Luxury: The Ford hybrid advantage?

A best buy in its class?

The Ford Fusion hybrid is one of my favorite hybrid cars, and what's not to like, except the price of course.

Sure the Fusion hybrid offers better fuel economy than the Toyota Camry hybrid, but at a cost, and it's not as if the Camry hybrid has been a huge seller. Moreover, while the EPA rates the Fusion hybrid better than the Camry hybrid on fuel economy, Consumer Reports has found little difference in its tests, and that makes the Fusion hybrid's higher price even less attractive compared to the competition.

The Lincoln MKZ hybrid, on the other hand, appears primed to change this pricing disadvantage. The MKZ will offer the same stellar EPA numbers as the Fusion hybrid, making the MKZ more fuel efficient than Toyota's Lexus HS 250h, at least on paper. However, unlike the Fusion hybrid - and even if only as fuel efficient as the competition in the real world - the MKZ hybrid will be cheaper than the competition.

Sure, that's not much to hang your hybrid hat upon, but it's another baby step towards Ford's bullish hybrid forecasts.

Forbes: Best cars for highway commuting

Fusion hybrid one of 3 hybrids on Forbes list

Three hybrid cars made the Forbes list of best autos for highway commuting. The Ford Fusion hybrid, the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Honda Civic hybrid were picked for their high Consumer Report's rankings, highway fuel efficiency, legroom and headroom.

Hyundai hybrids: Everything in place for greatness

In a class of its own?

I've been very excited about the potential of Hyundai hybrid cars ever since Hyundai announced its lithium-polymer powered Hybrid Blue Drive at the 2008 LA Auto Show. According to many experts, Hyundai's lithium-polymer technology might give Hyundai an edge in lithium battery production.

And, now that the Hyundai Sonata hybrid is just months away from hitting US dealerships, my excitement is beginning to percolate.

In recent weeks we've learned that the new Sonata is cheaper and lighter than all other vehicles in its class. Moreover, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has now given the Sonata its Top Safety Pick. What more could you want?

A hybrid version with class leading fuel economy at the lowest price in its class, of course.

Recently, Hyundai admitted that although they were late to the hybrid game, they were quickly ramping up their efforts. If Hyundai can offer the new Sonata hybrid for less than the Toyota Camry hybrid while matching or topping the fuel economy of the Ford Fusion hybrid, I'll be a believer - not just in Hyundai's hybrid plans, but their plans for plug-in hybrid leadership as well.

CNN's fair and balanced Prius, Fusion hybrid coverage?

Did Toyota act any differently than Ford?

So, Toyota knew there might be a glitch in their braking software for the 2010 Prius, but didn't offer a software update to consumers because they weren't sure it was really necessary since the brakes don't actually fail. Thus, CNNMoney ran the headline, Prius brakes: Toyota knew, didn't tell you.

Fair enough.

Interestingly, turns out Ford did EXACTLY the same thing. For months, Ford has also known about a very similar glitch in their Fusion and Milan hybrids, but also didn't tell consumers because the brakes don't actually fail. However, CNN ran the headline, Ford rolls out software fix for hybrid brakes.

That's balanced coverage?

Earlier this week, I cited another example of the CNN's over-eagerness to slam Toyota versus other automakers, including the Prius.

So, what's going on over at CNN? Two automakers have almost exactly the same problem, handle it almost exactly the same way, but only one is evil for doing so? Why the obvious bias? Some angles drive more revenue than others, and that's more important than the facts? CNN likes Ford and GM better than Toyota? What's the deal?

Fusion hybrid also needs a brake fix

Similar problem as the new Prius?

Just like the new Toyota Prius, the Ford Fusion hybrid is in need of a software update to fix a glitch in its braking system.

Much like the Prius, the Fusion hybrid can experience a lag, where it does not seem the brakes are working correctly. However, as long as the driver keeps depressing on the brakes, they will work after a possible, momentary lag.

Ironically, Ford, just as Toyota, has known about the problem for months, but since the brakes don't fail, wasn't sure a recall was needed. I guess it's not just big, bad Toyota.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid: Cheaper than Fusion and Camry hybrids?

Hyundai's upcoming Hybrid Blue Drive

Today, Hyundai released pricing on the 2011 Sonata. While the Sonata hybrid was not on the list, the conventional Sonata is priced lower than the competition, especially at the premium trim levels.

Since most hybrids include many premium trim level components, Hyundai Sonata hybrid pricing might undercut both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid.

