DEARBORN, Mich. – The 2013 Ford Fusion will be built in southeast Michigan at the Flat Rock plant.
The Dearborn-based automaker thinks it has done a great job of creating the next Toyota "Camry killer."
The idea is that building the highly fuel-efficient, midsize car will have the world beating a path to Ford's front door. In a nationwide celebration on Tuesday, the automaker announced it will start delivering the first 47-miles-per-gallon midsize vehicle.
The Fusion will get 47 miles per gallon in the city or on the highway. The car's new styling and gadgetry, along with five different power trains, positions it well for stardom, says Raj Nair, Ford's global product chief.
"This segment is growing faster than the industry in general and five of the top 10 sellers are in this segment -- four of five are new this year. So, it's a really competitive segment," said Nair.
At Ford's Dearborn world headquarters, they proved passion can be play. A Guinness World Record was set for the largest ever red light, green light game. It was a clever way to show off the new Fusion technology which turns off the engine when the car comes to a full stop and back on again when the driver hits the gas.
Yet, there was some serious news to go along with the Fusion's announcement.
"I'm absolutely committed to serving at Ford ... we all think we're on the right track. Like I said, I am very honored to serve at Ford," Mulally said.
Next year, Ford will roll out a new plug-in hybrid Fusion.
Stock report
Ford's stocks closed slightly up on Tuesday at $10.44.