2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Los Angeles, Dec. 2, 2009 – Runners, surfers and triathletes, take note. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Lincoln MKT are the perfect choice for people with active lifestyles, according to the Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards.
The Fusion Hybrid took the title in the “green” category and MKT won in the “luxury on road” group, beating out the 2010 Toyota Prius and 2009 Audi Q5, respectively.
“The MKT and Fusion Hybrid were both vying in extremely competitive categories, and that speaks to the versatility and quality of the product, that it beat out all the competitive entries,” said Nina Russin, Active Lifestyle Vehicle jury coordinator. “The designers dealt with ergonomic challenges in the case of both vehicles. The standard safety available also was impressive because that’s tremendously important to people with active lifestyles.”
The Fusion Hybrid delivers a class-leading 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.
“Many Fusion customers have a very active lifestyle, often including outdoor athletic activities. They want a vehicle that supports their ‘On the go’ spirit and the Fusion delivers,” said Chantel Lenard, group marketing manager, global small and midsize cars.
2010 Lincoln MKT
The 2010 Lincoln MKT, a three-row luxury crossover, delivers the optimal blend of distinctive design, interior spaciousness, fuel economy and technology. MKT offers abundant technologies aimed at making life luxurious for both the driver and three rows of passengers, including Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System.
“MKT is versatile enough for any athlete. With plenty of cargo space for gear and three rows of seating for teammates or friends, we’ve got any sport covered,” said Kate Pearce, Lincoln MKT marketing manager. “It also has the functionality of an SUV and the technology of a luxury sedan to get you where you need to go in comfort and style.”
About the Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards
The awards program, now in its sixth year, recognizes new cars and trucks that best meet the needs of active buyers. The program is sponsored by AAA and the Active Network.
Twenty manufacturers participated in the 2010 competition, entering vehicles in seven categories. A panel of 12 automotive journalists drove the initial field of entries and pared the group down to 28 finalists.
Athletes on hand included members of Team Aquaphor, Active Network Media and the San Diego Triathlon Club, participating in sports that ranged from surfing and sprint triathlons to ultra-distance running. The athletes’ votes weighed 50 percent in the final tally, with jury panel votes comprising the remaining 50 percent.
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive 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.