Hyundai had a pretty good 2009 and 2010 is expected to be even better, especially in light of Toyota's recall problems. Topping the year off with a Sonata hybrid that is cheaper and more cost-effective than the competition would be some pretty sweet icing on the cake.

2012: The Year Ford gets serious about hybrids?

Ford's Car of the Year

Isn't Ford already serious about hybrid vehicles? I mean didn't the Fusion hybrid just win the North American Car of the Year Award?

I know. I'm just a cynic.

Still, when Toyota is selling 150,000 Prius hybrids per year, it's hard for me to call the Fusion hybrid the the 'Car of the Year' when Ford could only sell 20 something thousand Fusion hybrids last year - a year in which the Fusion hybrid qualified for federal tax credits and the Prius did not.

Anyway. In my opinion, Ford's biggest hybrid problem ultimately stems from Ford's reluctance to embrace NiMH batteries. Unfortunately, in many ways, I can understand Ford's disinterest in any serious hybrid production numbers. There's little - if any - profit potential for Ford until lithium replaces NiMH as the battery of choice in Ford hybrids.

That change should begin in 2012. In that year, Ford's investments into advanced battery technology, including a battery lab - like GM - to assemble battery packs, will begin powering a next generation hybrid along with a plug-in hybrid.

Until then, Ford's upcoming Focus EV will probably take the center stage for Ford's green efforts as NiMH technology is slowly phased out of Ford's hybrids.

10 percent green equals 100 percent greenwashed

A meaningless hybrid?

If you're at the Detroit Auto Show, or following the coverage, you might think the automotive world has really changed. All our troubles are behind and new green vehicles, particularly hybrids and plug-in vehicles, are set to make everything better.

Yet, in ten years less than 10 percent of America's automotive fleet will be hybrid or plug-in - at best - according to almost every automotive analyst and researcher.

Anyway, this year in Detroit the Ford Fusion hybrid was awarded The North American Car of the Year. And it's deserving. Everything about the Fusion hybrid is great, except for sales. Sure, almost 30,000 Ford consumers bought a Fusion hybrid last year, however, over 400,000 Ford consumers bought a gas-guzzling Ford F150.

And next year in Detroit, the Chevy Volt will probably win The North American Car of the Year. Yet, the Volt will probably move even less units than did the Fusion hybrid in its first year. Even more alarming, by 2020, according to GM executives like Bob Lutz, plug-ins like the Volt will still only appeal to about 5 - 10 percent of consumers.

Today, even hybrid king Toyota only offers the third most fuel efficient fleet in America - despite selling 200,000 hybrids - thanks to its many gas-guzzler sales.

Sadly, in tens years the US auto fleet won't be much more fuel efficient than it is today, and green vehicles will still be just a niche, but at least we'll get to enjoy a decade of superb greenwashing along the way.

Fusion hybrid takes 2010 Car of the Year Award

North American Car of the Year

The Ford Fusion hybrid picked up the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award at the Detroit Auto Show beating out the Buick La Crosse and a few VW Jetta models.

Toyota hybrid sales CRUSH competition

The future looks bright

In the world of hybrid cars, there is Toyota and everybody else when it comes to sales. So, how can I spin this story for 2009 sales?

Well, Ford almost passed Honda as the number 2 seller of hybrid cars. Ford, thanks to the Fusion hybrid, sold 33,502 total hybrids in 2009.

Nonetheless, that wasn't enough to catch Honda. Despite seriously declining Civic hybrid sales, the Insight was able to help Honda sell 35,691 units.

But that's just chump change compared to Toyota.

Toyota sold 195,545 hybrids in the US in 2009, largely led by 139,682 Prius hybrid sales. Still, even without the Prius, Toyota still sold significantly more hybrids than did either Ford or Honda.

Ford Fusion hybrid the best hybrid in the US?

The best car for America?

Boy, career paths are an important choice. It's a good thing that MSNBC's Dan Carney become a reporter for the auto business, rather than the someone working IN the auto business.

This morning Dan calls the Ford Fusion hybrid the best hybrid available in the US.

"It is the best in the U.S. in part because it is the best for the U.S. It wears no egg-shaped hypermile bodywork, doesn’t ask its occupants to contort themselves to fit inside like the old pack-college-students-in-a-VW stunt and doesn’t demand any creative financing for regular Americans with regular jobs to purchase it."

Really, Dan? So, then where are all the sales? If the best hybrid for regular Americans, why can Ford only sell 30-something thousand units per year? I guess sales don't matter for reporters?

