Ford: Fusion News
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,239
Likes: 7
From: Kirkland
^ sorry but that interior would look totally out of place in a honda. the design isnt modern enough and its typical american 'place the radio in the middle and slap fake wood around it'. the japs make it look more integrated together
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,411
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From: New Orleans
Originally Posted by Infamous425
typical american 'place the radio in the middle and slap fake wood around it'. the japs make it look more integrated together
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,542
Likes: 115
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by titan
Really, what's wrong with the Fusion's interior. The materials, and fit/finish are fine. The only thing you could have a problem with is the design, and that's fine, IMO. It's clean and straight forward, and woudn't look out of place in a Honda, as indicated in the comparison pics. The only thing I see is the Fusion's fake wood isn't quite as convincing as Honda's fake wood.
1. Steering wheel materials. Look at the centre on the Fusion. It's a hard plastic material. The centre on the Accord is a softer, rubberized material that doesn't look as cheap.
2. Steering wheel design. The Fusion's looks like something you drive a bus with, or one of those old Buick station wagons. The Accord's is still a bit large, but it doesn't look like it came straight out of 1986 with buttons attached to the side of it like the Fusion's.
3. Gauges. The Accord's are electroluminescent, like in Acuras. This doesn't make the Fusion's bad, but it makes the Accord look more expensive (and it is).
4. Buttonry on the centre console. The Ford's buttons LOOK cheap, the Honda's do not, IMO.
5. Climate and Radio display. The Ford still uses that old-school green, tiny display. It looks dated.
6. Surrounding plastic. On the Fusion's dash, the plastic is grainy and rough. Not so on the Accord.
7. Signal and wiper stalks. The Accord's are made out of a softer-grained plastic. It's not that hard, shiny stuff with seams like the Fusion's (I've seen one at the Ford dealer, and that's what it was).
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 17,921
Likes: 15
Originally Posted by DownUnder
I'm glad too see that Ford is starting to use all-in-one keyfobs. While Acura's (except RL) are still using the crappy keychain fob.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 0
From: philly
Originally Posted by youngTL
You wanna know what's wrong with it? Okay, here I go:
1. Steering wheel materials. Look at the centre on the Fusion. It's a hard plastic material. The centre on the Accord is a softer, rubberized material that doesn't look as cheap.
2. Steering wheel design. The Fusion's looks like something you drive a bus with, or one of those old Buick station wagons. The Accord's is still a bit large, but it doesn't look like it came straight out of 1986 with buttons attached to the side of it like the Fusion's.
3. Gauges. The Accord's are electroluminescent, like in Acuras. This doesn't make the Fusion's bad, but it makes the Accord look more expensive (and it is).
4. Buttonry on the centre console. The Ford's buttons LOOK cheap, the Honda's do not, IMO.
5. Climate and Radio display. The Ford still uses that old-school green, tiny display. It looks dated.
6. Surrounding plastic. On the Fusion's dash, the plastic is grainy and rough. Not so on the Accord.
7. Signal and wiper stalks. The Accord's are made out of a softer-grained plastic. It's not that hard, shiny stuff with seams like the Fusion's (I've seen one at the Ford dealer, and that's what it was).
1. Steering wheel materials. Look at the centre on the Fusion. It's a hard plastic material. The centre on the Accord is a softer, rubberized material that doesn't look as cheap.
2. Steering wheel design. The Fusion's looks like something you drive a bus with, or one of those old Buick station wagons. The Accord's is still a bit large, but it doesn't look like it came straight out of 1986 with buttons attached to the side of it like the Fusion's.
3. Gauges. The Accord's are electroluminescent, like in Acuras. This doesn't make the Fusion's bad, but it makes the Accord look more expensive (and it is).
4. Buttonry on the centre console. The Ford's buttons LOOK cheap, the Honda's do not, IMO.
5. Climate and Radio display. The Ford still uses that old-school green, tiny display. It looks dated.
6. Surrounding plastic. On the Fusion's dash, the plastic is grainy and rough. Not so on the Accord.
7. Signal and wiper stalks. The Accord's are made out of a softer-grained plastic. It's not that hard, shiny stuff with seams like the Fusion's (I've seen one at the Ford dealer, and that's what it was).
