand out of the crowd for a good reason.

[anonms]

... I actually love it. I thought it was gaudy at first, but it's rather bold.

[JBlair]

It simply amazes me how close recent US desings come to be something good, when at the last moment it turns out to be something totally nasty. The only, but major thing that is wrong here is the big, stupid, chrome grill! Why is it that US OEMs think that slapping chrome every where makes things look better? I mean, there are so many lessons to be learned - Focus (butt ugly), Flex (boxy ugly and off to very slow sales) and the trend does not stop there. My only hopes that an SVT like Fusion would have a nice honeycomb grill that would actually make this car stand out of the crowd for a good reason.

That picture is the SVT. (the SVT brand is pretty much dead for non-mustang cars, however)


I actually like how it looks. I'm not a fan of the darkened headlamps, because they create too much contrast with the grille, but the regular versions will look better since they should have regular (e.g. bright) headlamps. Overall, its pretty much as we expected it would look from the spy shots.

P.S. Am I the only one that thinks it looks like a Saab when I squint my eyes? For some reason it reminds me of the new 9-3, which isn't a bad thing.

[pjl35]

That picture is the SVT. (the SVT brand is pretty much dead for non-mustang cars, however)


I actually like how it looks. I'm not a fan of the darkened headlamps, because they create too much contrast with the grille, but the regular versions will look better since they should have regular (e.g. bright) headlamps. Overall, its pretty much as we expected it would look from the spy shots.

P.S. Am I the only one that thinks it looks like a Saab when I squint my eyes? For some reason it reminds me of the new 9-3, which isn't a bad thing.

I definitely see some 9-3 in the front. What's up with all of these pics showing up today? First the Z, then basically official shots of the RX, now the Fusion. :wtf:

[against the wall]

I think the front looks a little too trucky and big for the size of the car. i think it would look slightly better if the bars were slightly thinner.

[PhilipNC]

any one else see a liitle Inteceptor influnce? Look at the grille, and power dome hood.

[JBlair]

I definitely see some 9-3 in the front. What's up with all of these pics showing up today? First the Z, then basically official shots of the RX, now the Fusion. :wtf:


The LA Auto show is right around the corner, that's why. Plus, with all the bad news, these automakers need something to distract people from the upcoming release of October sales results.

[pjl35]

The LA Auto show is right around the corner, that's why. Plus, with all the bad news, these automakers need something to distract people from the upcoming release of October sales results.

Hahaha. Yeah the October numbers are definitely going to be depressing. Isn't LA at the end of November though? I thought pics would show up just before the show, not this early. Maybe I've got the dates mixed up.

[CosworthKid]

Its definitely American and the chrome is an eye sore but i can't really tell if i like it or not, i need to see more photos from different angles.

[Supremus]

God, too much chrome. And the Mondeo gaping maw has no place here. This one looks better:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/iholas/09fusion.jpg

This car is the proof that Dave and Kinetic don't mix well.

[CosworthKid]

http://www.netcarshow.com/ford/2010-fusion/1600x1200/wallpaper_01.htm

I don't see much Kinetic going on with the Fusion. Front is almost as messy as the US Focus

[against the wall]

God, too much chrome. And the Mondeo gaping maw has no place here. This one looks better:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/iholas/09fusion.jpg

This car is the proof that Dave and Kinetic don't mix well.

its the same car, aside from the slight bumper differences. it only looks better in that pic because its kinda hard to render chrome.

[scorpio14]

When i first saw the picture Saab was the first thing to come into my mind. It looks good though. I wonder if the new 2.5 will make it into the Mondeo? is this new 2.5l the same as the one in the Mazda6?

[SV]

i actually rather like it. there's too much chrome, yes, but that's not a surprise...i really like the lower air dam, it's nice to see some hints of kinetic design in a USDM ford (even if it's only on the sport model). as for the engine choices, the 2.5 sounds great, especially if it really is more fuel-efficient than the camcord. the 3.0 still trails the class, but by a smaller margin now, and there's always the sport for those who want more power.

can't wait for more pictures.

[63Bonneville]

It's looking great, and bolder and aggressive, too!
I especially like the upgraded powertrains, too - more ponies in the base I-4, 240hp in the 3.0, and a sport edition with a Duratec 3.4LV6! The 6-speed auto is a nice move, too.

