North American steel industry and AISI's Steel Market Development Institute have a reason to celebrate as the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, which feature a number of advanced high strength steel technologies, were selected as Motor Trend Car of the Year.

The Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid feature a number of advanced steel technologies, including a lightweight high strength steel body structure for added side and frontal impact protection, dual phase high strength steel rails, side intrusion beams and tailor welded B pillars between the front and rear door frames, which help prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.

Mr Ron Krupitzer VP of automotive applications for AISI's Steel Market Development Institute said that "Lightweight advanced and ultra high strength steels provide automakers with a cost effective solution to meet new market demands for safety, fuel economy and emissions standards. Ford's use of new high strength steels in the Fusion has resulted in a vehicle that is stylish, safe and efficient."

The Motor Trend Car of the Year award recognizes a vehicle that has been newly introduced or substantially redesigned for the 2010 model year. Candidates are evaluated by Motor Trend magazine editors on six different criteria, including design, engineering, efficiency, safety, value and how well the vehicle fulfils its intended function.

(Sourced from www.steel.org)