Ford to Add Stop-Start System in U.S.

Ford Motor Co. will offer an automatic engine stop-start system in the U.S. later this year as a $295 option on the redesigned 2013 Fusion sedan. The feature will be available on models ordered with the company's turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine.

Stop-start systems are common in Europe and in hybrid vehicles everywhere. But the technology is still rare in conventionally powered vehicles in the U.S. Stop-start systems shut off the engine as the vehicle comes to a stop and restart it when the driver releases the brake pedal, thus saving fuel when the vehicle is briefly idle.

Stop-start systems can cut fuel consumption 10% or more in city driving. Ford figures its system will increase the average fuel economy of the Fusion by 3.5%, or roughly 1 mpg, for a savings of about $1,100 in gasoline over five years.