Ford Fusion Hybrid Earns Spot on Car and Driver’s List of 10 Best Cars for 2010

Ford Fusion Hybrid Earns Spot on Car and Driver’s List of 10 Best Cars for 2010
The hits keep coming for America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan, the Ford Fusion. The Fusion Hybrid has been honored as one of CAR and DRIVER magazine’s “10Best” cars for 2010, just weeks after winning the prestigious MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award.

“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, noting that the Fusion Hybrid is only the second hybrid ever to make the magazine’s “10Best” list.

“We were very impressed with how seamlessly the hybrid powertrain functioned,” Alterman said. “We were also impressed with Ford SYNC® and how seamlessly it worked.”

But Alterman says what really sealed the deal for Fusion Hybrid is the simple fact that it’s fun. “The vehicle is entertaining,” he explained. “It’s really fun to drive, and we had fun trying to improve our mileage using the SmartGauge™ technology.”

A total of 58 vehicles were in the running for the CAR and DRIVER “10Best” list. All of the contenders were put through a week of rigorous testing and judged based on three criteria: how well they perform their intended mission, i.e. luxury, sport; how engaging and fun they are to drive; and how much value they deliver.

“Being ranked one of CAR and DRIVER’s ‘10Best’ cars for 2010 is high praise indeed,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. “In addition to being fun to drive, the Fusion Hybrid offers unsurpassed fuel economy that our customers truly appreciate with an EPA estimated rating of 41 mpg in the city and the ability to travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas.”

Despite the slump in overall industry sales, 2009 has been a record-breaking year for the Ford Fusion. Sales are at an all-time high, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

Fusion Hybrid Awards and Accolades
Additional awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:

“Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2009 Ward’s Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best Graphic Display for SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster

Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com

Named one of America’s Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine

Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent comparison test by the magazine

Named 2009 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER

Named Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com

Named one of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com

Earned The Detroit News Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Value”

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

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Nick Breese
540-986-5679

2010 Ford Mustang

Key Highlights
*The new power dome hood, bumpers, fenders, rear end, grilles and wheels make the all-new 2010 Mustang design look fast.

*America’s original Pony car is fortified with a 315-hp V8 or 210-hp V6 – getting up to 26 mpg.*
*
*Carefully crafted details behind the redesigned interior include new, soft-touch instrument panel trim, flow thru center floor console and Ford SYNC®.

Available Trim Levels

*V6

*V6 Premium

*GT

*GT Premium

Features

*Air conditioning

*Ambient Lighting (Premium)

*Audio

-Audio – Premium AM/FM stereo/single-CD player and clock
-Auxiliary input jack
-SHAKER 500 (Premium)
-SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (Premium)

*Easy Fuel™ capless fuel-filler system

*Engine – 4.0L SOHC V6

*Engine – 4.6L 3-valve V8 (GT)

*Ford SYNC® with 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Reports (Premium)

*LED Sequential Tail Lamps

*Mirrors – Power sideview

*Power points (2)

*Power windows and door locks

*Seats:

-Cloth Bucket, 2-way Manual Passenger

-4-way manual driver

-Split-fold rear seats (Coupe)

*Stainless steel exhaust

*Steering wheel –Tilt with speed control

*Transmission – 5-speed manual

*Wheels – 17" painted-aluminum

Safety & Security

*AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

*Airbags – Dual front and front-seat side impact

*Brakes – Power 4-wheel disc with Antilock Brake System (ABS)

*Illuminated entry

*LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether anchors for Child-safety seats in rear outboard seating positions

*Personal Safety System® for driver and front passenger – Includes dual-stage front airbags, safety belt pretensioners, safety belt energy-management retractors, safety belt usage sensors, driver-seat position sensor, crash severity sensor, restraint control module and Front-Passenger Sensing System

*Remote Keyless Entry

*SecuriLock® passive anti-theft ignition system

*Side-intrusion door beams

*SOS Post-Crash Alert System

*Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Optional Features**

*Active Anti-Theft System

*Audio - Shaker 1000

*Comfort Package (53B)

*Convertible Boot

*Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (DEATC)

*Electronics Package (58X)

*Glass roof (coupe only)

*HID headlamps

*Reverse Camera System

*Seats

-6-way power-adjustable driver with power lumbar

-Heated front seats

*Security Package (43S)

