Ford sets record for gasoline-powered sedan

• Source: xinhua
• [16:14 May 14 2009]
• Comments

Drivers trained in mileage-maximizing techniques achieved 2,312 km on a single tank of gas in a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, averaging 34.5 km per liter in Washington, and set world record for gasoline-powered, midsize sedan.

After more than 69 continuous hours of driving which ended Tuesday morning, the Fusion Hybrid finally depleted its tank and came to a stop with an odometer reading of 2,312 km, said the Ford company in a statement.

A team of seven drivers prepared for the challenge by learning a few mileage-maximizing techniques, most of which can be used in any vehicle to improve fuel economy but are especially useful in the Fusion Hybrid where the driver can take advantage of pure electric energy at speeds below 75 km per hour.

The challenge team, which included NASCAR star Carl Edwards, high mileage trailblazer Wayne Gerdes and several Ford Motor Company engineers, raised more than 8,000 dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by exceeding the goal of 1,000miles (1,600 km) on a single tank of gas.

The Fusion Hybrid's official estimated range is approximately 700 miles (840 km) per tank.

"Not only does this demonstrate the Fusion Hybrid's fuel efficiency, it also shows that driving technique is one of the keys to maximizing its potential," said Nancy Gioia, director of Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs, in a statement.

"The fact that we were able raise much needed funds for JDRF while raising the bar on fuel efficient driving performance made the effort doubly worthwhile," he said.