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greycrx87

Fusion Hybrid Member
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About greycrx87

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  1. wow it only took them 2 years to figure it out, it's a nice cover-up, the EPA estimates were deliberately elevated as a marketing trick - Ford's reputation in my eyes just went down the drain, I'll take the check and drive happy, but will never think about Ford the same again.
  2. Please note that all four (4) topics on this issue have been merged into this one topic. No content has been lost or deleted. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz19ugjFZG0 The original post continues below. . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $450 coming my way :yahoo: Fusion Hybrid lowered to 44 / 41 / 42 from 47 / 47 / 47 http://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/Ford+Motor+Company+Lowers+Fuel+Economy+Ratings+For+Six+Vehicles/9578559.html - Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings for certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Ford worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles, which resulted in lower fuel economy ratings for Ford’s 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas - The company apologizes to its customers, and will make goodwill payments to owners of the approximately 200,000 affected U.S. vehicles for the difference between the previous and revised ratings - Ford reviewed its entire line up to determine the vehicles that required further testing and revised the fuel economy ratings for the affected vehicles. No other fuel economy ratings adjustments are planned DEARBORN, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ford Motor Company announced today it is lowering the fuel economy ratings for its 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas. Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings on certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified EPA. The company worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles to determine the correct fuel economy ratings. “Ford is absolutely committed to delivering top fuel economy and accurate information,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “We apologize to our customers and will provide goodwill payments to affected owners. We also are taking steps to improve our processes and prevent issues like this from happening again.” Ford reviewed its entire line up to determine the vehicles that required further testing and revised the fuel economy ratings for the affected vehicles. No other label adjustments are planned. “This is our error. When we see an issue, we address it,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “That is why we notified EPA and lowered the fuel economy ratings for these vehicles.” Fuel Economy Testing Fuel economy testing involves many factors. Ford’s error was specific to a factor called "Total Road Load Horsepower", or TRLHP. TRLHP is a vehicle-specific resistance level used in vehicle dynamometer testing that determines fuel economy ratings. TRLHP is established through engineering models that are validated through vehicle testing, including physical track tests referred to as coastdown testing. Use of these engineering models is a common industry practice, consistent with EPA regulations. These models normally are more reliable and consistent than physical vehicle tests, which can exhibit variability. As an ongoing practice, Ford conducts tests on production vehicles to validate its engineering models. Based on coastdown testing of the Fusion Hybrid, the company found the TRLHP did not match the values used for the dynamometer testing. Upon further testing, Ford also discovered an error specific to how we correlate wind tunnel results into the TRLHP model. Ford’s error was the result of a recent process change, which the company has since corrected. Ford has now validated through physical vehicle testing the TRLHP for the vehicles affected by this error and also has instituted enhanced validation tests for future vehicles to prevent reoccurrence of this error. New Fuel Economy Ratings and Customer Information Ford has communicated to its dealers that new fuel economy labels will be available in approximately six days and that dealers may continue selling the vehicles until the new labels are received. Ford estimates that approximately 200,000 of these vehicles have been sold or leased to customers in the United States. Affected Ford and Lincoln owners and lessees in the United States will receive a goodwill payment for the estimated average fuel cost of the difference between the two fuel economy labels, as shown in the table below. Affected U.S. fleet owners and affected owners outside of the United States will be contacted by their local Ford representatives. Customers with questions can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or visit: www.ford.com/mpglabel and www.lincoln.com/mpglabel. U.S. EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy Label Ratings and Goodwill Payments* Model Year Vehicle Powertrain Revised (City, Highway, Combined) Previous (City, Highway, Combined) Lease Customers Purchase Customers 2014 Fiesta 1.0L GTDI M/T 31 / 43 / 36 32 / 45 / 37 $125 $200 1.6L A/T 27 / 37 / 31 29 / 39 / 32 $150 $250 1.6L SFE A/T 28 / 38 / 32 30 / 41 / 34 $275 $450 1.6L M/T 28 / 36 / 31 27 / 38 / 31 Combined MPG not affected Combined MPG not affected 2013-14 C-MAX Hybrid 42 / 37 / 40 45 / 40 / 43 $300 $475 Fusion Hybrid 44 / 41 / 42 47 / 47 / 47 $450 $775 MKZ Hybrid 38 / 37 / 38 45 / 45 / 45 $625 $1,050 Model Year Vehicle Powertrain Revised** (Charge Sustaining, Charge Depleting, EV Range) Previous** (Charge Sustaining, Charge Depleting, EV Range) Lease Customers Purchase Customers 2013-14 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid 38 mpg / 88 MPGe+ / 19 mi EV range 43 mpg / 100 MPGe+ / 21 mi EV range $475 $775 Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid 38 mpg / 88 MPGe+ / 19 mi EV range 43 mpg / 100 MPGe+ / 21 mi EV range $525 $850 *Bolded figures in the above chart represent the values used to determine the customer goodwill payment. ** Combined numbers only. Revised EPA-estimated ratings: 40 city, 36 highway MPG; 95 city, 81 highway MPGe. Charge depleting range is 20 mi.Previous EPA-estimated ratings: 44 city, 41 highway MPG; 108 city, 92 hwy MPGe. Previous charge depleting range was 21. +MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
  3. During the recent -18F in the midwest, I experienced mid 20s MPG, that's in line with my wife's Camry V6, a bit dissapointed but the heater was fully on as the windshield was freezing. My overal average is still in the mid 40s. I guess these hybrids are not made for sub zero temperatures.
  4. With temp dropping to low 30s in Chicago, I'm noticing around 10 MGP difference in my daily work commute. Was averaging around 47MGP roundtrip and seeing 37-39MPG right now, and I don't even have the winter grade fuel in yet. A bit disappointed, but oh well. Seem like the software patch made no difference for cold weather.
