Fusion (automobile)
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| Fusion (automobile) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ford Fusion |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 2005–2020 |
| Model years | 2006–2020 |
| Class | Mid-size car (D-segment) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive / All-wheel drive |
| Predecessor | Ford Contour / Ford/Mercury Milan |
| Successor | Ford Mondeo (global markets) |
Fusion (automobile) The Ford Fusion is a mid-size sedan produced by Ford Motor Company for North American and select global markets, introduced in the mid-2000s as a successor to the Ford Contour and marketed alongside the Ford Taurus and Ford Focus. Positioned within Ford's global product strategy under the leadership of executives such as William Clay Ford Jr. and design chiefs from Ford of Europe, the Fusion combined styling influenced by the Ford Mondeo with powertrain technologies derived from partnerships across the automotive industry. It competed in the same segment as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima while later offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants to rival the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt.
Overview
The Fusion was introduced at auto shows attended by representatives from Society of Automotive Engineers, Motor Trend, and Automotive News and was manufactured at plants operated by subsidiaries including Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited and assembly facilities associated with Chrysler, General Motors, and supplier networks. Market positioning drew comparisons to models from Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, and Subaru. Advertising campaigns referenced cultural properties handled by Wieden+Kennedy, Ogilvy, and broadcast partners like NBCUniversal and Warner Bros..
Development and Design
Development occurred within Ford's global program structures led by teams from Ford of Europe, Ford North America, and design centers in Aachen, Cologne, and Dearborn. Styling cues were refined in clay models presented alongside concept studies like those shown at the North American International Auto Show and Geneva Motor Show. Engineering inputs came from suppliers such as Bosch, Denso, Magna International, Continental AG, and Delphi Technologies. Chassis and platform integration leveraged architecture elements shared with the Ford Mondeo and components tested on proving grounds including Milan Proving Ground, Ford Arizona Proving Ground, and wind tunnels used by BMW and Mercedes-Benz for aero development. Safety and crashworthiness used protocols from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and crash test criteria from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Powertrains and Variants
Powertrain options were developed with input from partners such as Panasonic, LG Chem, A123 Systems, and engine suppliers like Ford Research and Innovation Center and AVL List GmbH. Gasoline engines included Duratec and EcoBoost families tuned by teams related to Iacocca Institute collaborations; hybrid systems combined Atkinson-cycle engines with electric motors similar to systems used by Toyota and inverter technology influenced by Siemens and GE. Transmissions included six-speed automatics developed alongside Getrag and continuously variable transmissions influenced by Jatco. The Fusion lineup later added a plug-in hybrid variant aimed to compete with Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf buyers, as well as all-wheel-drive versions rivalling products from Subaru and Audi.
Generations and Model Changes
The first-generation Fusion debuted for the 2006 model year, contemporaneous with vehicles from Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda. A mid-cycle refresh aligned styling with global Ford design language seen on the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus; subsequent redesigns for the second generation incorporated the "Kinetic Design" and later the "Aston Martin–inspired" grille echoing cues seen on Aston Martin road cars. Facelifts introduced technology by suppliers like Harman International and Microsoft-based collaborations, integrating infotainment systems and driver assistance found on rivals from Volvo and Mercedes-Benz. Trim levels were adjusted to mirror competitive sets used by Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.
Safety and Recalls
Safety engineering referenced standards and testing from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and crash test protocols from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while electronic stability and airbag systems used components from TRW Automotive and Autoliv. The Fusion was subject to recalls coordinated with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and repair programs involving dealerships in networks managed under Ford Motor Company. Recalls addressed issues similar to those seen industry-wide involving suppliers such as Takata, Bosch, and ZF Friedrichshafen; remedies were executed through parts distribution centers and service campaigns overseen by Center for Auto Safety and legal actions occasionally involving class-action firms.
Sales, Markets and Marketing
Sales strategies placed the Fusion in competition against the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima, while targeting fleet purchasers like Avis Budget Group and corporate buyers such as Enterprise Holdings. Global marketing leveraged partnerships with media conglomerates including Comcast, ViacomCBS, and sports sponsorships with events organized by Fédération Internationale de Football Association, National Football League, and Major League Baseball. Export logistics used distribution networks shared with Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen Group partners, and incentives were coordinated with regional dealers following guidance from associations like the National Automobile Dealers Association.
Motorsport and Special Editions
Though primarily a road car, the Fusion platform influenced racing adaptations by teams associated with organizations such as NASCAR, FIA World Touring Car Championship, and privateer entries in endurance events organized by International Motor Sports Association. Special editions and concept variants were showcased at venues including the Los Angeles Auto Show and SEMA Show, often featuring modifications by aftermarket firms like Hennessey Performance and Roush Performance and accessories from WeatherTech. Limited-run trims and homologation specials echoed strategies used by manufacturers such as BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi Sport.