I'm wondering now, being the 3.0L V6 has 240hp, and the a 265hp 3.5L Duratec V6 is offered on higher/sport editions - in it's Lincoln MKZ cousin (maybe the MKX, too), with this now be offered with the new 273hp 3.7L V6? If so, that would be an excellent package in that car! Of course the EcoBoost (or Twin-Force for Lincolns?) will be offered in the higher MKS and MKT models.

[ElementW]

It looks way bolder and not so finiky like the US Focus. The grille might be overdoing it but atleast it makes it standout.

[Hornbag]

Wow. I'd love to say it's great, but it's very confronting. At least you won't confuse it for a Camry. The back will make or break the design though I feel, if it has the bubble tail lights then I'll pass. I agree with others, I see Saab there too but in a very American way.

[boston]

I like the new nose much more than I thought I would.

I'm pleased they dropped the chrome from the bumper. That was one part of the old Fusion snoze that I've always thought was overdoing it and detracted from the overall look of the car.

[CosworthKid]

Wow. I'd love to say it's great, but it's very confronting. At least you won't confuse it for a Camry...I agree with others, I see Saab there too but in a very American way.

Lol@ the Camry comment
Yeah, if i squint my eyes i can see a little bit of Saab in there as well

[MtViewGuy188]

Actually, Fusions have been popular because they do have a pretty good reliability record and the fact the new 2010 models have switched to a six-speed automatic, which means improved gearing for better acceleration and lower fuel consumption at highway speeds even with the I-4 engine. Over 30 miles per US gallon highway fuel economy using the EPA 2008 test is a major achievement given the size of the Fusion and the fact it's not diesel powered.

[knicks125]

If nothing else, the 4 cycliner base engine has to cross 30mpg (highway) where it is currently not the case, and it will very much likely. It better, especially since most of the competitors have already acheived 32-33 in current forms (Malibu, Sonata at the top of that list).

From what I am gathering, the V6 has a shot as well.

[arumage]

If nothing else, the 4 cycliner base engine has to cross 30mpg (highway) where it is currently not the case, and it will very much likely. It better, especially since most of the competitors have already acheived 32-33 in current forms (Malibu, Sonata at the top of that list).

From what I am gathering, the V6 has a shot as well.


A 10% improvement makes it 32mpg for the 4-cyl. A 6% improvement for the v6 makes it 27mpg highway.

[JBlair]

The Hybrid is also rumored to get 38 mpg, thanks to it utilizing Ford's Gen-2 hybrid system, which is lighter. That would put it ahead of the Camry hybrid, which would be huge for Ford.

[Paxton]

I'm a Hybrid Sceptic, and until they make it a Diesel motor that only idles to create power for the electric motor, I'm going to stay with my Fuel Guzzling X5.

As for the Fusion itself, I love it. Even if this is the ST model, it looks great. Really confronting. If Ford get the pricing right, this may be the start of Ford's renaissance in the US Market. When are we expecting more shots?

[swizzle]

It's a very fresh update. It's a good stop gap vehicle, but an all new Fusion will desperately be needed.

[nstreet16]

it takes some getting used to. but actually given the past fords... this is remarkably fairly good. yes, the chrome grille is a bit gaudy. However, the lines of the front make up for the flash of chrome. I just hope the rest of the car flows. I mean honestly, not everyone is gonna like this. but one must say, this is step in the right direction.

[DoMiNo]

I like the new nose much more than I thought I would.


x2.

I know it's a deceptive angle, but Ford did an admirable job of differentiating from the current-gen model. I'm looking forward to rear and interior shots.

Love that blue, as well.

[Kid Red]

I'm not a fan of that grill at all. Too thick, too much chrome. Otherwise, seems like a decent, safe refresh.

[swizzle]

In person will be the real test, but the big chrome grille CAN be done right and the Flex is evidence of that. In pictures, this looks much better resolved than the current Fusion.

[AM2]

I thought they were going for a more "Kinetic Design" look.
I guess the new Fiesta will be the first true Kinetic Design car in Ford's American lineup.

[JBlair]

I thought they were going for a more "Kinetic Design" look.
I guess the new Fiesta will be the first true Kinetic Design car in Ford's American lineup.

That's the Taurus. This is just a nose and tailjob.

[AM2]

That's the Taurus. This is just a nose and tailjob.