I love the Fusion hybrid. In fact, if I were in the market for a car today, I'd probably buy a Fusion hybrid. Nonetheless, the fact remains that most Ford buyers aren't interested in the Fusion hybrid, nor are most Fusion buyers or hybrid buyers in general.

Years ago, Michelle Krebs from the Auto Observer said the same thing about GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain. Yet, after years, sales are still essentially non-existent. Great technology is, well, great, but it has to be both great AND cost-effective.

Inevitably, it just seems silly to me to call the Fusion hybrid the best hybrid in the US. Ultimately, the best hybrid in the US has to be one that can actually sell at least 100,000 units in the US year after year. Sadly, the Fusion hybrid doesn't seem on a trajectory to ever even come close to such a sale's figure.

34,000 hybrid reasons for pause

The technologically impressive Ford Fusion hybrid

I've been dying to get my hands on December's auto sales to help me through my holiday hangover. I guess I'm not the only one a little off as most automakers have yet to report their numbers.

Yet, how exciting can the numbers really be? If you remove the sales data for the Toyota Prius, the numbers are depressing.

For instance, while Ford might be a little excited about possibly eclipsing Honda as the second best hybrid seller in the US, Ford will still probably sell less than 35,000 hybrid cars for all of 2009. Alone the Prius can achieve that in less than 3 months.

And, unfortunately, there isn't much reason to believe 2010 will be any different.

2010: The big questions

The rubber finally hits the road

2010. Here we come.

While 2010 isn't going to be quite as significant for the hybrid market as I would have expected a few years ago, there are a few interesting stories developing:

1.) Will any hybrid, aside from the Prius, sell 50,000 units in one year?
2.) Can the Honda CR-Z hybrid reinvigorate Honda's hybrid sales?
3.) Will the Hyundai Sonata hybrid make it to America, and how will the Sonata hybrid compare to the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid in terms of price and fuel economy?
4.) What will be Toyota's next dedicated hybrid, and how many other hybrids will Toyota announce, debut, etc?
5.) Finally, after years of hype the Chevy Volt will go on sale. How many units will GM produce in 2010? Will there be any delays? Final pricing, options?

Ford Fusion hybrid up for North American Car of Year

The Best American Hybrid

The Ford Fusion hybrid is a contender for the 2010 North American Car of the Year.

The Fusion hybrid could be the fourth hybrid to ever win the award, which will be announced at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and Ford's second hybrid winner.

Amongst hybrid cars the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic hybrid, and the Ford Escape hybrid have won the award in previous years.

Hybrid market share to top 3 percent in 2010

Can the Fusion hybrid keep pace?

According to Edmunds.com, hybrid cars will achieve a 3.2 percent market share in 2010 compared to about 2.7 percent share today.

Unfortunately, Edmunds doesn't go into much detail as to how their hybrid numbers were derived, but one can imagine that a slightly less recessed economy is probably the key ingredient. Hybrid sales were hammered in early 2009 before picking up the pace a bit in the 2nd half of the year.

Currently, the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Toyota Prius are the two best selling hybrids in America, with the Prius accounting for about 50 percent of hybrid sales. That scenario will probably remain unchanged.

Fusion hybrid, Prius: Two of the best engines of 2010

It's not just about the battery

According to Wards, two hybrid cars offered the best engines for 2010. The 2.5L DOHC Inline-4 Hybrid, found in the Ford Fusion hybrid was 4th. The 1.8L DOHC Inline-4 Hybrid found in the Toyota Prius was 9th.

Fusion hybrid, Prius: Consumer Reports Buy Again Vehicles

Would you buy your car again?

Every year Consumer Reports asks its subscribers if they would buy their car again.

Pretty much every year, the Toyota Prius is one of the top 'buy again' vehicles, as it was again this year, coming in at number 5. But the Prius wasn't the top hybrid on this year's list.

Coming in at number 2 was the Ford Fusion hybrid.

Perhaps that helps explain why the Prius and the Fusion hybrid are the top two selling hybrid cars in the US?

US hybrid sales can't top 3 percent market share

Fusion hybrid sales up 73 percent

Compared to last year, this year's November hybrid vehicle auto sales were up 21 percent. Still, total new car market share was only 2.7 percent for hybrid cars.

Almost half of all hybrids sold were Toyota Prius hybrids, and almost three-quarters of all hybrids sold were made by Toyota.

The only real bright spot outside of Toyota was the Ford Fusion hybrid with 2,361 total units sold. For comparison the similarly-sized Toyota Camry hybrid sold 1,465 units. However, the Prius sold 9,617 units.

