Ford Motor Co.’s ( F - Analyst Report ) 2013 Ford Taurus has been certified as the class leading in large sedan city and highway fuel efficiency by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The vehicle with new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine has been empowered to deliver 32 miles per gallon (mpg) on highway. With this recognition, it has surpassed the key competitors 2012 Chrysler 300, General Motors Company’s ( GM - Analyst Report ) Chevrolet Impala, and Toyota Motor Corporation’s ( TM - Analyst Report ) Dodge Charger and Toyota Avalon.

Ford emphasizes consumer preference for power, cargo space and comfort together with fuel efficiency. Taurus is designed in a manner that will ensure power even in small passenger vehicles. All the three engines of 2013 Taurus are fuel efficient and are granted 25 mpg or more by EPA highway estimates. With regard to the power of small vehicles, it beats Honda Motor Co.’s ( HMC - Analyst Report ) V6 models of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

The Taurus 3.5-liter V6 engine provides an additional 25 horsepower along with 1 mpg in city and 2 mpg on highway, according to EPA estimates. The 2013 Taurus SHO (Super High Output) with 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine features 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque, and delivers 25 mpg on the highway.

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine supports Taurus in achieving 26-mpg, beating the Daimler AG’s ( DDAIF ) Mercedes-Benz E350 Bluetec diesel and Porsche Panamera S Hybrid. The comfort and advanced technology pertaining to the vehicle provide tough competition to the German sport diesel and hybrid vehicles in fuel efficiency.

All the Taurus models are developed with advanced and additional technologies which will boost fuel efficiency. The vehicle will be produced in the company’s Chicago Assembly and will be available in the market in summer.

Michigan-based Ford is one of the largest automobile producers worldwide. The company is divided into two segments: Automotive and Financial services. Its core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury. Although the U.S. is Ford’s primary selling ground, Europe, South America, and the Asia-Pacific constitute its other major markets.

Currently, Ford retains a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term (1 to 3 months) “Hold” rating. We have a long-term (more than 6 months) “Neutral” recommendation on the stock.