Ford Renames Upcoming Taurus Replacement from Futura to Fusion

The Fusion nomenclature, however, does fit with Ford's new strategy of using an "F" as the first letter in each new

The domestic 4-door Fusion's architecture will be based on the current Mazda6 platform, and be used for up to 10 new models being developed by Ford. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

vehicle's name. Models such as the new Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle and Freestar join mainstays such as the Focus and F-150 to complete the family tree. Only the new Mustang and GT buck this trend, for obvious reasons, while long-running truck, van and SUV names, such as Ranger, Econoline and Explorer, remain.

The new Fusion will be manufactured in Ford's Hermosillo facility in Sonora, Mexico, where the Focus ZX3, ZX5 and SVT are currently built. Ford has not announced if Focus production will be moved when the Fusion begins construction in 2005, but the forthcoming expansion, increasing capacity to 300,000 units per annum, may allow both cars to be built side by side.

The updated plant will feature Ford's next-generation flexible manufacturing system, allowing up to eight separate models to be built off of two platforms, which makes it

The Mazda6 is a good starting point for Ford's engineers, as its wonderfully balanced chassis will move Taurus customers up a serious performance notch. (Photo: Mazda)

possible, in theory, to continue building the Focus along with the Fusion.

More likely, however, is the inclusion of its upcoming large car the 500. As well, the new Fusion's architecture, which is based on the capable Madza6 platform, is said to be promised to up to 10 new models being developed for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands, with one of the new Lincoln models being the aforementioned Zephyr. Each new car could share the Hermosillo facility.

Bringing its Tier 1 suppliers into close proximity in order to speed up parts development and integration, Ford will also devote 1.75 million square feet of surrounding land for a supplier park, with names such as Faurecia, Lear Corp. and Magna Cosma International already committing to the project. Supporting the local economy, 16 Mexican suppliers have also been chosen to supply the Fusion sedan.