New Ford Fusion not likely to oust top-selling Toyota Camry, yet

As 2013 Ford Fusions begin rolling into dealerships, Ford can say that it has finally created the mythical Toyota Camry fighter. It's something we've heard again and again from Detroit's carmakers, always poised but never able to deliver a midsize sedan that will outsell the venerable Camry.

This time, however, Ford may have a case.

The Camry remains the default choice for Baby Boomers.

Offering five powertrains, including a 47-mile-per-gallon gas-electric hybrid, and a powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost model, all wrapped in a sexy exterior, the Fusion makes a strong case that it deserves a spot at the top of America's most cutthroat segment.

But numbers don't lie.

Last year, Ford sold 248,000 Fusions. This year, sales are up 7.7 percent through August at 181,000 cars, making the Fusion Detroit's top selling midsize car in America. But it's not even close to the top selling midsize car in the U.S., it's not even the third-best-selling midsize sedan. The Camry is on a big rebound. It has sold 280,000 cars this year alone, and sales are up 37 percent. It could sell 400,000 cars by year's end. Meanwhile, through August, the Honda Accord at 219,000 cars (sales up 19 percent) and the Nissan Altima is at 210,000 units.

Furthermore, the Camry remains the default choice for Baby Boomers. Style and performance be damned, these customers have always had a Camry and always will have a Camry. So Ford, admittedly, has its work cut out for it.