FORD TAKES RECORD NUMBER OF WHAT CAR? AWARDS

Ford Mondeo Mk IV (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ford, the UK’s favourite car brand, triumphed at the 2013 What Car? Awards, winning an unprecedented four trophies.
While the acclaimed Ford Mondeo took Best Family Car and Best Estate awards for the third year running, the new Ford Fiesta and Focus ST also received accolades from What Car?.
Ford’s trophy haul of four awards is the most the top-selling car brand has won in the event’s 25-year history.  Ford’s success at the 2013 What Car? Awards comes in the same week as latest vehicle sales figures confirm the company has sold the most cars in the UK for 36 consecutive years and been top commercial vehicle brand for 47 years.


Mighty Mondeo

The Ford Mondeo remains both the UK's Best Family Car and Best Estate according to What Car?, the leading car buyer’s guide.  In reaffirming the flagship Ford’s 2012 and 2011 achievements in both categories, What Car? said:  “The Mondeo is rewarding to drive, with agile handling and a comfortable ride.  It will satisfy the family man and the business user, being as assured on twisty lanes as it is on motorways.
“The Ford Mondeo estate is spacious enough to keep even the tallest adults happy, while its boot can cope with everything from the family dog to furniture.”

Award-winning new Fiesta

As the new Ford Fiesta goes on volume sale this month, What Car? has already declared it Best Supermini.  Fiesta has been the UK bestseller for four consecutive years and saw sales rise by 14 per cent to almost 110,000 cars in 2012.
“If ever a car feels like it has been touched by greatness, it’s the Ford Fiesta,” said What Car?  “Freshly face lifted for 2013, it now comes with sweeter engines and improved safety credentials.”

Sporty ST

The 154mph Ford Focus ST, available as both a five-door and an estate, is Ford’s first global performance car.  Yet its turbo-charged, direct-injection 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine returns 39mpg while delivering CO2 emissions of 169g/km.
In making it Best Hot Hatch, What Car? said:  “Fast and thrilling when you want it to be, yet also perfectly happy pottering around town or trundling along the motorway.”
Chas Hallett, What Car? editor-in-chief, said:  “Ford really deserves its four What Car? category awards, it’s a fantastic achievement.  It’s great to see a mainstream volume car maker building award-winning cars.”
Mark Ovenden, Ford Britain managing director, said:  “Ford’s flying start to 2013 has been accelerated by winning so many What Car? Awards.  Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo are the most familiar models in Ford’s line-up, so What Car? recognising each of them is a fine testimony to our latest range.”

FORD ECONETIC RANGE OFFERS CLEANEST, GREENEST MONDEO YET

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Ford is boosting its Mondeo ECOnetic range. With the introduction of a new, 2.0-litre, 115PS model - the lowest CO₂ Mondeo yet - and broadens the choice of Ford models available with less than 140g/km CO₂.

The new Ford Mondeo ECOnetic is offered in five-door or estate form, each with the same, 139g/km CO₂ rating, furthering Ford’s commitment to creating fuel efficient models, without sacrificing practicality or driving characteristics.

Each uses Ford’s proven 2.0-litre, 115PS TDCi engine, optimised with a six-speed transmission to create EC combined fuel economy¹ of 54.3mpg, rising to 64.2mpg in motorway cruising and giving a potential combined driving range of over 800 miles.

Other emission-reducing ECOnetic features include low-rolling resistance tyres and an optimum gearchange indicator, plus aerodynamics-enhancing sports suspension, air deflectors and a rear spoiler. Inside, the no-compromise Mondeo driving environment offers dual-zone automatic temperature control, Bluetooth^TM connectivity with voice control, cruise control, seven airbags and Quickclear heated front windscreen.

ESP with Traction Assist and Emergency Brake Assist complete a standard features list that ensures Mondeo ECOnetic is as poised as it is efficient and comfortable.

The arrival of this new Mondeo ECOnetic is good news for company car drivers – the 2.0-litre engine gives access to a greater number of company car lists, while its low CO₂ and competitive price ensure the lowest tax band in its class and low P11D costs.

Family buyers will also find the latest Ford Mondeo ECOnetic easy on the pocket, with its low CO₂ qualifying for Vehicle Excise Duty Band E (£120 per year) and excellent driving range.

“Running costs are driving purchase decisions, but customers do not want to compromise to achieve low ownership costs,” explains Mondeo brand manager, Jon Gunn-Smith. “More people than ever are recognising that ECOnetic delivers the right balance for them – and more Mondeo customers have opted for ECOnetic in the first five months of 2009, than in the whole of 2008.”