*Transmission – 5-speed automatic

*Voice-activated Navigation System with SIRIUS® Travel Link

*18" Painted Aluminum Wheels

*18" Polished Aluminum Wheels

*19" Bright Machined Aluminum Wheels

*19" Premium Painted Luster Nickel Aluminum Wheels

*3.55 Rear Axle (GT Premium Coupe with Manual Trans)

*3.73 Rear Axle Package (GT Coupe with Manual Trans)

Select Rapid Spec Content**

*Exterior Sport Appearance Package:

-Lower Tape Stripe
-Decklid Spoiler

*Premier Trim with Color Accent:

-Charcoal Black interior environment with color-accented seats, unique door trim with bright Pony badge, and dark aluminum instrument panel

*V6 Pony Package:

-18" polished cast-aluminum wheels, body color extended mirrors, unique Grille, fog lamps, Pony fender badge, unique chrome exhaust tip, automatic headlamps, unique floor mats, decklid spoiler, and unique lower tape stripe.

Fleet Only Options

*Daytime running lamps

*Driver Ornamentation Package (18R)

*Engine block heater

*Floor mat delete

*Smoker’s Package (63B)

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

* 2009 EPA-estimated fuel economy: 17 mpg city/26 hwy. with 4.0L V6 and 5-speed manual transmission.
** Available on select series. Restrictions may apply. See your dealer for details.
Ford Motor Company reserves the right to change product specifications at any time without incurring obligations.

Why Ford has become a winner

By James Hinchcliffe
Globe and Mail Update
Racecar driver James Hinchcliffe praises the car maker for the huge improvement in its product

It may have been one small step for Motor Trend magazine, but the selection of the 2010 car of the year certainly was one giant leap for Ford Motor Co. This week it was announced that the 2010 Ford Fusion won the Motor Trend car of the year award. It was the first time since 2003 that a Ford had manage to claim the coveted prize.

I, personally, am very happy that the Fusion took home top honours this year. It gives some well-deserved credit to the only one of the struggling "Big 3" car manufacturers that has actually made real progress in the last few years. The reason I am so happy that Ford has been recognized for its efforts to turn the company around is because of the way it went about it; unlike their Detroit-based brethren, they tried to solve their issue from the showroom instead of the boardroom.

For years we were hearing about the declining popularity of North American cars and the take over of the market share by the leaders out of Europe and Japan. There were explanations and theories about labour costs and people's sudden aversion to buying big gas guzzling cars and SUVs. These were true enough and did contribute to the problem. But at the core of it all, irrespective of what was being created overseas, was the undeniable fact that the cars they made were junk.

Now that might seem a bit harsh. I am sure there are lots of people who own, or owned, a mid-90's to mid-2000's Ford, Chevy or Chrysler product and thought it was great. I'm sure it was. But the fact is there were less people on your side than there were against you. "Junk" is a relative term, of course. Were the cars absolutely unbearable, unreliable and unsafe? No. But compared to what else was out there, buying one would have been a bit like turning down a week vacation in Maui to see the touristy bits of Nebraska.

While the news kept breaking of company restructuring and managerial rearranging, the sad news was the product was left for what it was: simply undesirable. It had been out- styled, out-engineered and outclassed by the competition. For years the U.S. auto makers kept pumping out cars that looked like bars of soap on wheels and left a lot to be desired when driven. They were uninspiring to look at, bland to drive and not all that reliable.

Take the Chevrolet Impala, for example. I look at that thing and can't think of one single attribute that would make it a desirable car to own, other than the fact that Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives one and people move out of your way on the highway because they think you're a cop. For too long now I have looked at the North American cars and can't help but think "rental car." Again, there are a few exceptions; the Corvette is timeless, the new Camaro and Challenger are funky, but you can't carry umpteen sub-par models on the back of a few good ones.

That is why Ford deserves some credit. A few years ago the light bulb went on and they started updating the only part of the company that the consumer sees every day: the cars. What was so puzzling was that Ford and Chevy were both doing well in the European markets, albeit with cars that they didn't sell over here. Was it that big a stretch to believe that maybe they would be popular here too? Did someone not clue into the fact that every time there was a commercial on TV for the Focus it said in small print, "European model shown"? It was better looking!

It took these companies too long to realize that North Americans were ready to embrace change and move away from the big, boxy cars of yesteryear and toward smaller, funkier, more efficient cars like our European neighbours. Ford made the move first and it has been paying dividends ever since.

Ford was the only US auto maker to turn down bailout money from the government, and they actually posted a profit in the second quarter of this year. This has to be largely because their product on the road improved so dramatically.

