Ford Fuses Autos to Idols

Millions sit down to their TVs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights to watch and vote for their favorite performers in Fox's hit series American Idol. And while they're being entertained by the collection of up-and-coming entertainers, they're also being wooed by Ford to become consumers of the manufacturer's latest family sedan, the Fusion. Family television, family vehicle. Check.

Ford's Fusion sedans are at dealers now, with Fusion SE AWD models starting at $24,025, including destination and delivery, while Fusion SEL AWD models start at $25,120. Ford is making a big deal over the Fusion's all-wheel-drive aspect, which is especially useful in areas where snow and ice can create treacherous winter driving conditions. Just don't expect any of the American Idol judges -- Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, or Randy Jackson -- to help you choose between the SE or SEL models.

By comparison, the Toyota Camry LE V-6 starts at $23,960 including destination, and the Honda Accord SE V-6 starts at $23,945 with destination. However, the Accord and Camry are not available with AWD, at any price. In addition, all 2007 Fusion models are covered by Ford Motor Company's new, 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, including complimentary roadside assistance - also not offered by Toyota or Honda.

"For the same money as an Accord or Camry, we're offering a Fusion with all-wheel-drive for free," says Al Giombetti, President, Ford and Lincoln Mercury Marketing and Sales. "The addition of all-wheel drive will be a huge advantage for Fusion, and shows that Ford is intent on leading - not following - this segment." Ford also likes to boast about the Fusion's list of features and standard equipment, including available DVD-based satellite navigation system,  factory-installed SIRIUS satellite radio, and an appearance package for Fusion SE models equipped with the four-cylinder engine. Ford also has added a thousand dollar's worth of additional standard equipment on the 2007 Fusion, including:

• All Fusion models are equipped with an MP3 audio input jack as standard equipment
• All Fusion models now offer standard side-impact airbags, side air curtains, and a perimeter alarm, previously part of the $595 Safety and Security Package
• Fusion SE and Fusion SEL models come standard with a new, fold-down front-passenger seat for greater cargo flexibility
• Fusion SE models now come standard with 16-inch aluminum wheels, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, and foglights (previously part of the $425 SE Sport Package)
• Fusion SEL models now come standard with automatic headlamps, compass, self-dimming mirrors, and heated side mirrors with puddle lamps (previously included in the $395 SEL Premium Package).

"We're extremely proud of the success Fusion has enjoyed right out the gate," says Giombetti. "With the improvements for the 2007 model year, we expect more customers to arrive at the same conclusion as industry experts such as JD Power and Parents magazine: The Fusion is simply one of the best midsize sedans on the market." Ford also points out that AAA and Parents magazine named the Fusion one of the 2006 Best Sedans for Families, based on family road tests and top crash test ratings.

American Idol Viewers Also Have A Chance To Win!
Do you want to win $10,000, a trip to Los Angeles, tickets to an American Idol live show, and a VIP visit to the set of the Ford Music Video Shoot with the American Idols? Then play the AMERICAN IDOL CHALLENGE!
http://www.americanidol.com/challenge/

In addition to the Weekly Prize, every time you enter you could be eligible to win the GRAND PRIZE consisting of $100,000, a trip to Los Angeles, and tickets to the American Idol Finale!

Here's how to Play! By cell phone: Watch the show and answer the trivia question Ryan poses by texting the letter corresponding to your answer, A, B, or C to 51555 - answer correctly and you'll be entered for a chance to win! For example, if you think the answer to the question Ryan asked on-air is A, send a text message to 51555 with just the letter A. Remember, a maximum of 10 entries per person per Entry Period. Cost per message is $.99 plus standard text message rates.

Or click on the link below to submit your answer for free online! No purchase or text message necessary to enter.
http://www.ai6challenge.com/

The winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries received during the applicable Entry Period. The Winner will be notified within 48 hours of the show and may have to travel on short notice. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States & the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry (and not a minor in his/her state or residence). Other restrictions may apply.

