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Ford
Fusion: available in the US first from fall 2005. |
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APN,
PR,
June 23, 2005.
Ford
today announced that the all-new 2006 Fusion
mid-size sedan – the latest salvo in the company’s plan to recapture car
market share – will undercut the competition with a starting price of
$17,995. Fusion models equipped with a V-6 and class-leading 6-speed automatic
transmission begin at $21,275. All prices include destination and delivery
charges.
Since February, more than 115,000 consumers have visited
fordvehicles.com to build and price virtual examples of the new Fusion using
directional package and price information. Ford has used this extensive data
to fine-tune the mix of Fusion models that will appear at launch as well as
confirm consumer acceptance of Fusion’s pricing strategy.
“With Fusion we are re-entering the mid-size segment with
a distinctive-looking car that offers a great package, lots of standard
features, state-of-the-art technology and a lower price than even the Koreans,”
says Darryl Hazel, Ford
Division president.
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Fusion: a dynamic new
mid-size offer from Ford. |
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“We think Fusion will make a compelling purchase
proposition for customers in the market for a mid-size car.”
Since the launch of the new Ford
Mustang, Ford
Five Hundred
and the freshened Ford Focus
last fall, Ford has posted gains in retail car market share. The company
expects to continue those gains with Fusion in the critical mid-size sedan
segment.
“The war of attrition is over,” Hazel added. “We are
going to continue building our car market share by entering new segments with
vehicles like Fusion.”
Fusion Models Emphasize Affordability. From the affordable
I-4 ‘S’ model to a top-of-the-line V-6 ‘SEL’, Fusion provides
extensive consumer choice in the mid-size segment. The most affordable Ford
Fusion is the I-4 equipped ‘S’ model,
which has a base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $17,995.
Major standard equipment includes:
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2.3-liter Duratec 23 I-4, producing 160 horsepower and
mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission
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Signature 3-bar chrome grille with integrated “Ford”
oval
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Four wheel power assisted disc brakes and 16-inch
wheels with all-season Continental “ContiProContact” tires
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AM/FM stereo with single CD/MP3 player with four
speakers
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Power door locks with remote keyless entry and power
windows with driver’s door one-touch down function
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Five-passenger seating with rear 60/40 spring-assisted
fold-down seats
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Air conditioning, speed control and tilt and
telescoping steering wheel
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Enhanced side impact intrusion protection system and
Ford’s exclusive Personal Safety System TM featuring occupant
classification for first-row passengers
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Fusion SEL adds piano
black interior trim and a leather wrapped steering wheel with
redundant audio and climate controls. |
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A top-of-the-line Fusion SEL adds fog lamps, 17-inch
aluminium wheels on Michelin “Pilot HIX MXM4” tires, automatic temperature
control, premium six-CD/MP3 6-speaker stereo, upgraded wood or piano black
interior trim and a leather wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio and
climate controls. With the optional 5-speed automatic transmission, it will be
priced under $20,500.
Customers wishing for more power can upgrade to the
optional 221-horsepower, 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V-6 and class-leading 6-speed
automatic transmission starting at $21,275 for the Fusion SE model.
Fusion options allow individuality. Fusion’s three
trim levels, two powertrain choices, three wheel and tire packages and
four distinct audio systems – including a host of other available features
and options – allow for owners to customize the vehicle to their personal
tastes. In particular, Ford made sure that customers could specify both the
I-4 and V-6 versions of the car with the same slate of available options –
realizing that engine choice should not dictate how richly optioned a car can
be.
Available options on the ‘S’ model of Fusion include a
5-speed automatic transmission, Safety and Security package (incorporating
seat-mounted side air bags, first- and second-row side air curtains and an
anti-theft perimeter alarm) and four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
Fusion SE models add the availability of 16-inch machined
aluminium wheels, premium 6-speaker six-CD/MP3 stereo or an upgraded
Audiophile, 8-speaker six-CD/MP3 stereo, leather seating surfaces with
contrasting stitching and a power moonroof. Traction assist is also available
on V-6 versions of the Fusion SE.
Those opting for the top-of-the-line Fusion SEL have the
additional choice of heated leather seating surfaces and a Premium Package
(incorporating heated outside mirrors with puddle lamps, automatic dimming
rear view mirror, compass and automatic headlamps.)
The new 2006 Ford Fusion will be one of the most
competitively priced cars in the mid-size sedan segment, both in I-4 and V-6
versions. A comparison of Fusion’s mid-size sedan competitors shows:
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I-4 Manual
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V-6 Automatic
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2006 Ford Fusion
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$17,995
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$21,275
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2006 Hyundai Sonata
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$18,495
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$21,495
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2005 Honda Accord
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$18,510
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$24,465
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2005 Chevrolet Malibu
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$19,825
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$21,890
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2005 Toyota Camry
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$19,735
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$23,070
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2005 Nissan Altima
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$19,880
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$23,880
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“We’re going to launch Fusion and never let up,” says
Hazel. “Hybrid and all-wheel drive models are waiting in the wings to
complete a mid-size lineup unlike that of any other competitor.” |