Fusion hybrid: A Car and Driver 10 Best for 2010

Safe, fun and efficient

The Ford Fusion hybrid continues to impress, becoming just the second hybrid to make Car and Drivers 2010 Ten Best Cars list.

"CAR and DRIVER is always looking for those cars that are most engaging to drive, and in our experience the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle that really delivers a fun driving experience," said Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief, CAR and DRIVER.

MotorTrend Car of Year comes in hybrid option

A Fusion of goodness

OK. A hybrid car didn't take this year's MotorTrend car of the year award. Still, the award-winning Ford Fusion does come in a hybrid option.

Hey, at least the Fusion hybrid still qualifies for a $800 federal tax credit. So take that, conventional Fusion.

Ford Fusion shows reality of hybrid car sales

Can it sell 30,000 units in '09?

Here's the good news. The Ford Fusion hybrid has helped the Fusion achieve a record year in sales for Ford, while stealing hybrid consumers away from Toyota and Honda.

Here's the bad news. Overall, total hybrid sales are still under 3 percent of total market share, and half that share is the Toyota Prius.

Moreover, while this is positive news for Ford and its excellent hybrid technology, the Toyota Camry hybrid still moved more units than the Fusion hybrid, despite an $800 tax credit in favor of the Fusion. What happens when the Fusion's hybrid tax credits expire?

Still, that's not really the point. In reality the hybrid versions of the both the Fusion and the Camry demonstrate that hybrid cars are not ready for serious market penetration without a significant increase in incentives and/or much higher gas prices.

Ford hybrid sales up 73 percent

A nice step

So far this year, according to GreenCarCongress, Ford's US hybrid sales are up 73 percent compared to last year, mostly thanks to the Fusion hybrid. In total Ford has sold 26,016 hybrid vehicles, far more than any other US automaker.

For comparison, Toyota has sold 144,351 hybrids in the US through September, down 28 percent compared to last year.

Still, the real question is, can Ford sustain this sale's pace? In the past Ford has indicated that it could produce as many as 50,000 hybrids per year, a number Ford will come close to reaching this year.

To sustain Ford's current pace into next year, however, Ford will have to increase production, something Ford has been averse to until lithium can replace NiMH.

If that's not soon, then Ford's hybrid sales will probably flatten early next year.

3 Hybrids up for 2010 North American Car of the Year

Ford's Car of the Year?

Three hybrid cars have been picked as candidates for the 2010 North American Car of the Year. The Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight and the Ford Fusion hybrid are among the 15 contenders picked by automotive journalists from the US and Canada.

The winner will be picked at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Dedicated GM hybrid sedan coming

Will its tech top the Fusion hybrid?

GM is working on a new dedicated hybrid sedan according to reports. Unfortunately, there are few details regarding this new hybrid.

Certainly, it is good news to learn that GM is working on a dedicated hybrid. Still, it will be interesting to see if a dedicated hybrid sedan offers a more compelling consumer case than either a Ford Fusion hybrid or a Toyota Camry hybrid.

Nonetheless, the king of hybrid cars is still the Toyota Prius. Why not take on the king?

Ford hybrid sales up 91 percent in June

But, it's not quite as good as it sounds

Sales of Ford hybrid cars were up 91 percent in June compared to last June, largely thanks to the new Fusion hybrid. Then again, last year at this time, supplies of the Escape hybrid were so low that I'm not quite sure this number is as impressive as it sounds.

Overall in June, Ford sold 3,649 hybrid vehicles. For comparison, Toyota sold 16,744 hybrids.

Without doubt, this is a nice improvement for Ford's hybrid sales. Nonetheless, until Ford takes on the Prius, Ford will remain a minor hybrid player compared to Toyota.

Fusion hybrid: Most patented car ever. So what?

Ford's most important car ever?

The other day Ford sent me a press release claiming that the Ford Fusion hybrid is the "most patented car in history".

Then why am I so unimpressed?

While I believe the Fusion hybrid is a fantastic automobile, Ford has no plans to sell more than 25,000 of these hybrid vehicles per year. Other than for marketing purposes, what does that really do for Ford?

Granted, Ford is almost assuredly waiting to finalize lithium development before mass-producing any Ford hybrid vehicle, and such a move probably makes economic sense, especially in the short term. Still, Toyota might roll out more than half a million hybrids this year, and Ford can only manage 50,000?

Anyway, I have high expectations for the future of Ford - or at least high hopes - so let's end this on a positive note. According to the The Patent Board, "Ford's patented technologies are closer to cutting edge than its competitors".