Yes, what I meant was I was expecting Ford to do something like what they did with the current global/euro style Focus.
Its the same basic car, but updated with Kinetic Design styling to help it blend better with the other new and upcoming Ford models.
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/AM2_album/2008FocusSaloonCSSsample.jpg


When is the USDM Ford Fusion expected to be replaced by an all-new model?

[ocn75]

IMO, Ford need to work on their front end designs, kinetic design language or not. Fusion's front end has too much going on - too much chrome mainly.

[velsatis]

Like my boss usualy says '''Bloody hell...F..k me'' '(Gordon Ramsey) didn't they had any more chrome to put on the thing????? I think they might have the chrome color as an option lol. Its not that I don't like it, they just screwed the car with so mush chrome, in a sunny day i'll bet you'll get blind

[CosworthKid]

Yes, what I meant was I was expecting Ford to do something like what they did with the current global/euro style Focus.
Its the same basic car, but updated with Kinetic Design styling to help it blend better with the other new and upcoming Ford models.
http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo118/AM2_album/2008FocusSaloonCSSsample.jpg


I think such a restyle would be considered too bland or not flashy enough for the US market unless Ford was targeting the Camry crowd. Just speculating here of course. If i where Ford and wanted to give the Fusion a more Euro-Kinetic look i would have picked the Mondeo and Kuga as inspiration.
I think Ford is deliberately staying with a more Americanized look cause they want to emphasize the origin of the brand and the "back to our roots" sentiment, at least until the new model arrives :idonknow:

[swizzle]

I think Ford is deliberately staying with a more Americanized look cause they want to emphasize the origin of the brand and the "back to our roots" sentiment, at least until the new model arrives :idonknow:

BINGO! Not that the three bar grille is a masterpiece, mind you, but it is nevertheless distinctly American. The more American that Fords look the better Ford will be able to play the "buy American" card that they must play in the current market.

[AM2]

BINGO! Not that the three bar grille is a masterpiece, mind you, but it is nevertheless distinctly American. The more American that Fords look the better Ford will be able to play the "buy American" card that they must play in the current market.
Is this a good idea since Ford will be introducing Kinetic Design models very soon to the American market?

Playing the "Buy American" card might work for the 2010 Fusion....
Drawbacks? It will be outdated in a year or so after the Kinetic Design USDM Fiesta and Taurus are launched.

Speaking of 3 bar grills, the Verve concept shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show had a bigger chrome grill than the Euro Verve Concept & production Euro Fiesta, I guess this means the USDM Fiesta will have an Americanized Kinetic Design face (something that Ford could have done with the 2010 Fusion?)
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/633/usdmverveconceptgj4.th.jpg (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=usdmverveconceptgj4.jpg)http://img201.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

[CosworthKid]

I think the Kinetic Design can be applied on American Fords without them looking un-American. For example the first time i saw the Mondeo i said "this looks like an American Ford done well", it just strikes me as the perfect example of a European and American design that blends nicely and works for both regions. The example you gave of the Verve is also spot on, the inclusion of a chrome grill might sound off-putting to some but it may work nicely in the end without spoiling the design. The refreshed Fusion does not strike me as Kinetic, i agree with those who said it feels more like the aero-dynamic approach of the current Saab line-up.
To get back to what i was saying, i think the current crop of Kinetic Euro Fords (minus the Focus and C-Max) could work extremely well in the US while managing to look both American and European simultaniously without much modification (if any) necessary.

[Mr. Fusion]

This facelift sucks! >:(
I really like the current model and was hoping it would use some European Kinetic design....however, the hybrid is a welcome edition :)

[swizzle]

Is this a good idea since Ford will be introducing Kinetic Design models very soon to the American market?

Playing the "Buy American" card might work for the 2010 Fusion....
Drawbacks? It will be outdated in a year or so after the Kinetic Design USDM Fiesta and Taurus are launched.

