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The adage is probably as old as stock-vehicle racing itself: Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday. But, is that axiom as pertinent nowadays as it was, say, in the 1960s?

Ford, which for the 1st time in almost four decades, has introduced an all-new model and gone NASCAR racing with it at the very same time, is confident that the answer is yes, if not on Monday, then at least as soon as you're seeking for a new vehicle.

Fusion replaces Taurus as the Ford entry into NASCAR's Nextel Cup and Busch series, becoming the manufacturer's very first all-new nameplate to debut simultaneously on the racetrack and in advent wreath the showroom considering that Torino in 1968. Torino's debut 38 years earlier resulted in a driver's championship for NASCAR Hall-of-Famer David Pearson, and a lot more than 2.6 million units sold during its eight-year (1968-75) run.

"The fantastic interest in NASCAR racing will help us tie the Fusion name to the Ford brand, and it is only appropriate that we race Ford's newest auto in America's flagship racing series," mentioned Marty Collins, General Advertising and marketing Manager, Ford Division.

Racing has created good company sense for Ford, dating back more oil stock than a century, when company founder Henry Ford raced to prove out his new item, and to gain favorable publicity for his efforts. His victory in his 1 and only race, in 1901, proved to be the turning point in attracting the investors who helped him start off the Ford Motor Organization in 1903.

"My great-grandfather understood the value of racing, and what the guide to restraining order san diego it could do for a organization," mentioned Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors and a lengthy-time supporter of Ford's racing programs. "He knew what racing could do, both in terms of technological innovation and marketing and advertising. I feel he'd be pleased that these are essential causes we still race nowadays."

The NASCAR Fusion replaces the venerable Taurus race vehicle, which captured four NASCAR championships (three in Nextel Cup and 1 in Busch) and 100 Nextel Cup points victories from 1998-2005. It concluded its storied run with a 1-two-three-4 finish at the season-ending Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November 2005, as Greg Biffle scored his series. "We actually wanted to send Taurus out with 1 much more championship," noted Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology. "But the time is appropriate to move on to Fusion."

The production Fusion aims to emulate Taurus' off-the-track success, too: It was the greatest-promoting vehicle in America for five consecutive years (1992-96), and sold more than 6.five million units amongst 1985-2005.

Current Ford Racing driver Dale Jarrett, who won a NASCAR championship with the Taurus in 1999 and also is a Ford dealer in North Carolina, is optimistic about the production Fusion.

"It is got a very great driving and handling package, plus the inside is extremely roomy and the interior is nicely completed as well," stated Jarrett. "I feel this is just what we've been looking for to increase sales."

Commence Your Engines-Fusion, an all-new nameplate, debuts on the racetrack and in the showroom.