Ford Motor Co. is planning to sell a small Brazilian-built crossover vehicle in the United States as part of a strategy to attract younger buyers, according to the Detroit News. Ford officials confirmed that the Fusion -- a car-based sport utility vehicle -- will be sold in North America by 2004. The four-door Fusion will hit showrooms in Europe next year. Inside Ford, the Fusion has been described by executives as a "Korea fighter," designed to compete with offerings from Hyundai and Kia. The Korean automakers have been increasing their U.S. sales dramatically by offering low-priced cars and small SUVs. Ford showed a concept version of the Fusion at the Los Angeles auto show in January. Based on the Ford Fiesta small car sold in Europe, the Fusion concept sits higher on the road to give it the feel of an SUV.
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