There is no doubt Alan Mulally's financial moves since assuming the helm of Ford were more cutting edge than Ford's competitors. If Mulally has been concurrently driving Ford more aggressively towards next generation, cutting edge technologies, then maybe - hopefully - Ford's small hybrid output today is just the calm before Ford's hybrid storm.

Focus on Ford: What's the real state of lithium?

Why wasn't it lithium?

In 2010 Ford will roll out its all electric transit van. The next year a small EV will follow. However, less battery intensive lithium hybrids and plug-in hybrids won't hit the market until 2012 under Ford's current plans. Why?

Ford claims their new lithium battery technology will offer 5 percent more power than NiMH. More important, however, their lithium batteries will be 30 percent smaller, 50 percent lighter and about 30 percent cheaper to manufacture than NiMH.

Really? When? Because it's obviously not today, otherwise Ford would have added this technology to the Fusion hybrid, especially since the Fusion hybrid is less battery intensive than an EV. Moreover, Ford is only going to make 25,000 of these hybrids per year. So, such an implementation would have been minor compared to 25,000 EVs per year.

Yet, today, Ford doesn't plan to roll out a lithium hybrid until 2012, even though it would make such hybrid vehicles more powerful and cheaper? Why?

Many lithium experts have pointed out that hand producing lithium batteries for a handful of autos isn't a problem, it's cost-effectively mass-producing them in a way that guarantees absolute reliability for hundreds of thousands of vehicles that's the real concern.

If Ford couldn't safely and cost-effectively mass manufacture its new lithium technology for just 25,000 hybrids - about 2,000 battery packs per month - how close can we really be to the lithium revolution?

Ford's huge hybrid opportunity: Can Ford compete?

Can you compete with the king or not?

I still can't believe the early sales data coming in on the 2010 Toyota Prius. Even before the Prius actually launches, Toyota will have already sold more of these new hybrid cars than Ford will sell in all of 2009, despite the hype around the new Fusion hybrid.

Yet, as Chrysler and GM sit on the precipice of bankruptcy, Ford stands strong in Detroit, in America. Today, Ford evokes hope in the hearts and minds of those that believe the US auto industry can still compete.

But, what do we really believe in? That Ford understands finance? Obviously, but what about its future products?

If Ford was rolling out Honda's new Insight hybrid, it would have instantly sold out. INSTANTLY. Buy American-only buyers are dying to put their money in an American product that proves American automakers can compete, especially when it comes to fuel efficient technology.

But, can Ford truly compete in the future? Not if its cheapest hybrid is the Ford Fusion hybrid.

In recent weeks and months Ford has talked up its gains in lithium batteries. Enough talk. It's time to walk the walk and give America an American foreign-oil dependency, CO2-crushing, Toyota Prius contender. Such a vehicle cannot, will not, fail Ford. And the hype, buzz and floor traffic it would create for Ford would result in the biggest marketing coupe in Ford history.

So, can Ford compete?

Fusion smackdown: Lithium to power Camry hybrid soon

The perfect Toyota hybrid for lithium?

OK. This is pure speculation. Nonetheless, there was a time when Toyota had verbally committed to putting lithium-ion batteries into the third generation Prius.

Then a few cell phones and laptops blew up. But, that wasn't all that happened to stymie lithium Prii.

Gas prices began to spike and Toyota Prius demand went through the ceiling. Imagine making your first lithium hybrid roll out in a car with such huge production numbers, demand, and expectations. One bad thermodynamic event and the king of hybrid cars drops from first to last. Hence, Toyota indicated that the first Toyota lithium hybrid might be a Lexus.

Screw Lexus. Now that Ford has rolled out the Ford Fusion hybrid, Toyota needs to send a strong response.

Thus, if Toyota is to keep its hybrid edge, I can think of no better entry point today for lithium than the Camry hybrid. Ford has put a shot off Toyota's hybrid bow. Now it's time for Toyota to fire back, if they can.

Is the green auto revolution more hype than reality?

Can Honda sell 100,000 Insights per year?

“In spite of government and advocacy groups touting the benefits of smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, Americans seem to have an insatiable feeling that bigger is better,” claims AutoTrader research data according to MSNBC's Dan Carney.

In recent years, automakers have built a lot of PR hype around their green offerings, or at least their future green offerings. For instance, America has been hearing about the Chevy Volt for years now, yet the Volt's sale's debut is almost 2 years from reality. Even then, and for a number of years after, GM will be making 10's of thousands of Volts, not 100's of thousands.