The new models will be offered alongside the existing five-door or estate 1.8-litre, 125PS Mondeo ECOnetic models. Ford now boasts the broadest sub-160g/km vehicle range of any manufacturer, with 185 models providing savings to company car and family buyers alike. At the end of 2008, Ford was named "Greenest Manufacturer of the Year" by Green-Car-Guide.com.

The Ford Mondeo 2.0-litre ECOnetic is on sale now, priced from £20,145 on-the-road.

2009 Shanghai Auto Show - Ford Mondeo

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Described as one of the best mid-sized sedans in China, the Ford Mondeo delivers European design and refinement, excellent driving dynamics, and five-star occupant protection.

• Mondeo prioritises convenience and connectivity with Bluetooth, GPS satellite navigation, and keyless entry as well as advanced Human Machine Interface
• Mondeo received highest five-star C-NCAP score for occupant protection (October 2008) and features advanced body structure with rigid safety cell, dual front airbags and side airbags
• Advanced, fuel efficient 2.3-litre engine and six-speed automatic combine to deliver excellent performance
• Mondeo has received critical acclaimed by China's independent motoring publications Car and Driver and Motor Trend

Ford Mondeo brings European design, European engineering and European driving dynamics to China with class-leading occupant protection, ultimate refinement and a host of sophisticated features the Mondeo customer expects.

European heritage is immediately obvious in Ford Mondeo's expressive kinetic design characterised by its distinct headlamp design, poised and confident stance, bold wheel arches and taut, defined surfacing. These signature kinetic design features that embody Mondeo have since become the distinguishing design features of Ford's current generation of passenger cars in China.

The Ford Mondeo is impressive, and continues to impress the experts.

• Top 10 Car by Motor Trend (2008)
• 10 Best Car by Car and Driver (2008)
• Best Driving Performance Car by Sina
• Judging Committee's Special Recommendation by China Mainstream Media Alliance

Internationally, the experts agree. Ford Mondeo continues to receive praise from motoring experts.

• 2008 Best Domestic Large Sedan by Car News Magazine (Taiwan)
• 2009 Best Medium Car by New Zealand Automobile Association

In October 2008, the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) crash tested Mondeo. The Mondeo earned C-NCAP's highest rating of five stars for occupant protection with safety features such as dual front airbags, front side airbags and an advanced body shell engineered to control the impact forces and minimise the effect on occupants. In terms of its body structure and extensive use of high-strength steels and ultra high-strengths steels, the Ford Mondeo is truly world class.

Ford Mondeo's nimble and athletic handling, superb braking performance and electronic driver's aids such as ESP assist the driver to potentially avoid an accident.

In China, Ford Mondeo appeals to a customer who is successful and who appreciates European design and finds pleasure in driving.

Ford offers Mondeo in six variants:

• Mondeo Luxury High Navigation (with GPS satellite navigation)
• Mondeo Luxury Sport Navigation (with GPS satellite navigation)
• Mondeo Luxury Sport
• Mondeo Luxury
• Mondeo Fashion
• Mondeo Comfort (with 2.0-litre engine)

Two efficient engines are offered – a 2.0-litre reserved for the Comfort while the majority of Mondeo variants are powered by a refined and advanced 2.3-litre engine delivering excellent performance and fuel efficiency.

The Duratec 2.3-litre engine produces 117kW at 6500rpm; what's more, it delivers more than 190Nm between 2000 and 5800rpm. Light in weight to ensure excellent driving dynamics with accurate steering response, the aluminium engine is accompanied by a computer-controlled six-speed automatic transmission.

Driving Dynamics
Ford Mondeo appeals to those who enjoy driving. It achieves the ride comfort expected from an executive sedan and also provides the required confidence and dynamic agility to those who enjoy driving.

Ford Mondeo achieves this extraordinary balance of comfort and confident driving dynamics by starting with a very stable and rigid body structure. To this rigid body structure, the Mondeo utilises MacPherson struts at the front with a multi-link independent suspension at the rear.

Bold kinetic design, premium interior features, superior build quality and an exceptional balance of ride comfort and confident driving dynamics are genuine qualities of the Ford Mondeo. Motoring experts around the world and in China claim the Mondeo is an exceptional mid-sized sedan.

