Ford and other Detroit car makers in general are not really renowned with family cars. Matt VanDyke, US Communications director of Ford admitted that the company is recognized for its Mustang and truck models.

Ford now is doing means of getting the word out about their revamped 2010 Fusion and its sibling, the Mercury Milan, which will be released this month. The advertising expenses of the 2010 Fusion would be comparable to the Taurus models, and both cars will be called the “biggest initiative of the year”. This is the statement released by Chantel Lenard, the marketing manager of Ford for medium and small cars.

The Ford’s promotion will have the slogan “We Speak Car” and 2010 Fusion will be unleashed on American Idol, and on print and online advertisements. The Fusion will be released with the enhanced Taurus on this year, and will be pursued by Fiesta and Focus small cars in 2010.

The reason of Ford in doing this step is to be able to gain profit amidst recent economic recession and that is interrupted with unstable gasoline prices. According to Ford’s sales analyst, George Tipas, they are aware that their financial stability is going to be a bit unstable too.

The Fusion hybrid’s price will start off at $27,995 while the Milan is set at $31,300. Both car models are entitled for a federal tax credit of $3,400.

By 2012, Ford plans to produce battery electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrids and hybrid electrical vehicles. All the BEV electric traction motor, energy storage system, transmission, motor controller, battery charger and other related systems will come from Magna. Ford stressed that its decision to choose Magna as its partner is based on their presumption that they will be able to produce first-class products with Magna’s help.

While Magna has been building European cars for years, this will be the first time that it will be engaging in the final assembly for an American carmaker on a contract basis.

The new BEV Ford plans to create will approximately be as big as the 2010 Fusion and will cover at least 100 miles on one batter charge, without a drop of gasoline. When battery runs low, it can be recharged using 110 or 220-volts outlets. Charging time varies on the type of outlet used. The zero emission Ford BEV is expected to function like other conventional cars but with an acceleration that is smoother.

Ford’s Group VP for Product Development, Derrick Kuzak said that the collaboration with Magna to create a Ford BEV resulted from the two companies’ joint foresight in electric transportation and their shared goal in creating a zero-emission, no-compromise, electric vehicles for the global market. More information on Environmentally Friendly Cars is on the interweb!