Are Ford's hybrid better than the competition?

"Not all hybrids are created equal"

That's the new message that Ford wants the buyers of hybrid cars to understand. Because of Ford's lighter battery - and its 20 percent increase in power and improved chemistry at higher temperatures - the Ford Fusion hybrid is able to stay in electric mode up to speeds as high as 47 mph, unlike the 35 mph to which many other hybrids are confined.

“The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to run at a much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximize fuel efficiently in many driving situations,” says Praveen Cherian, the Fusion Hybrid program team leader.

Finish: Are Ford's hybrid better than the competition?

Fusion hybrid more fuel efficient and expensive than the Camry hybrid

$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.

Finish: Fusion hybrid more fuel efficient and expensive than the Camry hybrid

Ford committed to small cars

The future for Ford?

Ford plans to launch at least a half dozen new small cars in the next few years. Alan Mulally told the Automotive News that he doesn't believe that gas prices - now on the decline - will remain low. Additionally, the KA is still a possibility for the US market.

Alan Mulally, whom specialized in efficiency at Boeing, gives me hope for Ford. Hot on the heels of new information on the incredible fuel economy of the upcoming Fusion hybrid, this small car news demonstrates that Ford is headed in the right direction.

Fusion hybrid 5 mpg 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.

Finish: Fusion hybrid 5 mpg better than the Camry hybrid