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Plug-ins touted as the best of both worlds Continued from page 4 5 · Wednesday, June 13, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "The plug-ins are really cool because what they are is the best of both worlds. It's not quite an all-electric, but it's also not quite a hybrid meaning you can charge it at home, but at the same time there's a motor that kicks in when you run out of battery power," said Mark van Tol, Ford communications manager. "This means there is no range anxiety. You can go as far as you want with that car because you will always have gas to fill it up with. The great thing is if you go for a short trip you don't even have to use gas. So you get a lot better fuel economy." Tol said the New Ford Fusion will be available at the end of the year -- pricing quotes are not currently available. While the hybrids drew much attention at the event, they were not the only attraction with the gasoline-free 2012 Focus Electric also turning some heads. "It's a pure electric vehicle, which means there's no gas in it. It also means you don't have to worry about changing the oil. It's very low on maintenance costs," said Tol. "Some people get range anxiety. Our range is roughly 160 km per charge, but the really cool thing about our Focus Electric is that our charging times are twice as fast as our closest competitor. You can charge that car in about three and a half hours, which is RIZIERO VERTOLLI / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog efficiency: The engine compartment of an electric Ford Focus recently showcased at the Power of Choice Tour in Toronto. something no other manufacturer has right now." Tol said the 2012 Focus Electric would be available for sale in a few weeks starting at $41,199. Not all the vehicles presented at the event were hybrids or electric -- the 2013 Ford Escape (SUV) and its 1.6 and two-litre EcoBoost engines made an appearance. "EcoBoost technology is really something we want to focus on because even though electrified vehicles are really the rage right now, a lot of people are still driving gasoline engines," said Tol. "With EcoBoost, you shoot the fuel directly into your cylinder head and there's turbocharging so you are compressing the air into the engine, which makes the vehicle a lot more fuel efficient." Tol said an EcoBoost engine yields up to 20 per cent improved fuel economy and up to 15 per cent less CO2 emissions. Tol said the Ford Escape would be available in a few weeks starting at $21,499. None of the vehicles mentioned will be assembled at the Oakville Ford Assembly Plant. In addition to showcasing their latest energy-efficient vehicles, Ford representatives also provided information on how drivers can conserve fuel and protect the environment. Some of these tips included: · Travel at a constant speed when possible -- pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine · Accelerate and brake smoothly -- accelerating smoothly from a stop and braking softly conserves fuel · No idling -- today's engines don't need a warm-up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away · Check your tires -- keeping tires properly inflated can reduce the average amount of fuel use by three-four per cent David Lea can be reached at dlea@ oakvillebeaver.com and followed on Twitter at @DavidLea6. Find the Perfect Dress for their Graduation with a friend who knows how to choose clothes that make you look fabulous. She knows precisely where to find what you should wear. She's an expert in bra and undergarment fitting and a great boost to your selfimage. "What is most important to us is for woman to leave Imagine shopping 25% OFF ALL CASUAL FASHION the store feeling fantastic," says Watch Us Fashions owner Karen Nano. The selection ranges from sizes 2 to 20, Kim Karen (Store Manager) (Owner) including petite size pants. Karen is enthused about a new Karen, along with line of stylish and easy- store manager Kim to-wear jersey from Carter and the staff Sympli. Fashions by (Marlene, Diane and designers Joseph Suzanne) are all ready Ribkoff and to be that fashion Frank Lyman are friend, whose advice also featured at customers trust and the store along value. with Tribal. 1131 Nottinghill Gate (Glen Abbey) 905-827-2271 Open 7 Days A Week Watch Us Fashions