The Ford Fusion continues to build momentum and excitement in the midsize sedan segment. More than 112,000 Fusions have been sold in the first nine months of 2006, fueled by award-winning quality, outstanding value and spirited driving dynamics. This week, Fusion builds on that success with the arrival of the segment’s only all-wheel-drive system and an additional $1,000 worth of standard equipment.
In addition, this week Fusions will arrive at an unexpected place: McDonald’s®, in the form of a limited-edition Hot Wheels® Fusion available with the purchase of a Happy Meal® or Mighty Kids Meal®.
“With 112,000 Fusions sold this year, it’s clear we have a serious product in the heart of the mid-size sedan segment,” says Al Giombetti, President, Ford and Lincoln Mercury Marketing and Sales. “For 2007, we expect to be an even larger presence in the market, offering more standard features and the first all-wheel-drive system in the segment – a feature not offered by any of the competitive sedans from Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Chevrolet or Pontiac.”
2007 Fusion AWD starting at $23,430
The first Fusion all-wheel drive (AWD) models arrive at dealers this week as the most affordable, V-6 powered AWD sedans on the market. Fusion SE AWD models start at $23,430, including destination and delivery, while Fusion SEL AWD models start at $24,525.
By comparison, the Toyota Camry LE V-6 starts at $23,960 including destination, and the Honda Accord SE V-6 starts at $23,945 with destination. However, the Accord and Camry are not available with AWD, at any price.
“For the same money as an Accord or Camry, we’re offering a Fusion with all-wheel-drive for free,” says Giombetti. “The addition of all-wheel drive will be a huge advantage for Fusion, and shows that Ford is intent on leading – not following – this segment.”
Ford expects sales of vehicles equipped with AWD to double from 25 percent of the total U.S. market in 2003 to 50 percent by 2012. That increase will be largely driven by consumers who want to retain the confidence of four-wheel traction as they migrate from their current SUVs and trucks into new sedans and crossover vehicles.