FORD'S SPRING OFFERS

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Ford is tempting customers with an exciting range of spring special offers on popular models. Buyers can celebrate the arrival of the new season with a new car featuring reduced low-rate finance at 3.9 per cent across the range, generous customer savings and free added features. These offers are available now until June 30, 2009.

FIESTA

The stylish new Fiesta Zetec is now offered with free Bluetooth connectivity and voice control (worth £150) plus a customer saving of £500. The new 'On-The-Road' (OTR) price is just £11,795.

FOCUS

Customers ordering the acclaimed and sporty Focus Zetec can save a total of £2,400 with its special OTR price of £15,040. This includes a saving of £1,700, free Bluetooth and voice control worth £150, and free Sport Pack worth £550, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass.

The new Focus Zetec S model also benefits from the same offers, and starts at £16,040 OTR. A £1000 deposit allowance is added for all Focus customers.

KUGA

The popular Kuga crossover now comes with free Bluetooth and voice control worth £150, and the Appearance Pack which is worth £200 and includes aluminium finish roof rails and privacy glass. Kuga Prices now start from £21,790.

MONDEO

Ford Mondeo customers choosing the Zetec series will get a free Zetec Sport Pack worth £500, which includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and sports suspension. The Mondeo Zetec has an OTR price of £18,840, while a £1000 deposit allowance is also added for all Mondeo customers.

S-MAX & GALAXY

S-MAX Zetec and Galaxy Ghia owners already enjoy a host of luxurious standard features, but will get maximum benefit from the brighter days thanks to the addition of a free panorama roof worth £700. S-MAX and Galaxy customers will also benefit from a £1,000 deposit allowance.

NEW FIESTA IS LATEST FORD MODEL TO KEEP ALLERGIES AT BAY

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The all-new Ford Fiesta is the latest Ford model especially designed and tested to help protect car occupants from potentially health-threatening allergic reactions.

Ford is the only manufacturer to have its cars independently checked by the British Allergy Foundation (BAF) and the renowned international test authority TÜV to confirm they are "allergy friendly".

For each model, over 100 materials are assessed for allergy-causing potential, so Ford drivers can be confident that the interior conforms to the high standards required by BAF and TÜV.

Andy Taylor, Ford's European sustainability director, said: “Common materials like latex, chrome and nickel can provoke allergic reactions in some people. Our engineers take special care to minimise or eliminate such materials, something that is confirmed in these exhaustive independent tests.”

In total, seven Ford model ranges have been certified as "allergy-tested" by BAF and TÜV, from the top-selling new Ford Fiesta to the Focus, C-MAX, Kuga, Mondeo, S‑MAX and Galaxy.

Ford engineers ensure that all materials touched by drivers – such as the steering wheel, seat covers and seat belts – are dermatologically tested. Allergy-tested Ford models are equipped with high-performance filters – effective at preventing allergic pollens from entering the cabin.

Jules Payne, British Allergy Foundation deputy chief executive said: "BAF is pleased to see the new Ford Fiesta meet these exacting standards. Allergies affect millions of people every year and we are delighted to provide guidance to these people about the best vehicles to drive.”

Ford’s achievements have also been recognised by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation, which awarded the company its "Seal of Quality" for products suitable for allergy sufferers.

NEW FIESTA POWERS FORD OF EUROPE TO HIGHEST JANUARY MARKET SHARE SINCE 2004

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• Ford of Europe January market share increased 0.5 percentage points to 9.3 percent -- the highest January share since 2004
• Ford one of only three manufacturers to see market share gains in Euro 19 markets
• New Fiesta is best-selling Ford car in January in the main 19 European markets

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 11, 2009 – Led by strong sales of the new Fiesta, Ford of Europe reported a January market share of 9.3 percent in Europe’s main 19 markets, its highest January share since 2004.

Ford of Europe sold 98,300 vehicles in its main 19 markets in the first month of 2009, including 28,300 new Fiestas, making it the best-selling Ford car in January. Since the Fiesta’s European launch in August 2008, sales of the popular small car have totaled 89,000 units. The new Fiesta, the first in a series of global, fuel-efficient small cars from Ford, is also being rolled out in China and other Asia Pacific markets. It will go on sale in North America in early 2010.

Ford’s January sales across its main 19 European markets were down 23.1 percent from the same month a year ago, less than the overall industry decline of 27.2 percent. Ford’s share of 9.3 percent was an increase of 0.5 percentage points over January 2008.

