Ford Prices Fusion at $17,995

[zerinVR6]

DEARBORN, Mich., 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.

“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:

• 2.3-liter Duratec 23 I-4, producing 160 horsepower and mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission
• Signature 3-bar chrome grille with integrated “Ford” oval
• Four wheel power assisted disc brakes and 16-inch wheels with all-season Continental “ContiProContact” tires
• AM/FM stereo with single CD/MP3 player with four speakers
• Power door locks with remote keyless entry and power windows with driver’s door one-touch down function
• Five-passenger seating with rear 60/40 spring-assisted fold-down seats
• Air conditioning, speed control and tilt and telescoping steering wheel
• Enhanced side impact intrusion protection system and Ford’s exclusive Personal Safety System TM featuring occupant classification for first-row passengers

A top-of-the-line Fusion SEL adds fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum 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 aluminum 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.)

Mid-Size Competitive Comparision

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:


I-4 Manual
V-6 Automatic

2006 Ford Fusion
$17,995
$21,275

2006 Hyundai Sonata
$18,495
$21,495

2005 Honda Accord
$18,510
$24,465

2005 Chevrolet Malibu
$19,825
$21,890

2005 Toyota Camry
$19,735
$23,070

2005 Nissan Altima
$19,880
$23,880

“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.”

[GTI337]

whats all this "class leading" stuff regarding the transmission?? The JettaV and New Passat B6 which are both at the front and tail end of the class in size have 6 speed autos..

[zerinVR6]

Well the Jetta is actually not in the Mid-Size class... its a compact.

[GTI337]

HAHA.. i wasnt aware that the ford 500 was the size of a Phaeton. i figured the 500 was against the Passat and the Fusion against the Jetta.. oh well

nonetheless. still not a class-leading automatic

[zerinVR6]

The 500 is huge on the inside. I don't think its Phaeton size, but its pretty damn big. Its more A6 size than Phaeton size.

[Tiger Styles]

Originally Posted by GTI337 whats all this "class leading" stuff regarding the transmission?? The JettaV and New Passat B6 which are both at the front and tail end of the class in size have 6 speed autos..

...not to mention the fact that theyre better cars.

[GTI337]

Originally Posted by zerinVR6 The 500 is huge on the inside. I don't think its Phaeton size, but its pretty damn big. Its more A6 size than Phaeton size.

Nope believe it or not the ford 500 is 200in long. 3 in off the Phaeton, 7 inches longer than the A6. but on the interior im sure its more A6 size

[zerinVR6]

Here's another fact that'll make you go huh? The Chevy Aveo has more interior room than the New Jetta

[Tiger Styles]

Originally Posted by zerinVR6 Here's another fact that'll make you go huh? The Chevy Aveo has more interior room than the New Jetta

...never would have guessed that. The Aveos look so small.

[jatcesar]

it kind of looks like a cts caddy in the front

[ElTauro]

Supposedly....... Ford will optioning the Fusion with a 6speed manual coupled with the duratec 30 (possibly in the 07 model year), and rumors are that the new duratec 35 (3.5L) may be the powerplant in a performance version of the Fusion. What would really be sick, is if ford decided to play the "we own part of mazda" card, and have an SVT fusion that is extremely similar to the AWD mazda6 (2.3 turbo AWD )

[-asimo-]

Ford does not stand a chance.

[jhonda04]

Originally Posted by -asimo- Ford does not stand a chance.

I concur.

[adam gs-r]

Can I use my GM employee discount on this?

[ElTauro]

Originally Posted by -asimo- GM does not stand a chance.

Fixed it for you. Ford is doing quite well, thank you very much.

[zerinVR6]

CHARLOTTE, NC – Ford has a new “face for the Chase.”
The 2006 Ford Fusion race car, based on the production model that will hit showrooms this fall, was officially named Ford Racing’s new race car for NASCAR competition in a magical unveiling today featuring Ford’s NASCAR stars at the Booth Playhouse in Charlotte, N.C.

The 2006 NASCAR Ford Fusion will make its competition debut at the 2006 Daytona 500 in February, and Ford teams will use it in next year’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship, as well as Busch Series competition.

“We’re thrilled to be unveiling the new Fusion,” said Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology. “The Fusion production car represents a fresh, new attitude for Ford in the mid-size sedan lineup. This Fusion race car has the same bold look, and it represents an all-new era in our Ford NASCAR racing program.”

The 2006 Fusion will become Ford’s first all-new nameplate car for NASCAR racing in 38 years, since the 1968 Ford Torino made its debut in both the showroom and on the race track.

“The Fusion represents the new face of Ford cars,” said Marty Collins, General Marketing Manager, Ford Division. “And racing it in NASCAR competition allows us to get that new face in front of the millions of race fans who follow NASCAR racing in person and on television.

“Racing involvement will play a key role in the launch and the marketing of the Fusion throughout the rest of this year and into 2006. The great interest in NASCAR racing will help us tie the Fusion name to the Ford brand, and it’s only right that we race Ford’s newest car in America’s flagship racing series.”

The first of nine Ford Racing Innovation Drives for consumers nationwide kicks off July 16 at Kentucky Speedway, with the production Fusion headlining the Ford lineup of vehicles available to drive, and the NASCAR Fusion making its public debut for race fans.

The NASCAR Fusion will replace the Ford Taurus race car, which has captured four NASCAR championships (three Nextel Cup, one Busch), and 100 Nextel Cup victories since it made its competition debut in 1998.

“We’d like to send Taurus out with one more championship,” said Davis, noting six Ford drivers are currently in contention to qualify for the final, 10-race Nextel Chase for the Championship. “But the time is right to move on to Fusion.”

Ford submitted the Fusion to NASCAR officials several weeks ago, and is awaiting a final, on-track test before the car is officially certified for competition.

“We’ve worked hand-in-hand with NASCAR on the development of this car, and we can’t thank them enough for helping us bring the Fusion forward,” said Davis.

Ford took a different approach with the development of this race car than it had done with previous models in the past. This time, Ford engineers – led by Ford NASCAR field manager Ben Leslie and Ford aerodynamicist Bernie Marcus – did the early development with a scale model testing program that in previous new model efforts had been done by race teams.

Leslie and Marcus consulted with Ford race teams and took input on the new Fusion race car, but the duo did most of the development work over the past eight months while Ford teams competed week-in and week-out in NASCAR competition.

“Our guys did a terrific job of getting the NASCAR Fusion to where it needed to be, and we actually were ahead of schedule in getting it to NASCAR,” said Davis. “The goal of any new car is to take the lessons learned from the previous model and, working within the NASCAR guidelines, bring forth a slightly better product.

“I think we accomplished that, and with the Fusion’s dynamic new look, I think we have a car that NASCAR fans will easily recognize out on the track, in victory lane, and in their own driveway.

“We’re excited, and I know our teams are as well.”

[ormand]

Nascar

Ford

Nascar + Ford

[94ExCoupe]

Originally Posted by ormand Nascar Ford Nascar + Ford

no one likes you

and about the car, meh, its not as good as the Taurus, and not near as good as the Thunderbird.

[Mook]

ehh

[IIIVOVE]

NASCAR sucks