  5. The car started acting up in the recent days, a few days after my update was installed. The issue is that various times the car will not switch to EV, even tough I'm going downhill and the battery is fully charged. Also, when it switches to EV the middle screen LCD still shows the engine is running. I did not have any of these prior to the patch, definitely worrisome, I will be going to the dealer with these issues Anybody experience similar problems.
  6. Hitting the wire just now. DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. will reduce the stated fuel-economy rating of its C-Max Hybrid car -- a rare and potentially costly move that Ford spent months feverishly working to avoid, according to a Ford source with knowledge of the plan. Ford planned an announcement about the move later today. A company spokesman had no comment. Ford has faced heavy criticism and lawsuits about worse-than-expected fuel economy for several new models, including the C-Max, whose window stickers have advertised 47 mpg for city, highway and combined driving. The ratings are based on tests Ford conducted and data it submitted to the EPA. The Detroit News, citing people familiar with the matter, reported the fuel economy rating on the C-Max would be lowered to 43 mpg, or about 10 percent. Ford is the second automaker to back down on lofty fuel-economy claims in the past year under pressure from the EPA. Hyundai and its Kia affiliate in November agreed to change the labels on most of their models after the agency discovered that the brands had submitted flawed results for one of the tests used to calculate fuel economy numbers. All four Hyundai and Kia nameplates that had been advertised as getting 40 mpg in highway driving received new labels showing 36 to 38 mpg. Hyundai and Kia offered customers of 900,000 vehicles prepaid fuel cards for compensation. In January, Bloomberg reported that Hyundai set aside about $225 million and Kia about $187 million to cover the reimbursements. The EPA did not respond to e-mail and phone messages requesting comment on Ford's plans. The News, citing three industry officials, reported the EPA is expected to announce Friday that it will revise test procedures for how hybrid vehicles are assigned fuel economy ratings and labels. Ford's move shows the high stakes surrounding fuel economy in today's car market, where buyers are more sensitive to high gasoline prices and the Obama administration is requiring automakers to meet stricter mileage standards. Blow to Ford's image Cutting the C-Max Hybrid mileage ratings is a blow to Ford's carefully cultivated image as a fuel economy leader, a core tenet that CEO Alan Mulally has emphasized since joining the company in 2006. Ford used the 47-mpg number as the centerpiece of its C-Max advertising. Beginning in October, it aired a series of playful animated ads that pitted the C-Max against the rival Toyota Prius V. In addition to better fuel economy, Ford boasted the C-Max was more fun to drive than the Prius, as well. But Ford's mileage claims soon ran up against the real-world experiences of customers. At least two class-action lawsuits were filed against the company on behalf of consumers who alleged that Ford misled them with fuel economy claims. One of the suits, filed in California, was dropped in February. Another suit, filed in Massachusetts, is awaiting a hearing. The Ford Fusion and C-Max hybrids fell 17 percent to 21 percent short of Ford's promise of combined 47 mpg in testing last year by Consumer Reports magazine, which uses a different testing cycle than the EPA. The Fusion achieved 39 mpg and the C-Max averaged 37 mpg in tests of city and highway driving, the magazine found. Other hybrids also fell short of their manufacturers' claims, Consumer Reports said, but none more so than the C-Max and Fusion. The Toyota Prius, with a combined rating of 50 mpg, is the only non-plug-in nameplate with higher EPA fuel-economy than the C-Max and the Fusion, which is also rated at 47 mpg, according to FuelEconomy.gov, a Department of Energy Web site. The Prius is smaller and lighter than the C-Max and Fusion. Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20130815/OEM05/130819953/ford-to-lower-fuel-economy-rating-on-c-max-hybrid#ixzz2c4SF3Os0 Follow us: @Automotive_News on Twitter | AutoNews on Facebook
  7. 300 miles after the update, getting the car to go into EV at 65mph is nice, but I see absolutely no difference in the fuel mileage before and after, my daily commute to work results are about the same.
  8. Well no update for us here in West Suburbs of Chicago. There is a strike going on across a few dealers and 0 mechanics are available. I need to wait until at least next week.
  9. I'm with you, all I read was that this thing was optional. I won't argue with my Service Dept folks. Don't want to get into trouble of voiding my warranty or something, you know
  10. Just spoke to my dealer, they said the software upgrade is mandatory and will have to happen no matter if I want it or not.
  11. The below is becoming my AVG MGP for work commute. I get anywhere between 58-64 MGP that is without AC. My rule is 85F and below no AC. I'm stunned by this car's fuel efficiency capabilities, I'm still learning how to drive this thing :) When I ran AC it usually sits between 44-48 MGP Note: 85% is hwy commute, and I never go above 62 mph
  12. Thanks all, Not much of an issue switching to hybrid to be honest, 3 years of driving M3 was a complete blast, priorities change if you know what I mean :) , one of the issues I had was the roads around the city have been gradually getting worse ( sad reality), and daily driving a sport car with low profile tires turned into a nightmare :( . PS. I live in the Norwood Park area of the city.
  13. Hello everybody, I have been a frequent visitor of this forum for the past few weeks. Just got my 2013 Fusion Hybrid SE, leather/nav. I was cross shopping among 10 different cars any thing from Jetta Hybrid to ES300h, Camry hybrid, I was absolutely amazed how great this cars drives and feels, I'm a tall guy and the seats are super comfortable. I'm very happy with the gas millage. I'm easily getting over 50 MGP (43 avg for now) in the first couple hundred miles of the car - the EV is used quite a lot in the Chicago slow moving traffic :). My previous car was 2011 BMW M3, I traded it in as it was an end of the lease and I had 6K of positive equity in it. I started driving a lot more and having a hybrid make sense for a daily driver - . Anyway here's some pics. I absolutely love the car.
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