They started coming out with cooler looking cars, like the Edge. Place it next to the SUVs that came before it like the Explorer and Escape and it looks like the "before" and "after" shots of the lucky guest on Oprah's makeover show. Even things that are a little overboard for me, like the Ford Flex, are selling well. And of course the Fusion is now an industry leader. All this came because they focused their efforts in the right place.

This new fleet of Fords boasts better quality, more focus on things like fuel efficiency, improved driving experience and, certainly not least, vastly improved looks. Not only are they keeping up with the competition, they are leading the pack.

It has been a long time coming, but I am glad that when someone asks me what new cars to look at, I can say, without hesitation, "Have you checked out a Ford lately?"

James Hinchcliffe is a Toronto-based racing driver with the IndyCar Lights circuit.


Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

Ford Taurus – America’s Most Innovative Sedan

Named "Official Car" of the 2010 International CES


The smartest full-size sedan in America, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, will be the official vehicle of the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®), to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.

“The all-new Taurus is Ford’s technology flagship, offering more user-friendly technology to help keep you safe and connected than cars twice its price,” said Frank Davis, executive director Product Development. “And there’s no better venue to show it off than CES.”

Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally will deliver the opening keynote address at CES, where Ford also will announce enhancements to its award-winning Ford SYNC® communications and entertainment system as well as new technology that builds on the company’s connected-car leadership position.

As the official car of CES, the Ford Taurus will be featured prominently with technology demonstrations and in signage, brochures and other written materials at the show.

“Consumers demand the latest on-the-go innovation in their cars. Ford automobiles are built with cutting-edge technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA), producer of the International CES. “We are thrilled to welcome Ford to the 2010 International CES and to name the new Ford Taurus as the ‘Official Car of CES.’ We also look forward to hearing Ford’s Alan Mulally kick off the 2010 CES with his opening keynote address on Thursday, Jan. 7.”

As Davis notes, the all-new Ford Taurus is a perfect fit for CES – the world’s largest consumer technology trade show for the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. In addition to its expressive styling, the vehicle is loaded with advanced features, making it a virtual dream come true for avid techies.

“The Ford Taurus has 10 class-exclusive features not available from any other manufacturer,” said Davis. “This vehicle offers it all – from Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ that are designed to reduce fatigue on long-distance drives to a voice-activated navigation system that can tell you real-time traffic and weather information, and even where to find the cheapest gas.”

The Taurus also offers the latest application of SYNC – Traffic, Directions & Information – along with 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report. SYNC’s USB port and Bluetooth capability connects to MP3 players, memory sticks and smartphones, making them accessible by voice control – a more convenient and safe way to use these devices in the car.

For techies with teenaged drivers, Taurus offers MyKey™, a feature that allows parents to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency.

In addition to Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion, voice-activated navigation, SYNC and MyKey, other class-exclusive technologies available on the Ford Taurus include:

#
EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler – a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling, or spinning caps. It seals automatically, every time.
#
SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad – a feature that allows you to unlock the driver’s door by entering a five-digit code via a flush-mounted keypad
#
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support – a feature that allows you to set a cruising speed and uses radar technology to automatically adjust your speed and warn you if you’re getting too close to the vehicle in front of you
#
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert – a feature that uses radar technology to warn you of vehicles in your blind spot and alert you to oncoming traffic when you’re backing out of a parking spot
#
Sony Audio® System – a surround sound system that delivers Dolby® Digital 5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers
#
Available EcoBoost™ V-6 – a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy

According to Davis, all of the technology offered on the Ford Taurus is sweetened by the vehicle’s price.

“Even the most zealous techies are careful with their money,” he said. “Taurus offers an unprecedented array of technologies typically reserved for luxury cars at a price that is affordable.”

In addition to being named official vehicle of the 2010 International CES, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year.”