Click the Official Rules link on this page to view the complete Rules. A charge of $.99 per text message plus standard rates will appear on your cell phone bill or be deducted from your pre-paid account. Maximum 10 entries per person per Entry Period. Good luck!

Please click here for official rules, 
as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

Complete listing of 24 Season Six American Idol contestants (Voting status as of March 5, 2007) Click to see current status!
Alaina Alexander	Age: 24	West Hollywood, CA	Voted Off Mar. 1st
Amy Krebs	Age: 22	Federal Way, WA	Voted Off Feb. 22nd
Antonella Barba	Age: 20	Point Pleasant, NJ
Gina Glocksen	Age: 22	Naperville, IL
Haley Scarnato	Age: 24	San Antonio, TX
Jordin Sparks	Age: 17	Glendale, AZ
Lakisha Jones	Age: 27	Fort Meade, MD
Leslie Hunt	Age: 24	Chicago, IL	Voted Off Mar. 1st
Melinda Doolittle	Age: 29	Brentwood, TN
Nicole Tranquillo	Age: 20	Philadelphia, PA	Voted Off Feb. 22nd
Sabrina Sloan	Age: 27	Studio City, CA
Stephanie Edwards	Age: 19	Savannah, GA
AJ Tabaldo	Age: 22	Santa Maria, CA	Voted Off Mar. 1st
Blake Lewis	Age: 25	Bothell, WA
Brandon Rogers	Age: 28	North Hollywood, CA
Chris Richardson	Age: 22	Chesapeake, VA
Chris Sligh	Age: 28	Greenville, SC
Jared Cotter	Age: 25	Kew Gardens, NY
Nicholas Pedro	Age: 25	Taunton, MA	Voted Off Mar. 1st
Paul Kim	Age: 25	Saratoga, CA	Voted Off Feb. 22nd
Phil Stacey	Age: 29	Jacksonville, FL
Rudy Cardenas	Age: 28	North Hollywood, CA	Voted Off Feb. 22nd
Sanjaya Malakar	Age: 17	Federal Way, WA
Sundance Head	Age: 28	Porter, TX

"For the same money as an Accord or Camry, we're offering a Fusion with all-wheel-drive for free," says Al Giombetti, President, Ford and Lincoln Mercury Marketing and Sales. "The addition of all-wheel drive will be a huge advantage for Fusion, and shows that Ford is intent on leading - not following - this segment." Ford also likes to boast about the Fusion's list of features and standard equipment, including available DVD-based satellite navigation system,  factory-installed SIRIUS satellite radio, and an appearance package for Fusion SE models equipped with the four-cylinder engine. Ford also has added a thousand dollar's worth of additional standard equipment on the 2007 Fusion, including:

• All Fusion models are equipped with an MP3 audio input jack as standard equipment
• All Fusion models now offer standard side-impact airbags, side air curtains, and a perimeter alarm, previously part of the $595 Safety and Security Package
• Fusion SE and Fusion SEL models come standard with a new, fold-down front-passenger seat for greater cargo flexibility
• Fusion SE models now come standard with 16-inch aluminum wheels, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, and foglights (previously part of the $425 SE Sport Package)
• Fusion SEL models now come standard with automatic headlamps, compass, self-dimming mirrors, and heated side mirrors with puddle lamps (previously included in the $395 SEL Premium Package).

"We're extremely proud of the success Fusion has enjoyed right out the gate," says Giombetti. "With the improvements for the 2007 model year, we expect more customers to arrive at the same conclusion as industry experts such as JD Power and Parents magazine: The Fusion is simply one of the best midsize sedans on the market." Ford also points out that AAA and Parents magazine named the Fusion one of the 2006 Best Sedans for Families, based on family road tests and top crash test ratings.