Speaking of 3 bar grills, the Verve concept shown at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show had a bigger chrome grill than the Euro Verve Concept & production Euro Fiesta, I guess this means the USDM Fiesta will have an Americanized Kinetic Design face (something that Ford could have done with the 2010 Fusion?)
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/633/usdmverveconceptgj4.th.jpg (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=usdmverveconceptgj4.jpg)http://img201.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

It definitely begs the question of direction. Stylistically, Ford is still turning out chrome 3 bars (Edge, Flex, Fusion) and is about to toss out some kinetic stuff. That will definitely make a common image more difficult. To be honest, I'd have the new kinetics have a THIN 3 bar chrome grille and migrate the others (Edge, Flex, Fusion) toward it pronto. I would not graft the current 3 bar onto the kinetics. Was the Fusion update locked in before Ford decided to bring the kinetics?

[2b2]

from what I've read, the direction for the global vehicles will go beyond kinetic - at least "kinetic2" if not something new

as for the 3bar, the superTaurus spypic showed mesh or perforated bars
thinking they're keeping that to intro with the Taurus, then go to that with the Fusion in Fall'09 so the 2010my car doesn't have the exact same look for 18 months

[SV]

from what I've read, the direction for the global vehicles will go beyond kinetic - at least "kinetic2" if not something new

as for the 3bar, the superTaurus spypic showed mesh or perforated bars
thinking they're keeping that to intro with the Taurus, then go to that with the Fusion in Fall'09 so the 2010my car doesn't have the exact same look for 18 months

yeah apparently the next mondeo will debut the next ford design language, which will be something possibly completely different...not that kinetic's been around long, but i guess it would be easier to coordinate the global lineup with a new design language rather than making the american fords a bit more "kinetic"...there were some renderings in CAR a few months back of a rumored new capri, which was supposedly to be in the new design language as well, and it looked like a cross between the wildest of new edge with a fair bit of kinetic design thrown in...definitely polarizing, but then it may have been complete speculation anyway..

as for the fusion, they could have made it more kinetic design-themed by doing what they did with the euro focus facelift: a new front end plus toying with the crease on the side (i.e. not completely redesigning the whole door panel/rear fender arrangement, just some mild resurfacing)..but i'd guess this facelift was already underway when mulally came along and started the whole "one ford" thing, so they best they could do was the kinetic design bumper (and apparently on the sport model only)...

[Ascariss]

It's the mondeo? unless you mean the new design language after the current design language (ka and fiesta)

[JBlair]

as for the fusion, they could have made it more kinetic design-themed by doing what they did with the euro focus facelift: a new front end plus toying with the crease on the side (i.e. not completely redesigning the whole door panel/rear fender arrangement, just some mild resurfacing)..but i'd guess this facelift was already underway when mulally came along and started the whole "one ford" thing, so they best they could do was the kinetic design bumper (and apparently on the sport model only)...


Ford NA never messes with the door skins on simple MCEs like this. The only thing they ever touch is the front and rear, and perhaps add a piece of molding to the doors. (they never actually change the stampings though) Based on how this looks, the design was locked in before Kinetic was confirmed for the US, and with money being as tight as it is, Ford probably didn't want to spend the extra cash to make the changes. (especially since they're moving to a faster release calendar for facelifts of five years instead of more)

[CosworthKid]

It's the mondeo? unless you mean the new design language after the current design language (ka and fiesta)

Well the current is Kinetic so the current Mondeo as well as the Ka and Fiesta are part of it as well. He was talking about the next step which might come with the next generation Mondeo but i am not so sure... the current Fiesta was made with the US in mind and so will the Mk3 Focus (up-coming). Yet both are using Kinetic. So if the Fiesta, Focus and new Taurus designs are deemed succesful in the US as well as Europe and other key markets i don't see why Ford would rush into a new design phylosophy. A progression of Kinetic perhaps...
It's difficult to turn all existing US product into Kinetic for sure, but once the all-new models come out it should not be so hard to give them that look and make them "feel" right IMO.

[SV]

yeah, i would prefer if they kept kinetic a bit longer rather than rushing into a new design language. i'm just repeating what i've read; CAR reported in their story on the mondy 4-door coupe a while back that the next-gen mondeo would get the post-kinetic design theme.

[JBlair]

Well the current is Kinetic so the current Mondeo as well as the Ka and Fiesta are part of it as well. He was talking about the next step which might come with the next generation Mondeo but i am not so sure... the current Fiesta was made with the US in mind and so will the Mk3 Focus (up-coming). Yet both are using Kinetic. So if the Fiesta, Focus and new Taurus designs are deemed succesful in the US as well as Europe and other key markets i don't see why Ford would rush into a new design phylosophy. A progression of Kinetic perhaps...
It's difficult to turn all existing US product into Kinetic for sure, but once the all-new models come out it should not be so hard to give them that look and make them "feel" right IMO.