ALL-NEW 2011 FORD SUPER DUTY PRIMED TO MEET

• The all-new 2011 Ford Super Duty delivers even more productivity for commercial and fleet customers with significantly improved horsepower, torque and fuel economy with both the all-new diesel and gasoline engines along with Super Duty’s best-in-class towing and payload capability

• A full suite of technologies, including Ford Work Solutions™ and SYNC® voice-activated communications, make it easier for fleet owners to manage their vehicles and businesses

• New diesel engine is compatible with biodiesel up to B20 while the new gasoline engine can run on regular-grade gasoline, E85 ethanol or any blend in between, providing a wide array of fueling options for operators of either engine

• All-new 6R140 heavy-duty TorqShift® six-speed transmission manages the improved power and torque with its SelectShift Automatic™ feature and includes upgrades to reduce cost of ownership; available Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) extends diesel capability

DALLAS, Sept. 24, 2009 – When choosing a work truck, commercial and fleet operators demand the best. The all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty delivers, with significantly improved torque, horsepower and fuel economy from both the new 6.7-liter diesel and 6.2-liter gasoline engines that build on the line’s heritage of best-in-class towing and payload.

“Having the most capability means a customer doesn’t have to marginalize any segment while he tries to maintain and build his business,” said Jim Michon, truck fleet marketing manager. “Our customers expect the leadership capability that our trucks deliver and, with the 2011 Super Duty, they’ll also gain a significant improvement in fuel economy. It’s a win-win situation for commercial and fleet owners.”

The next-generation Super Duty builds on its legacy of capability, reliability, durability and dependability.

“Our customers can’t have their truck ‘call in sick,’” Michon said. “The Super Duty truck is their lifeblood. They need it out there every day.”

The 2011 Ford Super Duty line, which includes pickup trucks (F-250 through F-450) and chassis cabs (F-350 through F-550), is well positioned to address the needs of commercial and fleet customers in several ways.

Lowering the cost of ownership

Both the new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel and new 6.2-liter gasoline
powertrains will deliver significantly improved fuel economy while also maintaining Super Duty’s best-in-class towing and payload. The architecture of both engines has been optimized for efficiency, as has the new TorqShift™ heavy-duty six-speed transmission.

The transmission’s fluid change interval also has been extended, in part due to a dual filter that provides fine filtration and large capacity in a single package. The dual filter also eliminates the need for a spin-on external filter.


The new 6.7-liter diesel’s architecture reduces down time during service work, which helps get vehicles back on the road faster and improves the bottom line. During service on the turbocharger, for example, the body/cab does not require removal, reducing labor time. Service time on the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler and high-pressure fuel pump also is expected to be markedly reduced because of the new layout. The new spin-on oil filter makes that servicing easier as well.

The new Power Stroke, featuring Tow Haul Mode with the integrated engine exhaust brake, helps improve driver confidence with large loads and prolong brake pad life.

Bottom line: Super Duty is the “and” solution, providing both capability and low cost of ownership that customers truly appreciate in a challenging economic environment.

New-to-segment Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) adds capability

Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs.

One of the functional improvements with the new transmission is the addition of segment-first Live Drive PTO (Power Take Off) capability. On 2011 Super Duty diesels with the PTO prep option, the PTO output gear is linked through the torque converter to the engine crankshaft. This allows the transmission to power auxiliary equipment such as snowplows, aerial lifts, tow truck lifts, cement mixers or dump trucks. The power is available any time the engine is running.

Pioneered on agricultural applications, the Live Drive feature is particularly useful when mobile PTO function is required during start-stop operations, such as salt spreading, cement pouring or snow plowing. “A fully functional Live Drive mobile PTO will allow Super Duty customers to take full advantage of the equipment on their trucks,” said Al Bruck, powertrain operations manager.


Flexible fueling options

The new diesel engine is compatible with biodiesel up to B20. Likewise, the new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline FFV-capable engine can run on E85 ethanol.

“For some of our fleet customers, having the option and flexibility of using biofuels is extremely important,” said Todd Kaufman, F-Series chassis cab marketing manager, noting the lower emissions biofuels offer.

Carryover gasoline engine


The proven 6.8-liter V-10 gasoline engine remains in the lineup for F-450 and F-550 chassis cab customers interested in upfitting bodies and boxes to the chassis. The five-speed TorqShift automatic transmission remains as well.

“A lot of F-450 and F-550 commercial customers have built their businesses around our truck with that configuration, so it’s important we retain that,” said Kaufman.

Variety of trim levels

The F-Series Super Duty offers a variety of trim levels – XL, XL Décor, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch® – to suit each customer. Some owner/operators, for example, opt for the King Ranch trim level, which includes Chaparral Leather seats, to help complete their “office.” In each level, customers will find more comfortable seats based off those in the current F-150.

Technology to help your business


Available Ford Work Solutions™ is one of many technologies that can help owners manage their business from the work site. Ford Work Solutions delivers four innovative features:


• An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and
navigation by Garmin. It’s the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production.
This system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents
stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.

• Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed
in association with DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, and
ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This enables customers
to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.

• Crew Chief™, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, which allows small fleet owners to efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.

• Cable Lock security system, developed in association with Master Lock®, the industryleading lock manufacturer, discourages theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab.

“Ford Work Solutions is a real game-changer,” said Kaufman. “It provides another way for the owner to improve the productivity of his Super Duty ‘tool’ by increasing access and onboard capability. Paperwork – including billing, quotes and work orders – can be accessed, modified and printed right there in the truck. He doesn’t have to wait until he gets back to the office or back home to do it.

SYNC®, Ford’s industry-first, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system, leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone. SYNC’s new application, Traffic, Directions & Information, provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.

As with all Ford products, customer feedback played a vital role in developing the all-new 2011 Super Duty, especially with commercial customers.

“We’ve had our key fleet customers involved every step of the way as we’ve developed the new 2011 Super Duty,” Michon said. “Their valuable input has been reflected in the new truck, from the major features such as B20 capability to more minor, but still important, items such as driver manual lumbar on the vinyl seat. Thanks to the input of our customers, and the strong capability and focus of our engineering, design and manufacturing teams, the new 2011 Super Duty achieves a whole new level of capability.”

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!

Ford Fusion named Motor Trend 2010 car of year

DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co's (F.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Fusion mid-size sedan was named Motor Trend magazine's 2010 "car of the year" on Tuesday, adding to the perception that changes to the No. 2 U.S. automaker's vehicle lineup are gaining traction.

The Fusion was chosen best of 23 new or significantly upgraded vehicles and the full range of Fusion models impressed the judges, from the four-cylinder entry level vehicles to the all-wheel drive sport and hybrid versions, Motor Trend Editor Angus MacKenzie said.

"Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of customers," MacKenzie said.

The Fusion, which has become one of the top 10 selling vehicles in the United States, was redesigned for 2010. Ford launched the Fusion in 2006 and it set its previous annual sales peak in 2007.

"What a proof point, to be named car of the year by one of the most rigorous tests in the world," Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally told reporters at Ford headquarters after MacKenzie announced the award.

Motor Trend tested the vehicles on acceleration, braking, handling, noise and responsiveness under various road and traffic conditions. It also considered design, fuel efficiency, safety and value.

Ford posted a nearly $1 billion third-quarter profit this month that surprised Wall Street analysts and is the only large U.S. automaker not to reorganize in bankruptcy with U.S. government support in 2009.

The automaker has said it expects to return to a solid profit in 2011 with a gradual recovery in the auto industry in the United States and key regions internationally.

U.S. auto sales peaked at nearly 17 million vehicles in 2005 and have been falling since. Ford expects 2009 U.S. auto industry sales of about 10.6 million units including medium and heavy trucks, or around 10.3 to 10.4 million light vehicles.

"We are cautiously optimistic that we are near the bottom right now," Mulally said of the U.S. auto market.

Ford's shares reached a more than two-year high on Tuesday, a day after billionaire investor George Soros' hedge fund disclosed taking a 7.3 million share stake in Ford during the third quarter.

U.S. 2009 sales of the Fusion were up 15 percent through October at 148,045 but trail Toyota Motor Corp's (7203.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Camry and Honda Motor Co Ltd's (7267.T: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) Accord in the mid-size sedan segment, one of the key areas in the U.S. market.

Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford has looked to set itself apart from U.S. rivals General Motors Co GM.UL and Chrysler Group LLC, which reorganized under government-funded bankruptcies this year, and increasingly uses Toyota and Honda as benchmark competitors.

Sales of the Fusion have helped keep Ford's U.S. sales declines for 2009 slower than the overall drop in the industry. Through October, Ford's U.S. sales are down 20.4 percent for the year, while the industry is down 26 percent.

Ford shares were up 15 cents, or 1.7 percent, to $8.86 in Tuesday afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Earlier on Tuesday, the stock reached $9, a more than two-year high that is also a nearly 29 percent increase since Ford posted its third quarter profit in early November.

Reuters.com

Call me for more information on any Ford vehicle:
Nick Breese
Fleet Manager, Berglund Ford
Salem/Roanoke, VA
Local: 540-389-7291x2251
Toll Free: 888-389-7921
Cell: 540-986-5679
nbreese@berglundcars.com

Live out of state? No problem, I can deliver your new vehicle(s) to your front door, ANYWHERE!