Ford Announces Plug-In Version Of Fusion

Ford already produces a hybrid version of the Fusion. Now, it says it plans to turn out gasoline/electric hybrid plug-in version of the Fusion.

The model should hit showrooms later this year, the company said. Ford previously announced plans for s new all-electric version of its compact Focus, as well as a C-Max hybrid station wagon and a gasoline/electric C-Max plug-in hybrid.

The Fusion is a mid-size body style and the new plug-in version is being offered as a competitor to the Chevy Volt, General Motors' gasoline/electric plug-in. Though mostly seen as an electric car, these vehicles have a small gasoline-powered engine that is used to recharge the battery.

Ford said it expects its new Fusion to be highly efficient, using very little gasoline. Ford also declined to set a price on the new vehicle, but the Chevy Volt had a base sticker price of around $40,000 when it debuted.

Ford, which introduced the new vehicle at the North American International Auto Show, said the car will be built at a U.S. plant.

Auto show

Also at the North American International Auto Show, the Hyundai Elantra was named the 2012 North American Car of the Year and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque took honors as the 2012 North American Truck of the Year.

The awards are designed to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year and are judged on factors including innovation, comfort, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

The jurors gave the Elantra 174 points, the VW Passat 161 and the Ford Focus 155.

The jurors gave the Evoque 254 points and the Honda CR-V 142.