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,579
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Suburbs
Ford Develops a new 3.5L V6 and 6 speed auto:
http://media.ford.com/article_displa...&make_id=trust
-This motor looks really promising. Check the specs on the motor. It's boost friendly and was designed for Direct Inj. This motor will most likely make its way into the Ford 500 and Fusion.
http://media.ford.com/article_displa...&make_id=trust
-This motor looks really promising. Check the specs on the motor. It's boost friendly and was designed for Direct Inj. This motor will most likely make its way into the Ford 500 and Fusion.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 0
From: Sunshine State
Originally Posted by youngTL
You wanna know what's wrong with it? Okay, here I go:
1. Steering wheel materials. Look at the centre on the Fusion. It's a hard plastic material. The centre on the Accord is a softer, rubberized material that doesn't look as cheap.
2. Steering wheel design. The Fusion's looks like something you drive a bus with, or one of those old Buick station wagons. The Accord's is still a bit large, but it doesn't look like it came straight out of 1986 with buttons attached to the side of it like the Fusion's.
3. Gauges. The Accord's are electroluminescent, like in Acuras. This doesn't make the Fusion's bad, but it makes the Accord look more expensive (and it is).
4. Buttonry on the centre console. The Ford's buttons LOOK cheap, the Honda's do not, IMO.
5. Climate and Radio display. The Ford still uses that old-school green, tiny display. It looks dated.
6. Surrounding plastic. On the Fusion's dash, the plastic is grainy and rough. Not so on the Accord.
7. Signal and wiper stalks. The Accord's are made out of a softer-grained plastic. It's not that hard, shiny stuff with seams like the Fusion's (I've seen one at the Ford dealer, and that's what it was).
1. Steering wheel materials. Look at the centre on the Fusion. It's a hard plastic material. The centre on the Accord is a softer, rubberized material that doesn't look as cheap.
2. Steering wheel design. The Fusion's looks like something you drive a bus with, or one of those old Buick station wagons. The Accord's is still a bit large, but it doesn't look like it came straight out of 1986 with buttons attached to the side of it like the Fusion's.
3. Gauges. The Accord's are electroluminescent, like in Acuras. This doesn't make the Fusion's bad, but it makes the Accord look more expensive (and it is).
4. Buttonry on the centre console. The Ford's buttons LOOK cheap, the Honda's do not, IMO.
5. Climate and Radio display. The Ford still uses that old-school green, tiny display. It looks dated.
6. Surrounding plastic. On the Fusion's dash, the plastic is grainy and rough. Not so on the Accord.
7. Signal and wiper stalks. The Accord's are made out of a softer-grained plastic. It's not that hard, shiny stuff with seams like the Fusion's (I've seen one at the Ford dealer, and that's what it was).
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,579
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Suburbs
Originally Posted by heyitsme
The only problem I see is that only one power rating is listed which may mean only upper end models get it, leaving room only for an SVT fusion if even that.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 0
From: Sunshine State
Originally Posted by Maximized
Ford Develops a new 3.5L V6 and 6 speed auto:
http://media.ford.com/article_displa...&make_id=trust
-This motor looks really promising. Check the specs on the motor. It's boost friendly and was designed for Direct Inj. This motor will most likely make its way into the Ford 500 and Fusion.
http://media.ford.com/article_displa...&make_id=trust
-This motor looks really promising. Check the specs on the motor. It's boost friendly and was designed for Direct Inj. This motor will most likely make its way into the Ford 500 and Fusion.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,579
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Suburbs
Originally Posted by DownUnder
That looks like a very good powertrain, problem is that it should've been already avalible in the Fusion this or at the very least early next year.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 8
From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Ford planning to add third shift to meet demand for new mid-size sedans - - By AMY WILSON | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek
Betting that its Ford Fusion sedan will be a hit, Ford Motor Co. plans to add a third shift at its Hermosillo, Mexico, plant next year.
The third shift will start during the first quarter, Brian Vought, chief engineer of Ford's new mid-sized sedans, told Automotive News. Hermosillo makes about 800 combined units of the Fusion and its two siblings, the Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr, each day.
The goal is to ramp up to 1,050 cars a day early next year.
At that rate, Hermosillo would produce about 250,000 vehicles annually, the Automotive News Data Center estimates. Ford has said that Hermosillo would have a maximum annual capacity of 300,000.
Production of the three cars began Aug. 1. Sales started in late September, and Ford says the Fusion already is selling beyond expectations. Ford sold 4,078 Fusions through October, about 50 percent more than it says it expected at that point.
"Vehicles are moving off dealer lots very quickly, and we are working to build dealer inventories," Vought wrote in an e-mail.
The Hermosillo cars have gotten off to a better start than new models from Ford's Chicago plant did a year ago.
