Higher Gas Prices May Lead To Hybrid Surge

Ford sells four hybrid models including this Mercury Milan Hybrid sedan.

You might think that gasoline was retailing for above four dollars a gallon the way that hybrid sales have been acting of late particularly for one automaker.

Ford Hybrid Demand Surges

On the strength of its release of the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid this past spring, the Ford Motor Company is enjoying a 73% increase in hybrid sales for the year. Couple these midsize sedans with the automaker’s two compact crossover hybrids – the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid – and you can see why hybrid sales are on the increase during a time when gas prices are flat and overall sales abysmal.

With oil moving above $75 a barrel and the world’s economy on the mend, demand for fuel will only accelerate, perhaps returning gas prices to levels last seen in Summer 2008. While this forecast bodes poorly for the typical driver, it will likely cause many car shoppers to to look for vehicles which offer outstanding fuel economy. And with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mileage rating of 41 city/36 highway, the five passenger Ford sedans offer plenty of interior room for the fuel economy.

Conquest Sales Delight

Most telling about the way that the Fusion and Milan hybrid models are performing is just who is buying these cars. Ford reports that sixty percent of Fusion Hybrid sales are from non-Ford owners, with more than half of those from foreign makes. Toyota and Honda owners make up more than half of those conquest sales, a very good indicator of just how well these cars are being received.

Ford shocked the green world earlier this year when the EPA released its mileage estimates for the hybrid sedans which easily topped the industry standard-bearing Toyota Camry Hybrid whose own ratings are 33 city/34 highway. A quick survey of the market shows that around town the Fusion Hybrid beats mostly everyone including the diminutive Smart Fortwo, Volkswagen Jetta TDI and the Honda Civic Hybrid.

Fleet Uses Surge

Part of the reason why demand for Ford hybrids is surging has everything to do with government and taxi industry fleets welcoming these models.

In San Francisco, more than two hundred Ford Escape Hybrid taxis ply the streets of this hilly city by the bay. Fifteen of those models have pushed past 300,000 miles and are now being replaced, having first been put into service in 2005. That is a strong tribute to the durability of these hybrids and should dispel worries among buyers that the technology can’t function beyond 100-150,000 miles as originally thought by some.

The New York Taxi fleet is the largest in the world and with some 13,000 plus hybrid models in service it makes for a good indicator on how these vehicles perform in all kinds of conditions. As the saying goes, “if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere,” Ford’s contribution to the fleet is 2000 Ford Escape Hybrid models strong. Like San Francisco, a number of the earlier models have pushed past 300,000 miles and will soon be replaced by new Ford hybrids.

Ford Knocking On The Door

For Ford, the auspicious growth of its hybrid program puts its sales in the range of Honda, the number two retailer of hybrid vehicles in America. While Toyota remains far out front of the pack, Ford is proving that demand for its vehicles remain strong and that it can beat even the industry leader at its own game, taking sales away from its chief competitors and increasing overall manufacturer market share as well.

References

Ford Escape Hybrid taxis demonstrate durability on New York streets

San Francisco’s hybrid taxis prove their worth

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

Ford Delivers Millionth SYNC Vehicle

Redmond, Wash. - May 26, 2009 - Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally (left) visits the Microsoft campus to deliver Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's new 2010 Fusion Hybrid equipped with the 1 millionth Ford SYNC system. SYNC, which is powered by Microsoft Auto software, is Ford's fully-integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players.

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that Ford rolled out its SYNC technology, developed with Microsoft Corporation to provide drivers with a voice-activated communications and entertainment system like none other available on the road. Ford had an exclusive arrangement with Microsoft to deliver SYNC technology for one year, giving the automaker a leg up on its competition.

One Million SYNC Models Later

Just this past week, Ford rolled out its one millionth vehicle equipped with SYNC, a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid model which was delivered to Microsoft’s president, Steve Ballmer.

“We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value,” Mulally said. “The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers’ lifestyles.”

SYNC Helped Ford Focus Sales

Last Spring, as gas prices began to climb, Ford took advantage of the technology by offering it in one of its most economical models, the Ford Focus. That combination of great sound and terrific fuel economy propelled Focus sales enabling the car to quickly become one of the top selling vehicles for 2008.

“Working with Microsoft and other key technology partners, we’ve made Ford the connectivity leader in the auto industry,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronic systems. “We do not plan to stand still; we have several additional developments in the pipeline, including launching SYNC in Europe and around the world.”

Moving Forward With SYNC

Although the proprietary licensing period with Microsoft has now ended, Ford’s edge in the arena of in-car communications is evident, something the automaker plans to build upon in the years ahead.

See Also — New Ford Shares Program Looming

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

Ford Sponsoring American Idol Finale Parties

My wife is a huge fan of American Idol, has been one for years, so I am well aware that one of the biggest sponsors of the show is the Ford Motor Company. Last year, the automaker used the show to introduce a new Ford Focus model while this year some of the top selling cars, including the all new Ford Fusion Hybrid have been featured in numerous commercials.

A Promotion Idol Fans Will Love

I just learned today that Ford has come up with a promotion for American Idol devotees, one that they are sure to love. It goes like this:

• On Tuesday, May 19, for the first time ever, Ford is making it possible to view the “American Idol” finale at cinemas in 10 cities nationwide through National CineMedia
• To gain access to the private cinema viewing parties, consumers must test drive a new 2010 Ford Fusion or Fusion Hybrid at select test drive events between the dates of May 7-10 and May 14-17
• Test drivers will also be entered into a drawing to win a limited edition American Idol Ford Fusion and an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to attend the two-night “American Idol” finale on Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20.

Oh, and if that isn’t enough to rock your world, then maybe the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid American Idol edition would. Yes, you got that right — Ford has gone over to the dark side and has come up with an idolized version of its all new hybrid model.

Give Your Hybrid An Idol Touch

Seriously, you can buy a Ford Fusion Hybrid with some of the Idol regalia included, a customized car optioned with a 12-speaker Sony Audio System and a karaoke kit for MP3 players with LCD monitors mounted in the headrests of the driver and front passenger seats. In addition, the special edition hybrid features “American Idol” embroidered floor mats and exterior badging. Gag me with a spoon!

Anyway, I have the evidence to prove to you that an idolized Ford Fusion is now available, pictures I downloaded from the Ford Motor Company media site:

For more information and a complete list of test drive locations, visit www.fordrocksthecinema.com.

Photos courtesy of the Ford Motor Company, no promotional consideration was given for this article.

Related Reading: Mercury Milan