Ford to export fusion hybrid to china.

[Biker16]

 

New Ford Fusion Hybrid Makes Preview Appearance Ahead of its Arrival on China Roads

Ford Fusion Hybrid

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• New Ford Fusion Hybrid is North America’s most fuel efficient midsize sedan, sipping just 5.74 L/100 km in the city
• The highly popular sedan can operate up to 75 km/h in pure electric mode, about twice as fast as some competitors
• Ford’s patented SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution, helps coach drivers to optimise performance of their hybrid

SHANGHAI, China, 18 Apr., 2011 – The new Ford Fusion Hybrid drives into Auto Shanghai 2011 ahead of its much anticipated arrival in China later this year as part of a demonstration fleet of new energy vehicles. Known as North America’s most fuel efficient midsize sedan, the Fusion Hybrid sips just 5.74 L/100 km in the city and 6.53 L/100 km on the highway. The highly popular car is expected to be well received in China with an extensive list of connectivity and smart features such as the award-winning SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system as well as the Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System. With innovative safety technologies such as integrated blind-spot mirrors and the Rear View Camera System that aids rear visibility while backing up, Fusion is as safe as it is fun to drive. “The new Ford Fusion Hybrid embodies Ford’s 100 percent commitment to fuel efficiency leadership, quality, innovation and advanced technology. We’re confident that drivers in China will be wowed by the car’s engaging driving dynamics and features that make the in-car experience more comfortable and connected,” said Nancy Gioia, director, Global Electrification. Designed to stand out Fusion’s exterior design gives the car a sporty, upscale appearance along with aerodynamics that help reduce wind noise and improve fuel economy. The car’s front end sports a powerfully domed bonnet and aggressive grille, while underbody treatments further boost Fusion’s fuel economy. Fusion Hybrid also sits on unique 17-inch, eight-spoke wheels. On the interior, it wears a contemporary, technical look with metallic finishes on the instrument panel that carry through on the centre console, doors and steering wheel. The instrument panel is finished with a soft upper and lower skin, and instrument panel displays and switches glow with a contemporary ice blue lighting. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter, and wrapped and padded armrests increase Fusion’s sportiness and comfort at all key driver touchpoints. The seats offer ample side support and the eco-friendly seat fabric is made from post-industrial, 100 percent recycled materials. The gauge cluster has been designed with daytime backlighting, a black lens, and 3D elements to create a high-tech jewel-like appearance, similar to a fine watch. Drivers are greeted by a “welcome” sequence that makes the Fusion seem as if it’s coming to life. Gauge needles sweep back and forth as the lighting and chimes come on. The ambient lighting system offers the option of illuminating the front and rear footwells and front cup holders. Driving a hybrid The fuel-efficient Fusion Hybrid uses a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the petrol engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver an optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The propulsion system transitions between petrol and electric power efficiently and seamlessly. It can operate up to 75 km/h in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. Plus, the city driving range on a single tank of petrol is more than 1,120 km. “The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to run at a much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximise fuel efficiency in many driving situations,” said Gioia. “For example, this would allow drivers to travel around their neighbourhood and parking areas in all-electric mode.” Connecting to the Fusion Hybrid Ford also offers drivers a way to be connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to the patented SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach owners to optimize performance of their hybrid. It features two high resolution, full colour LCD screens on either side of the analogue speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant fuel consumption figures. EcoGuide uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency.

 

A tutorial mode built into the display helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the Hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower. Technical enthusiasts love the detailed gauges that will help them learn to become more efficient in their driving. Everyday drivers love the system’s efficiency leaves, a feature that “grows” leaves and vines on-screen to reward customers for efficient driving. Drivers can choose one of four data screens to display the desired level of information during their drive. These include:

• Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
• Enlighten: Also displays electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
• Engage: Also displays engine output power and battery output power
• Empower: Also displays power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, the gear the car is in, and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and distance to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down. Suspension and driving dynamics

Fusion is equipped with Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), improving the driving dynamics while delivering fuel savings since the steering system is operated by the electrical system rather than the engine. Additionally, EPAS provides customers with precise steering feel and minimal low-speed effort that makes parking a cinch. Its front anti-roll bar and rear suspension link geometry help ensure confident steering, handling and ride. The suspension elements have been tuned to take full advantage of EPAS. Wind noise and road noise are well under control, making the cockpit a relaxing, pleasant environment in which to spend time. An acoustic windshield, thick front door glass, inner and outer dash absorbers, revised sealing baffles and interior headliner absorption materials aid overall sound level and quality. Making the Fusion safe Fusion utilises the latest safety technologies to give drivers and passengers greater peace of mind. Standard and available safety features include:

• AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Program with brake-actuated traction control
• Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side air curtains
• Personal Safety System™ – a suite of safety technologies including dual-stage front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, seat belt pretensioners, load-limiting retractors, seat-position sensing and crash-severity sensing
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System that flashes signal lights and sounds the horn in the event of an accident
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system on rear seating positions

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is built at the Ford Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant.

[FordBuyer]

With many years of constrained hybrid production by Ford, and with $4 gas back and still rising every week on end, I'm surprised that Ford has excess hybrid production to even think of exporting popular hybrid to China. I very seldom see a hybrid Fusion or Escape on dealer lot as it is. This is big news for Ford at Shanghai Show? I hope Ford has bigger news coming up at NYAS this week. Much bigger news like new Lincoln model.