The Auto Writer

The king of all sedans sales wise may be the Toyota Camry, but Ford has thrown the gauntlet down with the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, a car that is expected to get 41 mpg city, 36 mpg on highway. The car will go on sale in Spring 2009.

The Ford Motor Company has received a wonderful Christmas present from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the federal agency that calculates fuel mileage for every single passenger vehicle sold in America.

According to the EPA, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, which will hit showrooms in Spring 2009, is expected to achieve 41 mpg around the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The first figure is particularly notable as it beats the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg.

Moreover, the Fusion Hybrid is now officially America’s most fuel efficient midsize sedan, even more fuel efficient than most small cars.

“The new Ford Fusion Hybrid not only significantly exceeds the competition but also embodies Ford’s 100 percent commitment to fuel efficiency leadership, quality, innovation and advanced technology,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The Ford team set the bar high – to develop America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan – and that’s what they delivered.”

The Fusion Hybrid has a range of 700 miles, a phenomenal amount for any car. The sedan even beats the compact Honda Civic Hybrid by 1 mpg in city driving.

The Mercury Milan will get the same hybrid system which will allow the car to travel as fast as 47 mpg on electric power alone for short distances.

Ford has been on a roll of late, introducing its all-new F-150 pickup truck this fall. The next generation Mustang will be released in the Spring and during the summer the 2010 Taurus will make its debut.

Last week, the automaker had its multi-billion dollar credit line request turned down by the Bush Administration.  Instead, the feds chose to lend money to Chrysler and General Motors, automakers who are in a worst shape than Ford.

Source: Ford Motor Company