Ford has tried to position the Fusion as an environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient car through publicity-raising events like a 1,000 mile drive in the hybrid version on a single tank of gas and various billboards referencing the EPA estimated mileage ratings.

Now they’ve announced that this year’s model will be fitted with Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires, which the company estimates could save up to 4 percent in average driving conditions. But buyers considering used Ford Fusions in New Jersey need not buy a newer model to take advantage of the new technology.

Designed to reduce energy loss with an enhanced tread compound, buyers may want to buy a set with the savings they could gain buying a 2006 model.

In the first year that the Fusion was offered, Edmunds.com reviewers described it as marking ” the first time in nearly two decades that Ford has a high-quality midsize sedan that can go toe-to-toe” with Japanese and European midsize sedans.