Likewise, many other automakers have plans for a hybrid or two, maybe a few small cars, and a limited production EV. Yet, none of these automakers have stopped building beefed up sports cars and gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs. Go to any auto show and most of the crowds are still drawn to the usual, inefficient suspects.

In terms of sales, for instance, Ford has been putting great effort into promoting its fantastic Fusion hybrid, but the automaker is only going to make 25,000 of these great hybrid cars per year. On the other hand, Ford sold over 30,000 F-Series trucks in March alone, despite the fact that Ford truck sales are down more than 40 percent year to date thanks to a recession - not gas prices.

In reality, isn't the green auto revolution still mostly hype?

How important is the Fusion hybrid to Ford?

More about PR than sales?

The morning Joe show couldn't stop gushing over Ford and the Ford Fusion hybrid when it interviewed Mark Fields, Ford Executive VP, this morning. However, when asked if the Fusion hybrid was representative of Ford's future, Fields simply replied that the Fusion hybrid proved the Ford can make quality fuel efficient cars.

Unfortunately, however, Ford can only afford to make 25,000 of them per year.

Likewise, Fields gave no indication the Fusion hybrid would ever be produced in the US instead of Mexico, where it is currently built.

The calm before the hybrid storm

The waiting game

Sales of hybrid vehicles declined 29 percent last month. Of course, the decline in light passenger vehicles was down 41 percent, so hybrids are still selling relatively well.

Yet, with the new Honda Insight and the new Toyota Prius ready to hit the market, in addition to the Ford Fusion hybrid, it seems that hybrid sales could actually spike significantly in coming months.

Before the recession really took hold of the US economy, I had heard from many whom were waiting for these new hybrids. It'll be very interesting to see how these hybrids are received in these tough economic times.

25,000 reasons to the hate the Fusion hybrid

The greatest car Ford doesn't really want to sell

The best hybrid ever. I've now heard numerous reporters, stock analysts and Ford fans claim the Fusion hybrid is the best hybrid ever made. More fuel efficient than the similarly sized Toyota Camry hybrid and funner than the Prius.

Whatever.

If the Fusion hybrid is better than the Prius, then why isn't Ford going to even try to outsell the Prius, or even the Camry hybrid for that matter?

Why is Ford only going to sell 25,000 units of the greatest hybrid ever made according to so many?

Even in this horrible auto market the Prius is on pace for over 3 times that sales output. However, when the 2010 Prius goes on sale next month, that output is certain to increase.

Unfortunately, until Ford gets serious about developing battery supply chains for its hybrid vehicles, Ford's hybrids are pretty much irrelevant. Having a great car that no one can buy really isn't that great, is it?

Fusion hybrid priced right?

$27,270

The new Ford Fusion hybrid is 8 miles per gallon more fuel efficient than the Toyota Camry hybrid in city traffic, but it will also cost over $1,000 more than the Camry hybrid.

According to the EPA, the $27,270 Fusion hybrid achieves 41 miles per gallon in the city and the 36 on the highway. The $26,150 Camry hybrid achieves 33 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

Is the Fusion hybrid worth the extra cost compared to the Camry hybrid, purely in terms of fuel economy? Not necessarily, especially for highway drivers. For city drivers, however, the Fusion hybrid makes a compelling case. Of course, hybrid tax credits are still available for the Fusion hybrid, so this price difference is currently less relevant.

Regardless, the Fusion hybrid is a pretty impressive offering from Ford. Now, if only they could start seriously ramping up yearly production of their hybrid cars.

So what fuel efficient cars will the government buy?

The only American car worth buying if fuel efficiency is the Focus?

$600 million for the government to "green" its fleet of vehicles by purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles?

Sounds like a good idea, at least on the face of it? Right?

Yet, I cannot help but wonder, what cars will the government buy?

The Chevy Tahoe hybrid? The Saturn Aura mild hybrid?

Truthfully, the only Big 3 vehicles that should be on the list are the Ford Escape hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid. That's it. Unfortunately, Ford is only going to make about 50,000 of those hybrid vehicles combined this year.

What else is there if a real improvement in fuel economy is sought?

I don't know. Call me very unexcited.

Perhaps, the White House should tell Toyota to restart its plans to build the Prius in the US and make that a qualifying vehicle.

