Ford Fusion Named Green Car Journal's 2013 Green Car of the Year at LA Auto Show +VIDEO

Three Approaches to Driving 'Green' and Mass-Market Appeal Help Cinch Win

LOS ANGELES, CA - November 29, 2012: The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion has been named Green Car Journal's 2013 Green Car of the Year^® at the LA Auto Show. The Fusion emerged on top of an exceptional field of finalists including the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero, Ford C-MAX, Mazda CX-5 SKYACTIV and the Toyota Prius c.

Green Car of the Year honors are reserved for production vehicles on sale by Jan. 1 of the award year.  Nominees are exemplary in that they forward environmental performance in meaningful and quantifiable ways while also presenting an accessible choice to enough consumers to make a real impact on the environment. The groundbreaking 2013 Ford Fusion not only significantly reduces petroleum use, CO2 emissions and overall environmental impact, but is priced to encourage the kind of sales volume that can truly influence environmental improvement.

"We are very honored that the all-new Ford Fusion has been recognized as the Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal," said David Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager. "From EcoBoost to hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings, the new Fusion is delivering best-in-class fuel economy all wrapped in a dynamic package."

Watch the complete Green Car Press Conference

Ford's all-new Fusion exhibits a stunning design and Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, plus an affordable point of entry at just $21,700. Importantly, the 2013 Ford Fusion breaks new ground with five diverse powerplant choices, among them three efficient gasoline internal combustion engines including two with EcoBoost technology, a 47 mpg hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid that's expected to top 100 mpg equivalent.

Powering the base model is a 175 horsepower, 2.5-liter engine that's EPA rated at up to 34 mpg on the highway. Making use of Ford's advanced EcoBoost technology that combines direct gasoline injection and turbocharging, the Fusion's 178 horsepower, 1.6-liter powerplant achieves up to 37 highway mpg, with the more powerful 240 horsepower, 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine netting 33 mpg highway estimates. The Fusion hybrid provides a combined 188 horsepower with notable 47 mpg fuel efficiency across the board, while allowing travel at up to 62 mph on electric power alone. Fusion Energi capitalizes on Ford's excellent hybrid powertrain, adding plug-in charging capability and up to 20 miles of all-electric range, with hundreds of additional miles available on gasoline-electric hybrid power.  

"The 2013 Ford Fusion approaches the market with a 'game-on' attitude," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com, and president of the nonprofit Green Car Institute. "There's no overstating the importance of what Ford has done. Many have long envisioned new car showrooms where a desired model could be purchased with one of many distinctly different and efficient powertrains, selected to satisfy a buyer's particular needs and desires."

Electrification is part of this diverse and green vision since driving on battery power enables zero-emission motoring. But advanced and highly-efficient internal combustion engine choices with different levels of 'green' performance are also integral to this forward-looking strategy, since many drivers prefer the familiarity and affordability of gasoline powered vehicles. The 2013 Ford Fusion leads the way toward a new generation of advanced vehicles with its diverse portfolio of clean and efficient power choices, along with its suite of advanced electronics, desirability, and buyer accessibility.

A jury comprised of the nation's top environmental leaders including Natural Resources Defense Council president Frances Beinecke, Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune, Ocean Futures Society president Jean-Michel Cousteau, and Global Green USA president Matt Petersen, plus Tonight Show host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno and Green Car Journal staff select the 2013 Green Car of the Year through a majority vote.