2010 Ford Fusion incorporates cost-efficient lightweight steel for added protection and sleek design

DETROIT, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American steel industry and AISI's Steel Market Development Institute have a reason to celebrate, as the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion hybrid, which feature a number of advanced high-strength steel technologies, were selected as Motor Trend Car of the Year. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.

The Ford Fusion and Fusion hybrid feature a number of advanced steel technologies, including: a lightweight high-strength steel body structure for added side and frontal impact protection; dual-phase, high-strength steel rails; side intrusion beams; and tailor-welded B-pillars between the front and rear door frames, which help prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.

"Lightweight advanced and ultra high-strength steels provide automakers with a cost-effective solution to meet new market demands for safety, fuel economy and emissions standards," said Ron Krupitzer, vice president of automotive applications for AISI's Steel Market Development Institute. "Ford's use of new high-strength steels in the Fusion has resulted in a vehicle that is stylish, safe and efficient."

The Motor Trend Car of the Year award recognizes a vehicle that has been newly introduced or substantially redesigned for the 2010 model year. Candidates are evaluated by Motor Trend magazine editors on six different criteria, including design, engineering, efficiency, safety, value and how well the vehicle fulfills its intended function.

To learn more about AISI's Steel Market Development Institute and advanced and ultra high-strength steel, visit www.autosteel.org.

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and through its business unit, SMDI, conducts research with its member companies in partnership with its customers to advance the use of steel in the marketplace.

The Automotive Applications Council is a part of AISI's Steel Market Development Institute. The council focuses on advancing the use of steel in the highly competitive automotive market. For more news or information, visit www.autosteel.org.

Automotive Applications Council investors are:

• ArcelorMittal Dofasco
• ArcelorMittal USA
• Nucor Corporation
• Severstal North America
• United States Steel Corporation
  

SOURCE American Iron and Steel Institute

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