Ford Motor Co. said today that its Ford Fusion and Mercury Milanhybrid sedans have been certified by the EPA at 41 mpg city/36 highway.The ratings put the hybrids' fuel economy at the front of the mid-sized pack, Ford said in a statement. Ford engineers spent three years revamping the gasoline-electric powertrain that debuted in the 2004 Escape Hybrid crossover.
The announcement underscores efforts by the Detroit 3 to bring more fuel-efficient vehicles to market.
During recent congressional hearings for federal bailout funds, the Detroit 3 were criticized for their past adherence to larger vehicles with poor fuel economy.
The latest version of Ford's hybrid powertrain again uses a one-speed continuously variable transmission. The size of the gasoline engine has been increased to 2.5 liters from from 2.3. The nickel-metal hydride battery pack is smaller and lighter but puts out 20 percent more power.
The Fusion Hybrid arrives in dealerships next spring with a base price of $27,270, excluding delivery charges that have not been announced. No price has been announced for the Milan Hybrid.
Competition is stiff among fuel-efficient cars.
Volkswagen's compact diesel-powered Jetta sedan delivers 30 mpg city/41 highway, while the Honda Civic Hybrid sedan gets 40 city/45 highway. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, similar in size to the Fusion and Milan, is rated at 33 city/34 highway.
But Ford may have the edge when it comes to driving on pure electric power. The Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid can reach speeds of 47 mph on electricity alone, a higher speed than other hybrids.
"The Fusion Hybrid's ability to run at much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximize fuel efficiently in many driving situations," said Praveen Cherian, Fusion Hybrid program leader. "This would allow drivers to travel around their subdivision and parking areas in all-electric mode."
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