Rush to the best Ford Fusion tax credit

Worth up to a $3400 tax credit

If you're interested in purchasing a Ford Fusion hybrid, it's best to act now. While the EPA has told Ford that the Fusion hybrid will qualify for a $3400 tax credit, that credit will only be available until March 31. After that, until September 30, the Fusion hybrid will qualify for a $1700 tax credit. After than, until March 21, 2010, the tax credit will be $850.

The Fusion hybrid will start at $27,270, although dealer markups could increase those costs.

Also, the Mercury Milan hybrid qualifies for the same tax credits as the Fusion hybrid.

Fusion hybrid punks Camry hybrid in the city

Hybrid wars are on?

Ford's new hybrid, the Fusion hybrid, will beat the Toyota Camry hybrid in city fuel economy by 8 mpg according to the latest EPA findings. In the city, the Fusion hybrid will be rated at 41 mpg, 8 mpg more than the Camry hybrid. On the highway, the Camry hybrid will be rated 36 mpg, 2 mpg more than the Camry hybrid.

While this is fantastic and exciting news, I'm still uncertain that Ford is truly ready to challenge Toyota's supremacy in hybrid cars.

Even before the bottom fell out of hybrid sales last month, Ford still only planned on producing 25,000 Fusion hybrids next year. Why? This is a car that should outsell the Camry hybrid. Is Ford's new hybrid technology cost-competitive compared to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive?

Still, whether by luck or not, 25,000 Fusion hybrids per year might be the right number until gas prices pick back up. For now, the Fusion hybrid is a hopeful development for the US auto industry.

LA Auto Show and green automakers? Shut up

Proof that BMW is a green automaker?

I've now read a number of articles that discuss how green the LA Auto Show is, and how committed automakers are to green technology. Please. What show were these journalists attending?

The Honda Insight hybrid, the Ford Fusion hybrid, the Mini E, the Toyota Camry Natural Gas hybrid and some fuel cell cars demonstrate how much more committed the auto industry is to green technology? Wow! You have to be drinking some pretty good kool-aide to buy that green message.

Certainly, the Honda Insight is a legitimate effort. But, 25,000 Fusion hybrids per year? Whatever. A few hundred two-seat electric Mini E's? That'll make a difference. A Toyota Camry Natural Gas Hybrid? There are no plans to sell it. Fuel cell cars? Awesome! There's a monkey ready to fly out of my ass with plans for the hydrogen highway.

Automakers aren't green and they won't be green any time soon. Already, US automakers testified before Congress that 35 mpg fleet fuel economy by 2020 was already pushing the limits of possibility. That won't come close to ending foreign oil dependency, nor will it reduce CO2 emissions nearly enough.

Outside of some minor, niche automakers, there is no such thing as a green automaker. Not even close.

LA Auto Show: Stupid is, stupid does

The buzz amongst consumers?

I spent a few hours at the LA Auto Show this weekend to get a feel for consumer reaction to the show and to specific vehicles, particularly hybrid vehicles. Obviously, consumers don't go to auto shows only looking for vehicles they would buy, they also go to live out fantasies of Ferrari ownership, or Rolls Royce luxury. So, following the crowds isn't always indicative of real world consumerism.

Nonetheless, I did notice a few interesting things. For instance, when it came to Ford and GM, neither the new Fusion hybrid nor the Chevy Volt most piqued consumer interest, instead attendees flocked to the Mustang and the Camaro.

In fact, the Fusion hybrid seemed to garner little interest, maybe because it looks just like, well, a Fusion.

Likewise, the Saturn Flextreme - built on the same E Flex Platform as the Volt - seemed to draw more interest than the Volt, perhaps because of its more unusual design. Still, the Volt was much more popular than the Fusion hybrid.

Again, auto shows might not be good barometers of consumer interest, however, if automakers did use the LA Show to help determine future consumer wants and desires, performance and gas-guzzling would still rule.

Best hybrids of the LA Auto Show

Ford Fusion hybrid

There are going to be a number of new hybrid cars at this year's LA Auto Show. While much of the hype has been focused on the Honda Insight hybrid, it is the Ford Fusion hybrid that I am almost most interested in, almost.

The new Fusion hybrid will debut Ford's new hybrid powertrain - no longer dependent on Ford's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Even more exciting, it will out perform the Toyota Camry hybrid in fuel economy.

Unfortunately, however, Ford only intends to produce 25,000 Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles per year. That simply doesn't cut the mustard. It also makes me wonder, is Ford's new hybrid powertrain truly cost-competitive?

Fuel economy versus auto jobs - What's more important?

