TMSBrad

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:


Model
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.”

Zastava_101

Not bad at all.
Any word on Merc Milan?

63galaxie

Sounds like good news. The Fusion sounds like it will be close to or have the success of the Taurus.

1999 Black 35th GT

Nice find Brad This is really gonna give Ford a great boost! I'm really impressed by the output in HP for the 3.0 V6, and the AWD platform to come is exciting too

Plus they look absolutely gorgeous

63galaxie

I can't beleive you can get a car that nice for so cheap!!

1999 Black 35th GT

Heres a link to the Milan, Zoran:

http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/vehicles/mi...res/default.asp

Zastava_101

Thanks Andy.
Is it possible to get V6 with manual transmission? For the first time this year, I really like what Ford did. Fusion may not be as succesful as Taurus was, but it will be pretty good.

1999 Black 35th GT

At this time the Fusion V6 is only offered with the 6 speed automatic.

I'm sure that within a year or so they'll offer a manual performance model of some sort. Right now I think they want to start selling it and see where it goes from there.

Hopefully SVT will pick the Fusion up and offer a version of their own like they did with the Contour, I've heard rumors but no confirmations yet.

Zastava_101

There was a story in Auto Week recently about SVT team. They said in the future, SVT team will have 5 vehicles: Mustang, Focus, Fusion, Lightning and Adrenalin.

1999 Black 35th GT

The Lightning is coming back!!! Excellent!
Thank you for the update Zoran

Zastava_101

No prob.
I just hope its true.

Zastava_101

Here's the story. It was on Mustang Source forum.

Click Here

1999 Black 35th GT

Very interesting. I would buy a SVT Fusion if I were in the market for a midsized vehicle

Lalo

That is awesome!
Amazing Price for a good looking ride!

mustang_sallad

sweet! i'm very surprised as well about the output of the Duratec 30. 221hp in a car that's considerably smaller than the less powerful 500. I was slightly worried about the fusion getting the same 203hp or whatever it is that the 500 gets, but 221hp makes for a very competitive car in terms of power. I wonder if the fusion will get the Duratec 35 when it comes around finally.
I am very much looking forward to a hybrid version and maybe an AWD svt version. In fact, i wouldn't be surprised if i ended up driving a hybrid fusion. I might actually be out of school and earning money by the time that thing comes around.

Zastava_101

Anyone knows how much Fusion weight? Does it weight more than Mustang V6?

1999 Black 35th GT

Curb weight for the Fusion SES is 3,280 lbs.

2005 V6 Mustang is 3,300 to 3,345 lbs.

You've gotta remember the Mustang has a more potent engine though

scottie1113

Great car, car price, and not meant to be a competitor to the Mustang. I think Ford will have another hit on their hands.

future9er24

this loks goooood

Galaxie

That is a great looking mid-sized sedan,

If I was in the market for one, i'd definitely go for the Fusion. I agree with others that a manual with the V6 would be very nice.

The SVT version should have one.