What are automakers to do when their plates get so full that they can’t find the time to develop things such as rapid EV charging? Well, leave it to the college folk, of course.

It seems that MIT students are currently develop a rapid recharging EV prototype that will effectively rememdy the 3-12 hour recharge times all-electric vehicles on the market currently have.

There’s not much in terms of how fast they plan on recharging their prototype 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, but they plan on having a working prototype by 2010.

via KickingTires

Tags: all electric, ev, hybrid, mercury milan, MIT, Plug-in, rapid recharge

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It looks like the Mercury Milan from Ford Motors Corp. is here to stay despite the issues surrounding the cost of owning one. Critics have been harsh on Ford for the actual price of this vehicle although one thing they have failed to do is provide support in justifying their complaints. That has made all the difference since consumers who want improved technology know for a fact that the price to pay is no walk in the park.

The Mercury Milan aims to help in providing fuel-efficient cars which is pretty much important as far as motorists are concerned today. This and of course the smooth ride more than helps as a convincing factor that this car really lives up to its billing as a car that holds true to its cost.

As far as speed and design, take note that hybrids manufacturers did not focus on this as the primary aspect of the car. The Mercury Milan still carries the same external and internal quality expected with some adjustments. However, it still remains that the real intention of this car is really on the fuel-savings technology to which is really the rant of the vehicle industry today.

Though a bit pricey at $33,735, you just have to consider that there is a price to pay for innovation and also the standard cost of getting quality vehicles from Ford Motors Corp. But you can bet you are getting your money’s worth!

(Source) Asia One

Tags: Ford, ford motors, fuel efficient cars, fuel savings, hybrids, Mercury, mercury milan, motorists

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Ford is thankful that it has one vehicle doing well in the market. The vehicle is their Ford Fusion and thanks to the growing popularity of this vehicle, they have moved up in the retail market share for April.

In April, the Ford Fusion paced the share performance. Fusion sales totaled 18,321, a record for any month. April was the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid version, and April is believed to be the first month that Fusion was among the top three-selling mid-size sedans. Recent independent studies rate Fusion and the Mercury Milan – the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans in America – as having the best predicted reliability among all mid-size sedans.

The new Fusion Hybrid is one of four hybrid models offered by Ford. Hybrid models also are offered in the Mercury Milan mid-size sedan and the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles. All Ford hybrid models are the most fuel-efficient vehicles in their class, and the Ford Escape and Ford Fusion recently were named to Kelley Blue Book’s list of Top 10 Green Cars. In April, combined sales of all hybrid models totaled 2,299, up 21 percent versus a year ago.

Other new Ford products contributed to the retail share performance, including the new F-150 pickup, America’s best-selling vehicle, and Ford Flex, the distinctively styled crossover utility that had its best sales month ever (3,190).

(Source) Press

Tags: Crossover, ford escape, ford fusion, ford products, fuel efficient vehicles, green cars, hybrid models, hybrid version, kelley blue book, Mercury, mercury mariner, mercury milan, mid size sedans, new ford, utility vehicles

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The times may be tough but finding out you have produced the 100,000th vehicle under your wing is already an achievement in itself. Apparently that is what Ford is celebrating today as it has reportedly rolled off its 100,000th hybrid SUV and reinforced its commitment to ramping up production of hybrid vehicles this year.

Ford launched the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids five years ago and the vehicles remain the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. At the same time as workers at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant celebrated the hybrid milestone, Ford dealers are preparing to begin selling the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, which will be America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedans.

Today, the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV and Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV deliver 34 mpg city driving, 31 mpg highway. The newest entries to Ford’s hybrid lineup, the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid deliver 41 mpg city driving, 36 mpg highway, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the market today.

The Kansas City Assembly Plant, which employs 4,100 people, has been the hub for Ford’s hybrid SUV production since 2004 when the first Ford Escape Hybrid rolled off the line. Lean, flexible manufacturing processes and specially-trained employees at the plant allow the hybrids to be built on the same production line as conventional Escape and Mariner SUVs.

(Source) Press

Tags: escape hybrid suv, first ford, ford dealers, ford escape, ford escape hybrid, ford fusion, fuel efficient suvs, hybrid car, hybrid vehicles, hybrids, mercury mariner, mercury mariner hybrid, mercury milan, midsize sedans

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For the potential car buyers on a tight budget, you can turn to the 2010 Ford Fusion and the Mercury Milan for potential vehicles catering to your budget. Aside from that they are fuel-efficient, further sweetening the deal for wise car buying today.

The gas engine-powered and hybrid-electric models leapfrog the competition in every area that counts:

• fuel economy
• power
• technology
• overall value

“We’ve priced Fusion to beat the competition as it does in every area that matters most to customers,” said Chantel Lenard, Ford group marketing manager, Global Small and Medium Cars. “This vehicle does more than compete; it aggressively positions Ford to take back its share of the mid-size car segment and sets the tone for the upcoming Taurus and Fiesta launches.”

The front-wheel-drive Fusion S, with a new fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine, has a base price (including $725 destination and delivery) of $19,995; the SE trim level is $20,545; the SEL is $23,975. An optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine also is available on SE and SEL models.

Performance-minded buyers can opt for the Fusion Sport equipped with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 263 horsepower and 249 ft.-lb. of torque. Fusion Sport FWD starts at $25,825; AWD at $27,675.

The Mercury Milan ranges from $21,180 (including destination and delivery) for the FWD model with the I-4 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, to $27,800 for the well-equipped Milan Premier AWD model with a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

(Source) Press

Tags: automatic transmission, car segment, ford fusion, ford group, front wheel drive, horsepower, mercury milan, power technology

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