Fusion Hybrid receives green car honour

Award handed out by automobile journalists

Ford chalked up another win last week when its 2013 Fusion Hybrid was awarded the inaugural Canadian Green Car Award.

The award is chosen by a panel of expert members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, and the Fusion’s win was announced in conjunction with the Green Living Show in Toronto.

“We are extremely proud that the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid has been honoured by our country’s top automotive journalists as the recipient of the inaugural Canadian Green Car Award,” Steve Ross, Ford of Canada’s product marketing manager, sustainability and electrification, said in a statement. “The Fusion Hybrid is an important vehicle in the Ford lineup, delivering leading fuel economy, innovative technologies and a sleek, desirable design for eco-conscious consumers.”

For Ford, it is the second time the Fusion Hybrid has been recognized by AJAC, also being named the Best New Family Car (Under $30,000) at last fall’s TestFest, where dozens of cars are pitted against each other. Also winners for Ford at the event were the Focus EV (Best New City Car), Focus ST (Best New Sports/ Performance Car under $50,000) and the Escape 1.6L EcoBoost (Best New SUV/CUV under $35,000).

The Fusion Hybrid was among five finalists for the award. The others were the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the Mazda3 and Volkswagen’s Turbocharged Hybrid Jetta.

AJAC says the competition not only emphasized fuel economy and emissions, but also considered other environmental features within each vehicle — such as the use of recycled or naturally sourced materials — and steps each manufacturer has taken to make its operations more green.

“AJAC believes that green technologies mean the evolution of the automobile, not its demise,” president Charles Renny said. “The fact that automobiles can adapt and thrive speaks volumes about those who love cars and are passionate about preserving our planet. The Canadian Green Car Award is the first step down the path of embracing that future.”