2013 Fusion/Mondeo discussion
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Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
Joined: January 30, 2004
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From: Wisconsin / Serbia
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 12,636
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin / Serbia
New Ford Fusion not likely to oust top-selling Toyota Camry, yet
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/n...ota-camry-yet/
Last year, Ford sold 248,000 Fusions. This year, sales are up 7.7 percent through August at 181,000 cars, making the Fusion Detroit's top selling midsize car in America. But it's not even close to the top selling midsize car in the U.S., it's not even the third best selling midsize sedan. The Camry is on a big rebound. It has sold 280,000 cars this year alone, and sales are up 37 percent. It could sell 400,000 cars by year's end. Meanwhile, through August, the Honda Accord at 219,000 cars (sales up 19 percent) and the Nissan Altima is at 210,000 units.
Furthermore, the Camry remains the default choice for Baby Boomers. Style and performance be damned, these customers have always had a Camry and always will have a Camry.
So Ford, admittedly, has its work cut out for it.
Furthermore, the Fusion, which was originally assembled in Mexico, faced capacity limits, never having the ability to build as many Camry's as Toyota could. However, with the change over to the Flat Rock, Michigan, factory, which also builds the Mustang, Ford will have the ability to match Toyota's capability.
But that will only be necessary if there's a true demand for the new car.
According to Sam Hoyt, Fusion brand manager, Ford expects big growth in Fusion sales next year, topping last year's high mark, though she would not give specific numbers.
"We've got to get more customers in places on the east and west coasts in order to grow," said Hoyt of the traditional import-centric regions.
Of the initial four powertrains offered, Hoyt says roughly 15 percent of new Fusion sales will be hybrids, 15 percent will be 2-liter turbocharged models – including the high end Titanium – 35 percent will have the base 2.5-liter engine under the hood and 35 percent will be powered with Ford's 1.6-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder. Of course, those are just the original expectations. Ford plans on being able to quickly adapt if demands change.
Hoyt says that Ford expects a conquest rate around 50 percent overall and about 70 percent for the hybrid.
"It could be even higher," Hoyt said.
Last year, Ford sold 248,000 Fusions. This year, sales are up 7.7 percent through August at 181,000 cars, making the Fusion Detroit's top selling midsize car in America. But it's not even close to the top selling midsize car in the U.S., it's not even the third best selling midsize sedan. The Camry is on a big rebound. It has sold 280,000 cars this year alone, and sales are up 37 percent. It could sell 400,000 cars by year's end. Meanwhile, through August, the Honda Accord at 219,000 cars (sales up 19 percent) and the Nissan Altima is at 210,000 units.
Furthermore, the Camry remains the default choice for Baby Boomers. Style and performance be damned, these customers have always had a Camry and always will have a Camry.
So Ford, admittedly, has its work cut out for it.
Furthermore, the Fusion, which was originally assembled in Mexico, faced capacity limits, never having the ability to build as many Camry's as Toyota could. However, with the change over to the Flat Rock, Michigan, factory, which also builds the Mustang, Ford will have the ability to match Toyota's capability.
But that will only be necessary if there's a true demand for the new car.
According to Sam Hoyt, Fusion brand manager, Ford expects big growth in Fusion sales next year, topping last year's high mark, though she would not give specific numbers.
"We've got to get more customers in places on the east and west coasts in order to grow," said Hoyt of the traditional import-centric regions.
Of the initial four powertrains offered, Hoyt says roughly 15 percent of new Fusion sales will be hybrids, 15 percent will be 2-liter turbocharged models – including the high end Titanium – 35 percent will have the base 2.5-liter engine under the hood and 35 percent will be powered with Ford's 1.6-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder. Of course, those are just the original expectations. Ford plans on being able to quickly adapt if demands change.
Hoyt says that Ford expects a conquest rate around 50 percent overall and about 70 percent for the hybrid.
"It could be even higher," Hoyt said.
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The Fusion is a great car too. I like the new design, I have a few nephews like 20ish ages that drive them and absolutely love the, they are both on there 2nd to third Fusion, this year they both went to the AWD platform. Reason being is the other nephew had one for the 39 month lease and never had a sinle issue, and that's coming from young adults driving the crap out of them...
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Joined: August 15, 2005
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From: Honolulu
Not surprised if the new Fusion doesn't surpass the Camry in sales - most buyers in that segment seem to prefer "reliably" bland and boring. Probably because it is a "safe" choice.
Last edited by hi5.0; Sep 25, 2012 at 01:09 AM.
A Man Just Needs Some....
Joined: April 9, 2011
Posts: 17,125
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From: Louisiana
People still buy Toyota Camry's? You gotta be the most boring, given up on any excitement, bland as a stale cracker, Mitt Romney looking S.O.B. to buy a new Camry. But I guess they had to go somewhere after Oldsmobile shut down. 
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Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 12,636
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin / Serbia
Mine has almost 200,000 miles on the odometer and the only mechanical issue that I ever had in the past 10+ years of ownership is one replaced radiator. The most reliable car I ever had and the best car purchase I ever made - I paid $5,300 for it 10+ years ago and since then I spent $100 in repairs (+ regular maintenance).
I can understand why family people would buy one since it does everything well. Its well built, reliable and has one of the best re-sale values in the class.
Sure its boring, but not any more/less boring than my 2008 Fusion ...
Just arrived at my dealer, this is an Ecoboost hybrid 47 MPG's and its NIIIIIIIIIIIICE! I really want one, I can just imagine the mods that can be done to this. Lowered would be first....
Last edited by jacostang; Sep 27, 2012 at 11:35 PM.
