With the Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect van winning North American Car and Truck of the Year, Ford proved that the domestic auto industry is ripe for a comeback. I asked Jody Victor to give us some more info.
Jody Victor: A jury of 49 automotive journalists at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit picked the Fusion Hybrid over two other finalists -- the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI -- for the way it offers superb fuel efficiency without compromising on practicality, amenities, space or driving enjoyment. Twenty-nine cars were considered for the award; only vehicles that are all-new or substantially changed for 2010 were considered.
Several jurors made note of the fact that the Fusion Hybrid can drive on electric propulsion alone at speeds up to 47 mph, which is about twice the top speed the Toyota Prius achieves in electric-only mode. Many jurors also found it remarkable that the Fusion Hybrid looks and drives like a regular car while returning an estimated 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway.
The Ford Transit Connect is a quirky choice in that the small cargo van is primarily intended as a commercial vehicle for small businesses. It has been sold in Europe for several years but is new to North America. It can be outfitted with shelves, drawers and other equipment to suit particular needs. The base version has only two seats and no rear windows, but it can be outfitted with a rear seat and windows. Jurors favored the Transit Connect because of its ability to haul up to 1,600 pounds of cargo in a small package that gets an estimated 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
Thanks, Jody! Great info for all of us.