Sales of the Ford Fusion—America's most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan—totaled 21,010 for the month of August, up 132 percent versus a year ago.

With sales of gas-guzzling SUVs in decline, Ford hopes to hang its corporate hat on the Fusion for the next decade or so. And if August sales numbers are any indicator of things to come, Ford might just get what they're hoping for. Although company officials accept that the late-summer spike in sales was undoubtedly skewed by the popular 'Cash for Clunkers' program, Ford officials are pleased with the direction the company is moving.

"We have the freshest lineup of new products in the industry," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "Ford's leadership in quality, fuel-efficiency, safety and technology all are resonating with consumers, and it is being reflected in our sales results."

In addition to the 132 percent jump for the Fusion as compared to sales in August, 2008, the passenger car set a sales record for itself for the fifth consecutive month.  Big sales gains were also recorded by the Ford Focus, up 56 percent; Ford Escape, up 49 percent; and the Mercury Mariner, up 50 percent.

Of particular interest is the fact that roughly half of the Fusions sold in 2010 have been the more expensive SEL, Sport or Hybrid versions -- up from a 23% sales figure in 2009. The Fusion ranges from $19,000 for the standard edition to $27,000 for its Hybrid models.

>>See also: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: A Technophile's Dream?

In terms of mid-size sedan sales, the Fusion still trails the Honda Accord and the leading Toyota Camry, but it is making up ground quickly.

The most fuel efficient mid-size sedan in America

According to Ford, the Fusion Hybrid can go over 700 miles between fill-ups, which for the average commuter translates into a stop at the pump once a month. In EV mode, the Fusion Hybrid scoots at a top speed of 47 miles per hour, faster than any other hybrid vehicle in electric mode.

At 41 miles per gallon, the Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel efficient mid-size sedan in America. But even the non-hybrids are getting a respectable 34 mpg hwy/30 mpg city.

The list of vehicle models with August sales declines in the Ford line reads like a who's who of oversized SUVs:  the Ford Explorer and Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator and Mercury Mountaineer SUVs all saw sales numbers continue to drop.

Sales of the ever-popular F-Series pickup trucks rose 12.8 percent in August. Perhaps a sign of an uptick in the service and construction sectors.

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