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Hold on to Your Cup! These Customer Findings Drove the Refreshed Cupholder Design for the New Ford FusionAt Ford (News - Alert), every detail matters, and customer experiences matter most. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160428007114/en/ In the 2017 Ford Fusion, Ford replaced the traditional shifter with a rotary gear shift dial freed space for two newly designed cupholders - both with available ambient lighting. The new cupholders are now one in front of the other, with the front cupholder 6 inches forward from their location on the 2016 Fusion. (Photo: Business Wire) That's why, in designing the new 2017 Ford Fusion, the automaker set out in search of what makes cupholders - a seemingly small convenience - so important to customers. In the end, customer feedback drove substantial changes to the refreshed Fusion console design, including a new take on the common cupholder that customers will surely appreciate. The replacement of the traditional shifter with a rotary gear shift dial freed space for two newly designed cupholders - both with available ambient lighting. The new cupholders are now one in front of the other, with the front cupholder 6 inches forward from their location on the 2016 Fusion. It's a small move with big effects, allowing Ford to extend the armrest by nearly 3 inches and to expand the armrest bin by an extra half-gallon, comparable to your average 2-liter soda bottle or four 16.9-ounce water bottles. For even more storage, a pocket added to the front console is a perfect spot for a wallet and various other items. "Being dissatisfied with your cupholders may be a minor annoyance, but it's a daily one, which over time detracts from the overall car experience," said Jolanta Coffey, Ford instrument panel and console manager. "On the other hand, when you like your cupholders, they can make your vehicle feel like home. For Fusion, we set out to develop a beautiful interior, paying attention to the details that make people fall in love and stay in love with their car." Research reveals the following cupholder facts:
In total, the 2017 Ford Fusion has up to six cupholders in the console, front door pockets and rear center armrest. Regardless of region and what drivers may store in their vehicle's cupholders, they are in constant use - and therefore an important aspect of interior design at Ford. About Ford Motor Company (News - Alert) Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 199,000 employees and 67 plants worldwide, the company's core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company's plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience, and data and analytics. For more information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com. *Check your owner guide for recommendations for securely storing your phone. For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160428007114/en/ |