The Ford Fusion is a midsized car that is based on the Ford CD3 platform. North America saw the launch of the Ford Fusion in October 2005 as the 2006 model. The Fusion is meant to be a replacement for the retired
Ford Taurus. A hyrid version of the Fusion is not too far behind the current model, as Ford expects to release it for the 2008 model year. The companion versions of the Fusion are the Mercury Milan and the Lincoln Zephyr. Ford manufactures the Fusion at the Hermosillo, Mexico plant. The Fusion has already been nominated as the North American Car of the Year for 2006.
Ford is definitely making a statement with the Fusion in the way of its new three bar grille design, which is expected to become Ford's trademark look for the rest of the decade. The Fusion is expected to do quite well as Ford expects to produce 160,000 to 200,0000 a year. Apparently, consumer response has already exceeded the expectations of the Ford Motor Company. Currently the Fusion uses a 2.3 liter Duratec 23 I4 or 3.0 liter Duratec 30 V6 engine. All wheel drive and a new Duratec will likely be options for the 2007 model. Manual and automatic transmissions are currently available.
