Ford Fusion Launched with Smarter Features

By Bennett Oghifo

People in Nigeria looking to drive a sturdy car with enhanced luxury features now have the all-new Ford Fusion to fit the bill.

The all-new Ford Fusion, which media launch was performed in Cape Town, South Africa, recently, has been redesigned to sport new engines, laced with smart technology and its weight has been reduced to deliver enhanced efficiency.

Coscharis Motors, one of the two dealerships in Nigeria, said they already have the new-Ford Fusion and that they are available for test-drive by prospective buyers.

Those interested in testing this unique car at Coscharis are welcome to climb into the roomy 1.5 litre and 2.0 litre EcoBoost and take them for a spin.

The all-new Ford Fusion is a real piece of artwork, nimble as it responds to soft touch. The car’s gentle and roomy feel is the same in both the 1.5 litre and 2.0 litre EcoBoost models.

At the media launch, Mark Kaufman, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and Middle East, said the all-new Ford Fusion was the first of the 17 vehicles the American auto maker plans to roll out in Nigeria and in other sub-Saharan African countries.

Kaufman, whose career at Ford spans 25 years, said the one-Ford strategy was working, stating that the company recorded an increase of 20.9 per cent year-on-year and would like to keep the momentum going.

He said, “This was our first launch for 2015 represented by both South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa Media in which Ford Motor Company signaled its intent to Go Further than ever before in communicating with and involving all of our media across the continent.

“We celebrated the proud history of Ford Motor Company and are looking forward to a vibrant and exciting future.

We acknowledge the important role that each one of you play in Ford’s success and thank you for your contribution.

Economists all over the world have recognised that Africa represents the ‘next big thing’ as far as emerging markets are concerned.”

The importance Ford Motor Company, he said was placing on the massive growth potential of this great continent, and the dynamic opportunities it presents was also emphasised.

“We’re putting a lot of effort and resources into supporting Ford’s dealer network throughout the region to better serve our customer’s needs.

“This includes expanding parts accessibility and service support throughout the region, to ensure the shortest possible delivery times,” Kaufman said, adding, “It really is going to be an exciting year ahead, and we want to sincerely thank you for your unwavering focus and commitment.”

The media, he said was “critical to our success. Ford has a solid plan, outstanding leadership and positive momentum.

We will keep on going further to build great products, a strong business and a better world.”
The all-new Ford Fusion’s power train range includes first-in-segment 1.0-litre and new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engines in certain SSA Markets; up to 115kg body weight savings reinvested to enhance fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions; driver assistance, comfort and safety features include Ford’s innovative adaptive LED headlamps, Inflatable Rear Seatbelts and MyKey.
It  further  says that when you stop, stand a little way back from the kerb, where you will be away from  traffic but where you can still see if anything is coming along the road. This guide reminds me of a campaign embarked upon some years by the Federal Road Safety Corps, code-named,’’Stop, Look and listen’’ targeted at increasing safety consciousness among school children.  That campaign advised these children to ensure that they stop, look in every direction, listen carefully before they cross;  If any traffic is coming, let it pass and don’t cross unless there is a safe gap and you are sure there is plenty of time. When you are sure it is safe, walk straight across the road and never run but keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross until you reach the other side.

As contained on the page on pedestrian protection in the same Highway Code, pedestrians are urged while walking in the dark like most joggers do, to wear  or carry white, bright colored or reflective clothing so that they can be easily seen because  it is difficult for motorists to see a pedestrian dressed completely in dark clothes on the road wearing a light-colored jacket or trousers and if possible  an item of clothing with a reflective strip on it is also recommended. It is extremely important to ensure that while jogging or walking that you, you walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic where footpaths are not provided.  You must avoid wearing headphones as it is often possible to hear traffic before you can see it and if you are wearing headphones, the sounds might drown out the traffic and make you more vulnerable as a pedestrian.

Closely linked to the issue of wearing head phones, is the inherent dangers in using mobile telephone. It does not matter whether you are talking on a mobile telephone or trying to send a text message while also crossing the road as your attention will not be fully focused on the traffic, leaving you vulnerable as a pedestrian. While these are just some, there are equally tips for drivers which includes among others, being a responsible driver

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