The 'new' kinetic is just a blending of elements of kinetic with the North American design language. For any one outside of the US, it probably won't look that different.

[swizzle]

I'd like to see some heritage names return.

[CosworthKid]

The 'new' kinetic is just a blending of elements of kinetic with the North American design language. For any one outside of the US, it probably won't look that different.

Yes precisely, so its not really a new design direction rather than a "Kinetic Plus" type of thing.

[galv]

rear end
http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-fusion-hybrid-to-pace-season-ending-nascar-events-in-florida.html

[Player4]

Oh goodie, not we get Five Hundred/last gen Focus tail lights.

Rear is a turnoff, other than that i like the car from all ive seen

[the1]

Are they changing the interior as well? The rear end is boring...

[CosworthKid]

Are they changing the interior as well? The rear end is boring...

Yeah, rear end is very dull-looking and predictable. I also hope the interior receives a big, quality make-over to make up for it. From what i understand the built quality of the Fusion is already of high standard so making it look more fresh will be enough IMO.

[mick78]

From what we've seen in spy shots, it will receive a new interior which,given it was a prototype, looked quite high quality.

General appearance though starts to show it's age(maybe because the profile looks a lot like the last gen Mondeo), and the new rear end helps little IMO

[CosworthKid]

Making the rear end look more like that on the Mondeo and up-coming Fiesta 4-door would have made a lot of sense to me.

[DoMiNo]

Jalopnik has a full gallery of the Hybrid model:

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2008/11/2010-Ford-Fusion-Hybrid.jpg

Full gallery here (http://jalopnik.com/5092455/2010-ford-fusion-hybrid).

Lots of pics, including the interior... which is meh.

[DoMiNo]

Also shots of the Sport model

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/11/medium_3042391422_cc44dcab4d_o.jpg

Full gallery here (http://jalopnik.com/5092234/2010-ford-fusion-sport)(Jalopnik).

That blue interior trim package is absolutely awful.

[moostang104314]

Also shots of the Sport model

http://jalopnik.com/assets/images/gallery/12/2008/11/medium_3042391422_cc44dcab4d_o.jpg

Full gallery here (http://jalopnik.com/5092234/2010-ford-fusion-sport)(Jalopnik).

The new interior is slightly more refreshing than the old, but it's nowhere near enough of a revelation to consider it anything more than average. And in this class of car, I can only think of the Chrysler/Dodge Sebring/Avenger as being worse, and the Malibu/Aura which are on par if not better looking than the Ford's.

[Korando Turismo]

This is simply the sexiest Ford i've seen since the Mondeo and most probably the best looking car Ford NA has ever produced.

[DoMiNo]

I actually don't mind the rear; the lights look okay but I'm surprised they bothered with visible exhaust tips for the hybrid model. They're comically tiny and actually detract from the design.

[against the wall]

theres something Mondeo-esque about the non-Sport front bumper...

[the1]

I think this is boring, inside-out. Nothing really spectacular or good enough to give Ford a significant image or sales boost.

[Paxton]

We'll have this in Australia please. Call it Telstar or even Fusion, but we'll have as many Fusion Hybrid and Sports in Australia that Ford can supply us.

Toyota have no competition with the Prius, and this looks different enough to possibly scare Toyota. It could also beat our Prime Minister's love child of a car to the market by a matter of years.

I want one.

[Ascariss]

interior is ok. that large silver piece in some photos looks cheapo, its hidden better in the black version.

the steering wheel is just wrong, why can't NA car companies design good steering wheels.

the rear does not work, now it just looks like an older giant focus. Somehow the front reminds me of the C class, not sure why. I am referring to the hybrid front not sport.

While the front is fine, it almost appears distant from the side styling and design in some photos. There has to be something on the side to break it up, a crease or whatever.

[CosworthKid]

The car looks MUCH better in silver and white IMO, it makes the chrome stand out less and blends more with the rest of the body. Interior does not look that special, the instrument graphics look dated and that screen looks odd...

[JBlair]

I think this is boring, inside-out. Nothing really spectacular or good enough to give Ford a significant image or sales boost.