Ford sold 6,618 of the Fusions, Milans and Zephyrs in October after beginning the month with just 1,100 in stock, said George Pipas, Ford's sales analysis and reporting manager. That was almost 1,000 units more than Ford sold of the Chicago-made Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego and Ford Freestyle in October 2004 when it had started the month with about 3,000 units.
The Hermosillo plant will nearly double its work force when the third shift is added.
Ford employs about 1,600 hourly workers and 220 salaried workers at Hermosillo, a Ford official said. The automaker plans to add 1,500 hourly workers and 50 salaried workers when production is increased next year, with some of the new workers assigned to the existing shifts.
The third shift will start during the first quarter, Brian Vought, chief engineer of Ford's new mid-sized sedans, told Automotive News. Hermosillo makes about 800 combined units of the Fusion and its two siblings, the Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr, each day.
The goal is to ramp up to 1,050 cars a day early next year.
At that rate, Hermosillo would produce about 250,000 vehicles annually, the Automotive News Data Center estimates. Ford has said that Hermosillo would have a maximum annual capacity of 300,000.
Production of the three cars began Aug. 1. Sales started in late September, and Ford says the Fusion already is selling beyond expectations. Ford sold 4,078 Fusions through October, about 50 percent more than it says it expected at that point.
"Vehicles are moving off dealer lots very quickly, and we are working to build dealer inventories," Vought wrote in an e-mail.
The Hermosillo cars have gotten off to a better start than new models from Ford's Chicago plant did a year ago.
Ford sold 6,618 of the Fusions, Milans and Zephyrs in October after beginning the month with just 1,100 in stock, said George Pipas, Ford's sales analysis and reporting manager. That was almost 1,000 units more than Ford sold of the Chicago-made Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego and Ford Freestyle in October 2004 when it had started the month with about 3,000 units.
The Hermosillo plant will nearly double its work force when the third shift is added.
Ford employs about 1,600 hourly workers and 220 salaried workers at Hermosillo, a Ford official said. The automaker plans to add 1,500 hourly workers and 50 salaried workers when production is increased next year, with some of the new workers assigned to the existing shifts.
goldmemberererer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,736
Likes: 0
From: West Hills, CA
While I'm sure they're basing their decisions on a lot of market research, it seems to me that they should leave a slight (very slight) shortage instead of oversupplying and ending up with shitloads of inventory on their hands that they have to mark down significantly to move.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 14,437
Likes: 639
From: Orlando, Fl
While this is good news on the sedan front for Ford, I have a feeling most of those Fusion sales come at the expense of much higher margin SUVs and trucks. Even at those higher levels I'm not sure the Fusion will reach the sales of the Taurus.
Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
Likes: 1,569
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by M TYPE X
Pontiac G6 is the closest they've got.
Ultimately, that lack of consistency hurts the car's appeal to me.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans
Originally Posted by M TYPE X
Pontiac G6 is the closest they've got.
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,542
Likes: 115
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by chungkopi
it's a great looking car, but interior really sucks. i've sat on this thing, and it feels like ford SUV's interior.
It's really not that great people. Go sit in one, you'll know what I mean. And I know all my little reasons 'sound ridiculous', but the sum of them is enough to make the Fusion not quite up to the interior standards of the Accord, Camry, and Sonata.
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,542
Likes: 115
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by charliemike
The G6 is like a woman that initially you think isn't attractive but then you see her again and change your mind. Yet each time you see her after that she is either attractive or unattractive but never consistently one or the other.
Ultimately, that lack of consistency hurts the car's appeal to me.
Ultimately, that lack of consistency hurts the car's appeal to me.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 1
From: Lakeway, TX
Originally Posted by youngTL
For me, the price and the plastic fantastic interior killed it for me.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 0
From: philly
Just sat in a Fusion today, leather, moonroof with the wood dash insert as shown.
Exterior really is great looking, I was impressed on what a slick looking car it was, but looked more on the size of a jetta rather than camcord/altima.
Inside, the drivers seat was comfortable, straightforward/clean layout, etc as shown, didn't see anything that would annoy me on a daily basis. It was certainly above GM and their G6 interior, but I didn't think it was on the same level as toyota or honda material wise-think there is a pretty big gap between Ford and those two, but I didn't think it was just crap either, its a decent start lets say.
Exterior really is great looking, I was impressed on what a slick looking car it was, but looked more on the size of a jetta rather than camcord/altima.
