2013 Ford Fusion Surpasses Top Safety Pick Status with Stricter IIHS Award

LONDONDERRY, N.H. (12/27/2012)(readMedia)-- Earning a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is already a challenge for many automakers, but the organization has now created a new award for vehicles that offer even more comprehensive crash protection. Dubbed a Top Safety Pick+, the honor recognizes models that are also proficient in the IIHS' new small overlap frontal crash test, and the 2013 Ford Fusion is among the first 13 vehicles in the industry to meet the requirements.

The IIHS currently performs five crash tests, with the four others including the side impact, rollover, rear and moderate overlap frontal evaluations. To be named a Top Safety Pick+, models must receive an "acceptable" or "good" rating in the more intense small overlap test, as well as a "good" rating in four out of the five tests overall. The redesigned 2013 Fusion was announced a Top Safety Pick+ this month after being listed as a Top Safety Pick in November.

"The new small overlap test from the IIHS simulates crashes where only the corner of a vehicle's front end collides with an object, which can result in a lot more damage to the frame," said Jim McGovern, general manager of Ford of Londonderry, a New Hampshire Ford dealer. "Though the new Ford Fusion has made a great first impression with its sleek styling, the fact that it is now proving it can protect in dangerous crashes could mean a lot for the long-term success of the model."

Featuring a new Personal Safety System, the 2013 Ford Fusion incorporates a series of sensors, new seatbelt technologies and advanced front airbags to optimize protection during frontal collisions. A restraint control module collects information about the sizes of the driver and front passenger, and then it uses that data to determine how the dual-stage front airbags should be deployed.

While the 2013 Fusion is designed to fully protect occupants should the worst happen, the sedan also offers several optional features that help prevent accidents in the first place. A BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert warns when other vehicles are entering the car's blind spot, as well as when traffic is coming from the sides when backing out of a spot. Elsewhere, the adaptive cruise control can maintain a preset distance from vehicles ahead, while a forward collision warning alerts the driver of potential accidents and can pre-charge the brakes to decrease stopping time.

Should the new Fusion be involved in a low-speed rear collision, Ford is claiming that its owners will pay less for repairs compared to the previous model and current competitors. Thanks to a new deck lid integration panel, the automaker estimates it will cost $267 less to replace the bumper cover and panel assembly of the 2013 Fusion compared to the 2012 model. That change has also resulted in repair costs that are 3 percent lower than those of the Toyota Camry and 27 percent less than those of the Nissan Maxima.

"It is unusual for an automaker to promote the repair costs of a model, but it just goes to show how confident Ford is in the design of its new Fusion," added McGovern. "Every piece of the car has been designed to save its owners money and keep them safe, but our customers are usually too busy checking out the bold exterior or enjoying the ride to notice."

About Ford of Londonderry:

Ford of Londonderry is a premier New Hampshire Ford dealer, serving those in nearby Derry, Concord, Nashua and Manchester. Ford of Londonderry has the extensive new and used Ford inventory New Hampshire drivers desire, with amazing prices and specials on all the latest models. They also have a skilled Ford service team that can handle any repairs or maintenance their customers need completed. You can preview their wide selection of Fords at www.fordoflondonderry.com, call them at 888-871- 1155, like them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FordofLondonderry, or visit their Ford dealership at 33 Nashua Road in Londonderry, N.H.