Image? No.

Sales? Its hard to say at this point. The market is generally in the toilet right now, but the more aggressive looks should be able to spark at least a minor sales increase. The big difference is going to come with the hybrids, which should easily sell their 25,000 unit allotment.

[CosworthKid]

I guess at this point maintaining sales or hoping for a small increase in sales is a good case scenario cause i think most manufacturers will be worried more about dramatic decreases in sales within the next year.

[JBlair]

Prices were released today:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/ford-releases-pricing-for-all-five-2010-fusion-models/

Its a good range of prices, especially for what you get. It's disappointing that the Hybrid ends up being a little more expensive than the Camry, but you do get a heckuva lot for your money.

BTW, notice the fuel economy for they Hybrid; its a whopping 6 mpg better in the city than the Camry.

[SV]

Prices were released today:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/ford-releases-pricing-for-all-five-2010-fusion-models/

Its a good range of prices, especially for what you get. It's disappointing that the Hybrid ends up being a little more expensive than the Camry, but you do get a heckuva lot for your money.

BTW, notice the fuel economy for they Hybrid; its a whopping 6 mpg better in the city than the Camry.

i'm pretty impressed; even the S looks great, and i love the SE's wheels (which look like they came straight off the mondeo). i'm a bit dissapointed that the hybrid's more expensive than the equivalent camry, but the extra 6mpg is easily worth $1k, IMO. the interior was a let down at first style-wise (i can tell the interior quality is at least as good as before, and the fusion was already well-built and finished inside), but looking at some hi-res pictures of it, it actually looks quite good, if very bland. still think the rear end is overly fussy, though i like the honeycomb inserts on the taillamps.

overall it's looking good, can't wait to read the reviews..

[JBlair]

AutoblogGreen was able to achieve 43.1 mpg in the Ford Fusion Hybrid. That is just outstanding. If Ford markets it right, they could have a winner on their hands.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/09/autobloggreen-gets-43-1-mpg-in-the-2010-ford-fusion-hybrid/

[SV]

pretty outstanding numbers. even car and driver got 43.6mpg, and IIRC they really thrash their cars. the interior is also looking rather good; lighter colors seem to suit the cabin much better than black.

[ROBonCARS]

Is this car any relation to the previous generation Mondeo? The A and C-Pillar are identical

[JBlair]

No relation at all. They look very similar (which was intentional), but they're completely different products.

[swizzle]

Mondeo/Fusion (aka Mazda6) six of one and half a dozen of another...Generic mid-level FWD sedan...

[mick78]

No relation at all. They look very similar (which was intentional), but they're completely different products.

True. And something I never really understood. Other companies manage to prduce different looking (andeven sized) products on the same pltform, and then Ford makes (or better: made, asmondeo Mk. II already phased out) 2 very similar looking and sized vehicles, same pricerange, on 2 totallydiffereent platforms. Now that's cost saving....

[boston]

True. And something I never really understood. Other companies manage to prduce different looking (andeven sized) products on the same pltform, and then Ford makes (or better: made, asmondeo Mk. II already phased out) 2 very similar looking and sized vehicles, same pricerange, on 2 totallydiffereent platforms. Now that's cost saving....

I thought Mullaly was trying to stop that kind of double designing.

Ah well. I guess industrial inertia has alot of momentum.

[JBlair]

I thought Mullaly was trying to stop that kind of double designing.

Ah well. I guess industrial inertia has alot of momentum.


Mulally had nothing to do with the decisions behind the Fusion. He's the one that decided to stop that practice.

[SV]

I thought Mullaly was trying to stop that kind of double designing.

Ah well. I guess industrial inertia has alot of momentum.

i don't think mulally came on board early enough to merge the current mondeo and fusion.

plus it would be pretty uneconomical, i think, to replace the fusion with a completely different car after only 4 years...it would involve redesigning the mondeo to pass american regulations, then retooling the factory for a completely different car. facelifting the existing car and making the small changes to the factory necessary would be alot cheaper. at any rate, the mondeo and fusion will merge when the next mondeo comes out in 2012.

[CosworthKid]

Ford Fusion Hybrid Tops Camry, Prius in Comparisons


http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/853/ford-fusion-hybrid-tops-camry-prius-in-comparisons

[swizzle]

Another good sign at Ford.