Ford to charge $295 for auto Start-stop system on 2013 fusion

We believe that auto start-stop systems are one of those features that should be standard across the range of any model these days, as switching off the engine when stuck in traffic has proven to be an effective and fairly inexpensive way to improve the fuel economy of any type of car. However, instead of making it standard on its new 2013 Fusion sedan, Ford decided to offer Auto Start-Stop system as an option when the car launches in the States this fall. On the other hand, Ford has priced the fuel-saving technology at a reasonable $295. Ford said that the system will be available in conjunction with the 179hp 1.6-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine, improving fuel efficiency by about 3.5 percent on average. “We expect the average Fusion driver with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Auto Start-Stop will save about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving,” said Samantha Hoyt, Fusion marketing manager. Ford did not clarify if the auto start-stop system will be offered as an option on the other two launch engines as well, the 170hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit and the 237hp 2.0-liter turbo EcoBoost.