Political wheels
Arizona Sen. John McCain announced recently (via his Twitter feed) that he was buying a new Ford Fusion Hybrid. His office says he's getting the 2010 hybrid in silver and was so impressed by its fuel-efficiency that he was "sold when he left the parking lot."
Power strips
South Korea's leading technology university is researching ways to embed power strips in roads that could recharge electric cars as they pass overtop, potentially eliminating the need for drivers to stop and recharge their batteries. The plan would use inductive charging, similar to what is used in electric toothbrushes.
--The Associated Press, Wheelbase Communications
8 Comments
By Wil Nelson on June 27, 2009 10:18 PM
Ordered a Fusion Hybrid in Mid March and took possession in late May. So far it gets 3 to 4 mpg better than advertised and is one fine car. Ford paid attention to details even where most people do not look! This is 12th car we have owned and by far is the very best, quality is above excellent.
By Richard Reyes on June 27, 2009 11:49 PM
Lame. I'll take the Japanese technology, thanks.
By Jon B on June 28, 2009 1:46 AM
The Ford Fusion is a pretty nice looking vehicle. Much better looking than the Explorer. Their cars are looking better too.
By Jim Yonehiro on June 28, 2009 2:36 AM
My wife as 2009 Toyota Prius and I purchased the Fusion hybrid. I'm biased, but I think my Fusion's a more well-rounded vehicle with regard to efficiency, comfort, features and styling.
By Robert Z on June 28, 2009 4:34 PM
Sad. The American auto makers have to lease the hybrid technology from Toyota because they were unable to see past the next big V-8 pick-up truck.
By Ralph Emmons on July 1, 2009 6:54 PM
Robert Z: Please note that Ford's hybrid system provides better fuel economy than the Camry system, AND better driveability - smoother transitions from gas to electric, etc. Now do you suppose Ford "leases" a better system from Toyota than Toyota uses themselves? Please use your head, sir, and get over the hatred for all things American!
By Ralph Emmons on July 1, 2009 6:58 PM
...by the way, my comments to Mr. Z apply equally to Mr. Reyes. Not sure what is more "lame" than stylishly pro-Japanese comments unbacked by facts.
By Paul Quinn on July 7, 2009 12:34 PM
My wife and I wanted an alt-fuel car so we did the research, test drove all the options. We weren't even going to check out the American hybrids out of our personal bias( Honda owners for 20 years) but we decided to at least give them a look and much to our surprise the Ford Fusion Hybrid was all around the better car and better choice. We were stunned and had to swallow our bias and buy it. So those of you that are snubbing one manufacturer without doing your homework I encourage you to at least take a look at other choices. Ford earned our money on this one