During the recent Los Angeles Auto Show,the all new 2013 Ford Fusion was named Green Car Journal's 2013 Green Car of the Year®due to what the magazine's publisher,Ron Cogan,describes as its"game on attitude."The Steel Market Development Institute,a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute,commends Ford Motor Co.on its accomplishment,as the vehicle incorporates a number of advanced steel technologies to meet the challenge of producing safe,affordable and environmentally efficient vehicles.
According to Ford,the 2013 Fusion was designed with customer safety in mind.A variety of advanced high-strength steels,such as boron-alloyed grades,were used to increase the vehicle's body strength by 10 percent over its predecessor.Additionally,the Fusion is the first vehicle to use steel hydroformed tubular B pillars,which contribute to the vehicle's improved side-impact performance,mass reduction and roof strength.The vehicle also features a steel hydroformed A pillar roof rail,which reduces cost,while improving the vehicle's crash performance.
Mr Ron Krupitzer vice president automotive market SMDI said that"The Steel Market Development Institute applauds Ford's innovative use of advanced steel technologies to meet consumer demand with the safe and sophisticated 2013 Ford Fusion.This is another great example of how steel offers the complete package of safety,lightweighting,affordability and sustainability that's needed to satisfy evolving industry regulations and consumer preferences."
According to the publication,Green Car of the Year nominees are selected based on their ability to improve environmental performance in meaningful and quantifiable ways at a price point that is accessible to enough consumers to make a positive impact on the environment.The Fusion's ability to reduce petroleum use,CO2 emissions and overall environmental impact at an affordable price contributed to its win.
Green Car Journal is a leading online publication dedicated to providing avid car enthusiasts,environmentalists and everyday consumers with information about green vehicles,green energy and technologies.Selecting this year's Green Car of the Year was a jury consisting of the nation's top environmental,automotive enthusiasts and Green Car Journal staff.