American Idol Viewers Also Have A Chance To Win!
Do you want to win $10,000, a trip to Los Angeles, tickets to an American Idol live show, and a VIP visit to the set of the Ford Music Video Shoot with the American Idols? Then play the AMERICAN IDOL CHALLENGE!
http://www.americanidol.com/challenge/

In addition to the Weekly Prize, every time you enter you could be eligible to win the GRAND PRIZE consisting of $100,000, a trip to Los Angeles, and tickets to the American Idol Finale!

Here's how to Play! By cell phone: Watch the show and answer the trivia question Ryan poses by texting the letter corresponding to your answer, A, B, or C to 51555 - answer correctly and you'll be entered for a chance to win! For example, if you think the answer to the question Ryan asked on-air is A, send a text message to 51555 with just the letter A. Remember, a maximum of 10 entries per person per Entry Period. Cost per message is $.99 plus standard text message rates.

Or click on the link below to submit your answer for free online! No purchase or text message necessary to enter.
http://www.ai6challenge.com/

The winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries received during the applicable Entry Period. The Winner will be notified within 48 hours of the show and may have to travel on short notice. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States & the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry (and not a minor in his/her state or residence). Other restrictions may apply.

Click the Official Rules link on this page to view the complete Rules. A charge of $.99 per text message plus standard rates will appear on your cell phone bill or be deducted from your pre-paid account. Maximum 10 entries per person per Entry Period. Good luck!

Please click here for official rules, 
as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

Complete listing of 24 Season Six American Idol contestants (Voting status as of March 5, 2007) Click to see current status!
Alaina Alexander	Age: 24	West Hollywood, CA	Voted Off Mar. 1st
Amy Krebs	Age: 22	Federal Way, WA	Voted Off Feb. 22nd
Antonella Barba	Age: 20	Point Pleasant, NJ
Gina Glocksen	Age: 22	Naperville, IL
Haley Scarnato	Age: 24	San Antonio, TX
Jordin Sparks	Age: 17	Glendale, AZ
Lakisha Jones	Age: 27	Fort Meade, MD
Leslie Hunt	Age: 24	Chicago, IL	Voted Off Mar. 1st
Melinda Doolittle	Age: 29	Brentwood, TN
Nicole Tranquillo	Age: 20	Philadelphia, PA	Voted Off Feb. 22nd
Sabrina Sloan	Age: 27	Studio City, CA
Stephanie Edwards	Age: 19	Savannah, GA
AJ Tabaldo	Age: 22	Santa Maria, CA	Voted Off Mar. 1st
Blake Lewis	Age: 25	Bothell, WA
Brandon Rogers	Age: 28	North Hollywood, CA
Chris Richardson	Age: 22	Chesapeake, VA
Chris Sligh	Age: 28	Greenville, SC
Jared Cotter	Age: 25	Kew Gardens, NY
Nicholas Pedro	Age: 25	Taunton, MA	Voted Off Mar. 1st
Paul Kim	Age: 25	Saratoga, CA	Voted Off Feb. 22nd
Phil Stacey	Age: 29	Jacksonville, FL
Rudy Cardenas	Age: 28	North Hollywood, CA	Voted Off Feb. 22nd
Sanjaya Malakar	Age: 17	Federal Way, WA
Sundance Head	Age: 28	Porter, TX

Comments

[jo]

Seems the Fusion and the American Idol are out to challenge america. Wouldn't it be interesting if we could cause such inspiration for a presidential election/votion. Could you imagine The American Presidential Challenge"? Where the candidates were finalized by the democratic process and we voted weekly to eliminate candidates and true final vote between two? The candidates might be subjected to a variety of test related to being a president, like the Fusion in Road & Track and the Idols in vocal challenges. Hmmm.

[Kerri Roberts]

Ford has launched a number of online videos to showcase the new Ford Fusion. I am working on a client project that has click-able videos. Here are links to 2 different clips.

http://2007-ford-fusion.myinfo-auto.com/video/2007_Ford_Fusion

http://2007-ford-vehicles.myinfo-auto.com/video/2007_ford_vehicles