MERCURY FUSION SPORT UTILITY CONCEPT TO DEBUT AT VANCOUVER & TORONTO AUTO SHOWS

Oakville, Ont. -- Blending the toughness of a mini sport utility vehicle with the upscale image of a Mercury, the Fusion concept vehicle will be displayed for the first time in Canada at two major auto shows in 1996.

Based on a design idea first developed on a Ford concept car, the Mercury Fusion will make its Canadian debut at the Pacific International Auto and Light Truck show in Vancouver, January 19-28, 1996, followed by the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, February 16-25, 1996.

"The Mercury Fusion has been designed with individual flair firmly in mind. It’s a car you would want to be seen in," said Jack Telnack, vice president, Ford Corporate Design. "This concept proves that you can have a practical and affordable package but still have fun and excitement."

An argent matte finish covers the Fusion’s removable fenders, bumper fascias and lower body panels. A deep blue paint on the roof and upper body panels provides the accent that contributes to Fusion’s striking appearance.

The large amount of glass in the windshield, rear and side windows is distinctive because of Fusion’s compact size. It also affords greater all-around visibility.

The rear quarter glass and backlight are removable for open-air ventilation in pleasant weather. An "action fabric", which takes its cues from the fun, colour-keyed fabrics of outdoor equipment, covers the rear section of the roof and can be slid forward to open even more of the interior to the outdoors.

The exterior of the Fusion is accented by polished 16-inch chrome wheels, Mercury grille, subtle chrome trim pieces, plus projector and halogen headlamps.

Safety was a high priority in the Fusion’s design and is evident in the strong tubular frame that forms part of the interior structure of the car. The seating, instrument panel and centre console are built over the tubular steel, giving a feeling of safety while providing more hip and legroom. This construction technique also contributes to Mercury Fusion’s entry-level cost objectives while maximizing its structural integrity.

The thin, racing-style seats have been designed for comfort and provide exceptional lumbar support. The rear split-bench seat can be folded and pivoted forward to provide storage behind the front seats.

The instrument pane], door trim and seats are accented in rich leather. A minimal instrument panel with analog gauges in a pod arrangement over the steering column contributes to the interior’s uncluttered look. A lockable storage area is included in the front passenger-side pod, and both driver- and front-passenger air bags are fitted to the Fusion.

Fusion features a "floating" electronic unit, which includes a stereo radio/CD player. Mounted on the centre stack and operated with a joystick-style control, the floating unit works with a minimum of buttons for hands-on, eyes-off operation.

The Mercury Fusion was created by Ford’s design affiliate, Concept Center California Inc., in Valencia, California, with input from Ford’s global network of international design studios in the United States, Australia, Japan, Great Britain, Italy and Germany.