Additionally, Ford used the name before the launch
of the European Ford Focus, in communications with
contractors working on elements of that model's
launch publicity. (Ford did not reveal whether the
late change to "Focus" had been the result
of a genuine change in its plans, or simply a desire
to conceal the real name from the press until the
company was ready for the launch.)
Ironically, the North American
Fusion also encountered naming problems. In this
case, its original name was Futura, a model designation
used for a sporty version of the 1960s Falcon
line, and others. Since the name had been shelved
for too long, and meanwhile a tire distributor
(Pep Boys) had used it, a court challenge by Pep
Boys was decided against Ford. Hence the two different
Fusions exist.
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