Fusion Hybrid Averages 81.5 MPG, Sets World Record with 1,445 Miles on Single Tank...

Fusion Hybrid Averages 81.5 MPG, Sets World Record with 1,445 Miles on Single
Tank of Gas

- Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques achieve 1,445 miles on a
single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - averaging 81.5 mpg in
Washington, D.C. - and set world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan

- The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge proves that fuel-efficient driving
techniques can nearly double a vehicle's EPA-rated fuel economy

- The demonstration of the Fusion Hybrid's ultra high-mileage potential also
raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

WASHINGTON, April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Drivers trained in
mileage-maximizing techniques such as smooth acceleration and coasting to red
lights were able to get an extraordinary 1,445.7 miles out of a single tank of
gas during a fund-raising effort in Washington, D.C. that concluded today.
They did it by averaging 81.5 miles per gallon in an off-the-showroom floor,
non-modified 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient midsize car in
North America - nearly doubling its U.S. certified mileage.

The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. EDT on Saturday,
April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ended this morning at 5:37 a.m. on
George Washington Parkway in Washington, D.C. After more than 69 continuous
hours of driving, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a
stop with an odometer reading of 1,445.7 miles - setting a world record for
gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage
trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) engineers,
raised more than $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
by exceeding the goal of 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas. The Fusion
Hybrid's official estimated range is approximately 700 miles per tank.

"Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid's fuel efficiency, it also
shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential,"
said Nancy Gioia, director, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid
Vehicle Programs. "The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for
JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the
effort doubly worthwhile."

Maximizing mileage
A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few
mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to
improve fuel economy, but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the
driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 47 mph.

CleanMPG.com founder Wayne Gerdes, an engineer from Illinois who coined the
term "hypermiling" to describe the mileage-maximizing techniques, provided the
pointers. They include:
-- Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure;
-- Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking;
-- Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic
conditions;
-- Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake
wear;
-- Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the
engine;
-- Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag;
-- Applying the "Pulse and Glide" technique while maintaining the
flow of traffic;
-- Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle's kinetic
forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build
speed;
and
-- Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

"You become very aware of your driving because you're constantly looking for
opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver,
too," said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery
system's state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting,
and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to
avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving
experience with Ford's SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, a unique instrument
cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their
hybrid.

The Challenge
The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes
in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days
and nights. The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the
relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of
the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

"The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly," Gerdes said. "When you don't need
acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down
seamlessly. There's not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that
as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the
park."

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of
professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team's success in
D.C.

"It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it
will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid's great mileage, and help
out a great charity, makes it even more special," said Edwards, whose '99'
team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. "There's no question that
the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having
driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is - so strong that I've
purchased one myself."

For More Information
Eco Driving Tips
SmartGauge with EcoGuide
Images and video: YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, www.media.ford.com

Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in
Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six
continents. With about 205,000 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.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

Jay Ward, Ford Motor Company, +1-313-845-2387, jward35@ford.com