Getting up to 41 highway miles per hour (mph), the 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid Package appears to be the ultimate hybrid. While any automaker would be proud to have such characteristics in its line-up, Ford does not get compliant and continues to push on with a new Focus variant that is expected to deliver 55 highway mpg. Those numbers make it the most fuel-conservative, non-hybrid family car on the road.

Officially coined the 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic, the new 55-hwy-mpg trooper is fitted with a small turbocharged diesel powerplant. The exact output of horsepower and torque are expected to be released when the grand debut of the Focus ECOnetic's occurs.

In the mean time, Lehighton Ford, serving the greater Leighton PA area, has a few details to share. This hatchback includes stop-start technology, and specially designed active grille shutters. While stop-start keeps the engine from running when the vehicle is not moving, the dynamic grille shutters increase the car's aerodynamics and decrease its drag coefficient at high speeds, which ultimately helps fuel efficiency. Other attributes that are expected to help increase fuel economy are low-rolling resistance tires and low-friction oils.

At this time, the amazingly efficient 2012 Ford Focus ECOnetic will unfortunately not be available in the United states. The reasoning behind this is the cost of producing the necessary diesel engine in the States is noticeably higher, couple with a lower demand. However, a competitor of Ford's has already stated they will be bringing a diesel to the U.S. starting in 2013, so we shall see how Ford reacts over the next two years.

Want to learn more about Ford and their products both at home and abroad? Check back again soon. Lehighton Ford, located at 54 Blakeslee Boulevard Dr East Lehighton, PA is committed  to keeping you informed. And, don't forget, you can always stay up to date on all of the latest 2012 Ford models joining our lineup, simply by visiting our always-current new Ford inventory page, online.