Inside, the drivers seat was comfortable, straightforward/clean layout, etc as shown, didn't see anything that would annoy me on a daily basis. It was certainly above GM and their G6 interior, but I didn't think it was on the same level as toyota or honda material wise-think there is a pretty big gap between Ford and those two, but I didn't think it was just crap either, its a decent start lets say.
Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
Likes: 1,569
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Just sat in a Fusion today, leather, moonroof with the wood dash insert as shown.
Exterior really is great looking, I was impressed on what a slick looking car it was, but looked more on the size of a jetta rather than camcord/altima.
Inside, the drivers seat was comfortable, straightforward/clean layout, etc as shown, didn't see anything that would annoy me on a daily basis. It was certainly above GM and their G6 interior, but I didn't think it was on the same level as toyota or honda material wise-think there is a pretty big gap between Ford and those two, but I didn't think it was just crap either, its a decent start lets say.
Exterior really is great looking, I was impressed on what a slick looking car it was, but looked more on the size of a jetta rather than camcord/altima.
Inside, the drivers seat was comfortable, straightforward/clean layout, etc as shown, didn't see anything that would annoy me on a daily basis. It was certainly above GM and their G6 interior, but I didn't think it was on the same level as toyota or honda material wise-think there is a pretty big gap between Ford and those two, but I didn't think it was just crap either, its a decent start lets say.
I still wouldn't buy one. I would consider leasing one though.
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,542
Likes: 115
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Just sat in a Fusion today, leather, moonroof with the wood dash insert as shown.
Exterior really is great looking, I was impressed on what a slick looking car it was, but looked more on the size of a jetta rather than camcord/altima.
Inside, the drivers seat was comfortable, straightforward/clean layout, etc as shown, didn't see anything that would annoy me on a daily basis. It was certainly above GM and their G6 interior, but I didn't think it was on the same level as toyota or honda material wise-think there is a pretty big gap between Ford and those two, but I didn't think it was just crap either, its a decent start lets say.
Exterior really is great looking, I was impressed on what a slick looking car it was, but looked more on the size of a jetta rather than camcord/altima.
Inside, the drivers seat was comfortable, straightforward/clean layout, etc as shown, didn't see anything that would annoy me on a daily basis. It was certainly above GM and their G6 interior, but I didn't think it was on the same level as toyota or honda material wise-think there is a pretty big gap between Ford and those two, but I didn't think it was just crap either, its a decent start lets say.
I feel the need...
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 14,957
Likes: 515
From: Motown
Originally Posted by charliemike
The G6 is like a woman that initially you think isn't attractive but then you see her again and change your mind. Yet each time you see her after that she is either attractive or unattractive but never consistently one or the other.
Ultimately, that lack of consistency hurts the car's appeal to me.
Ultimately, that lack of consistency hurts the car's appeal to me.
Great analogy. I really want to like domestic cars, such the G6 and Fusion, but when it comes to actually shelling out my hard earned cash...I can't find a compelling reason to marry them.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,309
Likes: 0
From: Champaign, Illinois
Originally Posted by PistonFan
Great analogy. I really want to like domestic cars, such the G6 and Fusion, but when it comes to actually shelling out my hard earned cash...I can't find a compelling reason to marry them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 969
Likes: 13
From: CT
Crash test results: Ford Fusion disappoints
Crash test results: Ford Fusion disappoints
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/...ppoints-video/
New Fusion isn't up to par with midsize competitors: The Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan is among only two current midsize car designs (the other is the Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Sebring) that don't earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's frontal offset crash test. The Fusion without optional side airbags is rated poor for side crash protection, and it earned a marginal rating for rear crash protection.
"The Fusion is a disappointment because it's a brand new design," Lund says. "Ford has done a good job with some other recent models, but the Fusion is at the back of the pack among midsize cars for overall safety performance." In Fusions manufactured after January, Ford added a structure below the accelerator pedal designed to reduce injury risk to the right leg and foot in frontal offset crashes. "This fix didn't work in our test," Lund says. "Forces recorded on the dummy's right leg were high, and a metal pin broke in the dummy's ankle. Ford is doing more research to find a solution and has indicated it will ask the Institute to retest the Fusion for frontal crash performance later this year."
The Fusion earned the lowest rating of poor in the side impact test. Without side airbags, injury measures recorded on the driver dummy indicated that serious head injuries would be possible in a real-world crash of similar severity. Measures from other parts of the dummy indicated that rib fractures or internal organ injuries and a fractured pelvis also would be likely.
