Mulally personally thanks man who chose Fusion over Prius
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Feb 3rd 2009 at 8:02PM 
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Perhaps Toyota was on to something after all when it argued that the Prius is a more natural competitor to the Fusion Hybrid than the Camry. At least one buyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was cross shopping the two gas sippers and ultimately decided to purchase the Ford instead of the Toyota. That story wouldn't be all that interesting if it weren't for a followup call made by Ford CEO Alan Mulally. That's right, the man at the top of the heap at the Blue Oval actually called Michael Snapper to personally congratulate him and thank him for his patronage. For the record, future Fusion Hybrid shoppers probably have no reason to wait by the phone expecting a similar call.
While this is little more than a publicity stunt, it seems harmless enough. The decision to purchase was already made and it symbolically proves the point that good customer service extends to all employees, right up to the top.
Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
[Source: Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Max Epstein 12:27AM (2/04/2009)
Huh, I wish I saw it that way but to me kinda seemed like he's a bit desperate. Considering the impact one sale has for a company, it sorta seems like a highschooler sending a personal letter to a girl thanking her for glancing at him, to be gentlemanly.
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Rob 3:19PM (2/04/2009)
"Considering the impact one sale has for a company,"
If Ford is to survive, they have to very seriously consider the impact that each "one sale" has for the company.
After getting burned by them not caring about "one customer" ie me, I hesitate to buy a Ford (or GM for that matter). They need to start winning back people like me.
Brn 4:31PM (2/04/2009)
"After getting burned by them not caring about "one customer" ie me, I hesitate to buy a Ford (or GM for that matter). "
I never understood this. If Ford rubbed you the wrong way, why does that turn you off of GM?
Margaret Wilson 9:59PM (2/06/2009)
Some cars have similarities with the built and some features but really it has differences too. That's why buyers have different choices. You may just add some discount auto parts for it to be more cool and different from the other car makes.
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Throwback 8:50AM (2/04/2009)
As a manager of a large team I know from personal experience how powerful a simple thank you is. It means as much to the team as the person thanked. This is no different than the thank you letters companies send when you buy a new car.
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paulwesterberg 9:33AM (2/04/2009)
Did Alan also send him a gas card to cover the extra gas he is going to need because he didn't buy the Prius?
The Fusion only looks like a competitor now because the 2010 Prius is not yet on the streets. 50mpg is the magic number that will double mileage for most people.
$27,270 for the base fusion hybrid is too much of a price premium for a car that under performs. I got my Prius for 25k with a decent options package - the 2009 model probably has some dealer incentives to make it even cheaper.
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stas peterson 5:58PM (2/09/2009)
paul wessterbeg,
Your Toyota bias is showing. The Fusion is sized and competes with the larger Camry. When Ford releases a a hybrid Focus, a one size smaller car, then we will have a comparison with the Prius.
That is like desperate Honda's releasing a two sizes smaller Insight with a poor, mild hybrid drive and says ,see we have hybrids too. And the Honda-philes duly lining up after laughing at the Malibu hybrid, saying what a tremendous product. Sorry people, it just ain't so...
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BoomBoom 11:12AM (2/04/2009)
Paul,
Comparing the Prius to the Fusion is like comparing a Civic to an Accord. The fact that this one guy happened to look at both models, doesn't change that. I regularly look at models in different size classes. The Fusion is the same size as a Camry all respects. It has been tested, head to head, against a Camry and won (Car and Driver). Toyota has manipulated the numbers at the EPA's rating system by calling their car a sedan, rather than a wagon, and thus pushing into the midsize category. This is dishonest on Toyota's part and dishonest on the part of the folks that keep pushing that line. If it were classified as a wagon, it would be in the same class as a Matrix (a compact).
I like the Prius. I might even by a 2010 Prius. But I won't buy it because I think it is as big as a Camry. (In fact, I'd buy it because it is smaller, since I don't need the Camry size.)
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Brn 4:32PM (2/04/2009)
Where'd he find a Fusion Hybrid for sale?
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Lydia 2:48PM (2/10/2009)
Well at least it looks like a real car, and people won't be as inclined to urge you to pedal faster when you're driving down the street in it. If I had to drive a Prius, I would wear a disguise.
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BombR76 2:09PM (2/12/2009)
In 2007 we considered the Prius, Camry, Highlander, Civic, and Accord
because we foresaw that the 'wave' was toward a hybrid vehicle economy
to increase fuel economy over the ICE alternatives.
We chose the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid because of our need for storage
capability as a mobile office and it attained sub-compact car fuel economy.
We have not been disappointed with our decision.
As for the 2010 Fusion hybrid we would consider seriously if we needed
another vehicle over the alternatives available. There may be a reason
why Ford did not take the TARP funds like GM and Chrysler because Ford
has more vehicles that they are counting on for a larger share of the market.
Now, if an American diesel hybrid were produced I would be on the waiting list.
BTW - I ride a maxi-scooter, weather permitting, that gets 78+ mpg. EV next!
Tri-Cities, WA (Richland, Pasco, Kennewick)
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