No US Prius competitors any time soon

Fuel economy. In and of itself, fuel efficiency doesn't sound important. However, when you add foreign oil dependency into the equation, fuel economy becomes vital - perhaps the most vital issue facing America.

Yet, is America really taking foreign oil dependency seriously?

Finish: Fuel economy versus auto jobs - What's more important?

Black October over - Next for the Big 3?

October was scary, but is the worst over?

So, October was a pretty scary month for US automakers, and it now appears inevitable that the Big 3 will become the Big 2. But, is that is bad as it gets? Is the worst over?

Before addressing the dark side, there were a few a bright spots in October. GM, for instance, stated that despite massive financial concerns, the development of the Chevy Volt will continue as planned. And Ford, according to Consumer Reports, has basically caught up to the best automakers in quality. Moreover, the Ford Fusion hybrid might be a more solid hybrid than the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Still, with the economy possibly crashing into a recession, financial issues could become much worse for automakers, especially US automakers whom have been hit particularly hard by the dramatic decline in gas-guzzler sales. So, even if these automakers avoid bankruptcy, will they really be able to afford producing significant numbers of new, fuel efficient vehicles? When will a US automaker produce 100,000 hybrid cars per year (including the Volt)?

2 hybrids up for Green Car of the Year

Can GM pull back-to-back wins?

Two hybrid cars are up for the Green Car of the Year Award. The Saturn Vue hybrid (dual mode version) and the Ford Fusion hybrid made the Green Car Journal's list, which has become a piece of the LA Auto Show.

Last year, GM won the award with the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, which focuses on new green models coming to market.

Other vehicles up for the award are the Smart ForTwo, BMW 335d, and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

Fusion hybrid 5mpg better than Camry hybrid

No competition for Ford's new hybrids?

InsideLine is reporting that the new Ford Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles will achieve fuel economy that is at least 5 mpg better than the Toyota Camry hybrid on the EPA's city cycle. That would mean at least 38 mpg..

To achieve this level of fuel economy, Ford's new hybrids will have an electric range of up to 8 miles and be able to run on nothing but electricity up to speeds as high as 47 mph.

According to Ford, these impressive numbers were achieved by downsizing all hybrid components, as Toyota has claimed it will also do with the next generation Prius. That means a battery that is 20 percent lighter than the battery pack used in the Escape hybrid, for instance.

Sounds like a winner. It would be nice to see Ford live up to the hype. Of course, if Ford only produces 25,000 Fusion hybrids, I still won't be that impressed.

Bold predictions for Ford's new hybrids?

Same production limitations as the Escape hybrid?

According to MotorTrend Ford will soon roll out new technology that will "meet or beat the competition in fuel economy." At least that's what Ford's president of the Americas Mark Fields is claiming.

A piece of that new technology will be some new hybrid vehicles, as Ford is prepared to launch both the Fusion and the Mercury Milan hybrids late this year.

Since Ford's hybrid system is largely leased from Toyota, does that mean Ford has figured out a way to make better hybrids than Toyota with the same technology? That seems more like marketing spin than reality. And, even if true, can Ford increase hybrid production to levels that will really mean something?

New hybrids at LA auto show?

Will a hybrid steal the show?

Last year's Los Angeles Auto Show offered some interesting hybrid announcements from GM, such as one regarding a plug-in Saturn Vue and hints of the Chevy Volt.

On the other hand, hybrid car king Toyota offered a great display area for its hybrid vehicles, but the automaker seemed far more focused on pickup trucks than hybrids.

Still, Southern California has become the largest hybrid market, and the importance of green vehicles is becoming a major theme for the LA Show - an auto show growing greatly in importance in the auto show circuit.

Currently, there are 12 major world premiers scheduled. One of them has to be a hybrid, and I'm betting one will be a new Prius-derivative, such as a smaller Prius or a crossover Prius. In addition, I'm expecting Honda's new hybrid to also show, and I would love to see a Ford Fusion hybrid, or a dual mode Chevy Malibu hybrid.

Regardless, I'm expecting hybrids to make a strong showing in LA. I can't wait.

Ford Fusion hybrid closer to reality?

Available in late 2008?

Car&Driver was able to spy the upcoming Fusion hybrid, which should be offered as part of the redesigned 2009 model. Finally, an American automaker will offer a full hybrid sedan?

Early reports indicate that the Fusion hybrid will utilize the same hybrid powertrain as Ford's other hybrid vehicles, such as the Escape hybrid.

Hopefully, GM and Chrsyler will take note. Many hybrid buyers are simply not interested in SUVs, and making hybrid sedans is an important part of the hybrid mix.