2010 Ford Fusion: America's Most Fuel Efficient Mid-Size Sedan Offers Best Value, Starts Under $20,000

- Base price of $19,995, including delivery and destination (D&D), offers best-in-class fuel economy of 34 mpg highway for new 2.5-liter I-4 engine, bold styling and smart technologies

- Hybrid model starts at $27,995, including D&D, offers best-in-class fuel economy of 41 mpg city, 36 highway, besting Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg city, 2 mpg highway

- 2010 Mercury Milan starts at $21,905; Milan Hybrid starts at $31,300, including D&D

- Fusion and Milan Hybrid models qualify for the highest available federal tax credit of $3,400

DEARBORN, Mich., March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, America's most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans, offer the best value in their segment with starting prices of $19,995 and $21,905, including delivery and destination, respectively.

The gas engine-powered and hybrid-electric models leapfrog the competition in every area that counts: fuel economy, power, technology and overall value.

"We've priced Fusion to beat the competition as it does in every area that matters most to customers," said Chantel Lenard, Ford group marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars. "This vehicle does more than compete; it aggressively positions Ford to take back its share of the mid-size car segment and sets the tone for the upcoming Taurus and Fiesta launches."

Dollars and Sense

The front-wheel-drive Fusion S, with a new fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine, has a base price (including $725 destination and delivery) of $19,995; the SE trim level is $20,545; the SEL is $23,975. An optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine also is available on SE and SEL models.

Performance-minded buyers can opt for the Fusion Sport equipped with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 263 horsepower and 249 ft.-lb. of torque. Fusion Sport FWD starts at $25,825; AWD at $27,675.

The Mercury Milan ranges from $21,180 (including destination and delivery) for the FWD model with the I-4 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, to $27,800 for the well-equipped Milan Premier AWD model with a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

Fusion and Milan's value is further bolstered by stronger residual values. According to Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG), a California-based consulting and data-gathering firm, the base 2010 Fusion is projected to retain 50 percent of its original value at the end of a conventional three-year lease term. That's a six-point increase overall since the Fusion launched for the 2006 model year.

More Value: Tax Credits for Hybrids

Fusion and Milan deliver class-leading fuel economy of 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Fusion Hybrid has a base price of $27,995 (including destination and delivery), which is less than a $3,300 price differential for a similarly equipped Fusion gas-engine powered I-4 SEL model. Meanwhile, the well-equipped Milan Hybrid is priced at $31,300.

For added savings, customers who purchase a new Fusion or Milan Hybrid by March 31, 2009, may qualify for a $3,400 tax credit on their 2009 federal income tax return. This is the highest hybrid credit available. Between April 1, 2009, and Sept. 30, 2009, customers who purchase a 2010 Fusion or Milan Hybrid are eligible for a partial credit of $1,700. Between Oct. 1, 2009, and March 31, 2010, an $850 credit applies.

Meanwhile, competing hybrid sedans from Toyota and Honda no longer are eligible for tax credits. Initial demand for the Fusion and Milan Hybrid is strong with nearly 80 percent of early retail orders being hybrids.

Steeped in Quality

Fusion and Milan have unsurpassed quality, ranking better than Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima for initial quality, according to Global Quality Research System (GQRS) survey data from 2008.

In early drive reviews, consumer publications have begun touting the 2010 Fusion and Milan Hybrid models as the new industry benchmark: "Fusion is without equal among hybrids," wrote USA Today, Feb. 5, 2009.

2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Reference Materials

2010 Ford Fusion Pricing List

2010 Ford Fusion Packaging Guide

2010 Mercury Milan Pricing List

2010 Mercury Milan Packaging Guide

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company