"The side structure of the Fusion held up reasonably well in the crash test, and this car's structural rating of acceptable is better than some other midsize models we've tested," Lund points out. Protection in the rear seat was reasonably good. The head of the dummy in the rear seat struck the pillar behind the rear door. This area is required by federal standard to provide some protection for an occupant's head, but the Fusion is rated poor overall because of high forces recorded on the driver dummy's head, pelvis, and torso.
The Fusion's side airbags aren't standard equipment, and the Institute's policy is to test vehicles without these airbags if they're optional. Manufacturers who want a second test with side airbags have to reimburse the Institute for the cost of the vehicle. Initially, Ford didn't request a second test of the Fusion with optional side airbags.
"Usually when an automaker doesn't ask for the optional test, we presume it means the side airbags wouldn't help much to improve the car's rating," explains Lund. "But now Ford has requested a second test, so the Fusion with side airbags may earn a better rating than poor. We'll conduct the test and report the result."
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/...ppoints-video/
New Fusion isn't up to par with midsize competitors: The Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan is among only two current midsize car designs (the other is the Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Sebring) that don't earn the highest rating of good in the Institute's frontal offset crash test. The Fusion without optional side airbags is rated poor for side crash protection, and it earned a marginal rating for rear crash protection.
"The Fusion is a disappointment because it's a brand new design," Lund says. "Ford has done a good job with some other recent models, but the Fusion is at the back of the pack among midsize cars for overall safety performance." In Fusions manufactured after January, Ford added a structure below the accelerator pedal designed to reduce injury risk to the right leg and foot in frontal offset crashes. "This fix didn't work in our test," Lund says. "Forces recorded on the dummy's right leg were high, and a metal pin broke in the dummy's ankle. Ford is doing more research to find a solution and has indicated it will ask the Institute to retest the Fusion for frontal crash performance later this year."
The Fusion earned the lowest rating of poor in the side impact test. Without side airbags, injury measures recorded on the driver dummy indicated that serious head injuries would be possible in a real-world crash of similar severity. Measures from other parts of the dummy indicated that rib fractures or internal organ injuries and a fractured pelvis also would be likely.
"The side structure of the Fusion held up reasonably well in the crash test, and this car's structural rating of acceptable is better than some other midsize models we've tested," Lund points out. Protection in the rear seat was reasonably good. The head of the dummy in the rear seat struck the pillar behind the rear door. This area is required by federal standard to provide some protection for an occupant's head, but the Fusion is rated poor overall because of high forces recorded on the driver dummy's head, pelvis, and torso.
The Fusion's side airbags aren't standard equipment, and the Institute's policy is to test vehicles without these airbags if they're optional. Manufacturers who want a second test with side airbags have to reimburse the Institute for the cost of the vehicle. Initially, Ford didn't request a second test of the Fusion with optional side airbags.
"Usually when an automaker doesn't ask for the optional test, we presume it means the side airbags wouldn't help much to improve the car's rating," explains Lund. "But now Ford has requested a second test, so the Fusion with side airbags may earn a better rating than poor. We'll conduct the test and report the result."
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Toronto_CA
Typical FORD or GM for that matter.... They see a jump in sales and right away they put 10 shifts to pump out crap loads of cars.... 6-12 months down the road, the sales ease and they are left with dealer lots full of cars. And the discount programs start over again to clear those lots.
This is what I like about Honda or Toyota. They do their research, plan for x amount of cars, then make them. Nothing left over and no low-invetory panic.
This is what I like about Honda or Toyota. They do their research, plan for x amount of cars, then make them. Nothing left over and no low-invetory panic.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,399
Likes: 8
From: Washington DC (NOVA)
Fusion stacking up respectable stats for Ford after six months on market - - By AMY WILSON | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS - - Source: Autoweek
DETROIT - Six months after going on sale, the Ford Fusion, touted as the brand's game-changer in the car business, is stacking up respectable midseason stats.
Ford sold 19,142 Fusions in the first two months of this year. It estimates March sales will top 10,000.
U.S. dealers are selling the cars in less than a month on average, according to J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network. The average transaction price is strong but moderating. Ford says PIN also shows the Fusion conquesting non-Ford Motor buyers at a rate of 38.5 percent, beyond its initial 25 percent target.
"It's not in the category of just a knockout success," says Tom Libby, a J.D. Power analyst. "Its (transaction) price is declining. But it's perfectly all right."
Incentive spending averaged $1,653 in February, just above the segment average, according to PIN. Ford says Fusion retail sales are increasing by 15 percent each month.
"We were losing 50,000 Taurus, Focus and Mustang customers on average every year to competitor mid-sized vehicles," says Dan Geist, Fusion marketing manager. "With Fusion, we're helping to retain those people in our showroom."
Older nameplates sag
Meanwhile, the Ford brand's overall car sales have increased. Ford sold 128,611 cars in the first two months of this year, up 14.8 percent from a year ago.
A big chunk of that increase came from higher fleet sales in January and February. And though the Fusion generally is hitting its sales targets, other nameplates, such as the Focus, have faltered, says George Pipas, Ford sales analyst.
"It's the decay in the older vehicles," Pipas says. "If our carryover product would have done better, it would be obvious to everybody that the (Fusion and its sister vehicles) are doing so well."
High fleet sales
One twist to the Fusion launch has been more fleet sales than anticipated. In January 2005, Steve Lyons, then Ford Division president, said the Fusion would be withheld from daily rental fleets during its first six months. Lyons retired last month.
But Ford started selling the Fusion and its sister Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr into fleets right away. Total fleet accounts for about 16 percent of sales for the trio. Less than 10 percent of total sales have been daily rental, Ford says.
Many dealers say the Fusion is off to a good start. Making the Fusion part of the Ford brand's focus-vehicle strategy, in which it concentrates advertising on key vehicles, is increasing consumer interest and showroom traffic, says Tom Addis, chairman of the Ford national dealer council and dealer principal of Lake City Ford in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
But several dealers have complained to Ford that the Fusion "Life in Drive" TV commercials don't tell consumers enough about content and pricing.
"The advertising has missed the mark at this point," says Mike Mellow, dealer principal at Placerville Ford in Placerville, Calif. Mellow says he has sold five Fusions at retail so far and has about 18 in stock. In his truck-dominated market about 40 miles east of Sacramento, the Fusion "is not doing anything for me."
Geist, the Fusion marketing manager, says the initial campaign was designed to build excitement for the new nameplate. He says Ford will introduce feature-oriented advertising during the next several months.
Ford sold 19,142 Fusions in the first two months of this year. It estimates March sales will top 10,000.
U.S. dealers are selling the cars in less than a month on average, according to J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network. The average transaction price is strong but moderating. Ford says PIN also shows the Fusion conquesting non-Ford Motor buyers at a rate of 38.5 percent, beyond its initial 25 percent target.
"It's not in the category of just a knockout success," says Tom Libby, a J.D. Power analyst. "Its (transaction) price is declining. But it's perfectly all right."
Incentive spending averaged $1,653 in February, just above the segment average, according to PIN. Ford says Fusion retail sales are increasing by 15 percent each month.
"We were losing 50,000 Taurus, Focus and Mustang customers on average every year to competitor mid-sized vehicles," says Dan Geist, Fusion marketing manager. "With Fusion, we're helping to retain those people in our showroom."
Older nameplates sag
Meanwhile, the Ford brand's overall car sales have increased. Ford sold 128,611 cars in the first two months of this year, up 14.8 percent from a year ago.
A big chunk of that increase came from higher fleet sales in January and February. And though the Fusion generally is hitting its sales targets, other nameplates, such as the Focus, have faltered, says George Pipas, Ford sales analyst.
"It's the decay in the older vehicles," Pipas says. "If our carryover product would have done better, it would be obvious to everybody that the (Fusion and its sister vehicles) are doing so well."
High fleet sales
One twist to the Fusion launch has been more fleet sales than anticipated. In January 2005, Steve Lyons, then Ford Division president, said the Fusion would be withheld from daily rental fleets during its first six months. Lyons retired last month.
But Ford started selling the Fusion and its sister Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr into fleets right away. Total fleet accounts for about 16 percent of sales for the trio. Less than 10 percent of total sales have been daily rental, Ford says.
Many dealers say the Fusion is off to a good start. Making the Fusion part of the Ford brand's focus-vehicle strategy, in which it concentrates advertising on key vehicles, is increasing consumer interest and showroom traffic, says Tom Addis, chairman of the Ford national dealer council and dealer principal of Lake City Ford in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
But several dealers have complained to Ford that the Fusion "Life in Drive" TV commercials don't tell consumers enough about content and pricing.
"The advertising has missed the mark at this point," says Mike Mellow, dealer principal at Placerville Ford in Placerville, Calif. Mellow says he has sold five Fusions at retail so far and has about 18 in stock. In his truck-dominated market about 40 miles east of Sacramento, the Fusion "is not doing anything for me."
Geist, the Fusion marketing manager, says the initial campaign was designed to build excitement for the new nameplate. He says Ford will introduce feature-oriented advertising during the next several months.