“We're delighted that our new products are wanted by the motoring public, and that this desirability is being reflected in the share growth that we are seeing,” said Ingvar Sviggum, vice president marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe.

“Unfortunately, this share improvement is taking place in the context of a deeply declining market across Europe, so we are in effect taking a larger slice of a much smaller cake. This is why we're taking actions to reduce our costs in response to lower revenue — so that we can protect the flow of exciting new products which is finding such favor, and thus ensure that we come out stronger when we finally get through this deep recession,” Sviggum said.

Market share up in 17 markets
Ford of Europe had January market share gains in 17 of its 19 main European markets, with declines coming in Spain and Greece. Ford was market leader in the U.K., Hungary and Ireland, and among the top three in 14 out of the main 19 European markets.

In addition to the Fiesta, top-selling Ford models in the 19 main European markets were the Focus, with 21,400 units, and Transit, which sold 8,200 units. In France, the Fiesta and C-MAX were the best-selling imported vehicles in their segments. In Spain, the Fusion, Focus, Mondeo and Galaxy led their segments.

Across all its 51 European markets, Ford sold 112,000 vehicles in January 2009, down 24.6 percent when compared to the same month last year.

Among other highlights:

Ford of Britain again confirmed its market leadership with sales of 24,300 vehicles, boosting Ford’s market share by 1.4 percentage points to 19.1 percent in January.

Ford Ireland market share soared by 4.2 percentage points to 17.9 percent in the first month of 2009, giving it the highest market share increase within the Ford of Europe sales organization.

In Germany, with the help of a government modernization incentive program, Ford sales rose by 14.2 percent to 15,500 units, an increase of 1,900 versus January 2008 and lifting its market share by 2.1 percentage points to 7.7 percent.

The market share for Ford France rose by 0.5 percentage points to 5.9 percent, the highest retail share for Ford in France since January 2000.

Although the Spanish market continued to be one of the most difficult in Europe, with sales falling 48.8 percent to 6,700 units, Ford was passenger car and medium commercial market leader, with a market share of 9.8 percent.

Ford Italy market share rose by 0.8 percentage points to 9.3 percent and the Fiesta was again segment leader in January and the third best-selling vehicle in Italy overall.

In Russia, Ford's January market share rose over 2 percentage points to 7.4 percent.

January sales by vehicle line (Euro 19) 4

Model	January 09	o(u) January 08	January YTD 09	o(u) January YTD 08
Ka	900	(3,000)	900	(3,000)
New Ka	5,200	5,200	5,200	5,200
Fiesta	2,600	(25,800)	2,600	(25,800)
New Fiesta	28,300	28,300	28,300	28,300
Fusion	4,000	(1,300)	4,000	(1,300)
Focus	21,400	(10,700)	21,400	(10,700)
Focus Coupé-Cabriolet	600	(500)	600	(500)
C-MAX	5,900	(4,100)	5,900	(4,100)
Kuga	4,200	4,200	4,200	4,200
Mondeo	8,000	(8,400)	8,000	(8,400)
S-MAX	3,000	(1,800)	3,000	(1,800)
Galaxy	1,800	(1,100)	1,800	(1,100)
Transit	8,200	(6,600)	8,200	(6,600)
Transit Connect	2,900	(2,600)	2,900	(2,600)
Ranger	900	(700)	900	(700)

FORD STRENGTHENS GLOBAL MARKETING FUNCTION AS NEXT STEP IN IMPLEMENTING ‘ONE FORD’ VISION

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• Ford establishes a Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations office to integrate and drive a more consistent and compelling connection with customers around the world
• Elena Ford named to new position of director, Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations to lead implementation of the company’s “One Ford” marketing vision
• New global Ford Focus small car in 2010 will be the first product to benefit from global coordination

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 27, 2009 – Ford Motor Company today announced changes to its Global Marketing organization to create a more consistent and compelling connection with customers worldwide, while better leveraging the company’s global assets and capabilities.

Leading the effort will be Elena Ford, 42, who has been named director, Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations, reporting to Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. Elena Ford, who is currently executive vice president, Ford Motor Credit Company Global Brand and Marketing, begins her new assignment Feb. 1.

“Enhancing the Global Marketing organization is the next step in our One Ford vision to integrate Ford’s worldwide operations and leverage our scale and expertise,” Farley said. “Elena brings a wealth of experience to the new position and is the ideal leader to drive a coordinated approach for our worldwide marketing efforts and speak with one consistent and compelling voice to customers.”

This marketing approach follows consolidation of Ford’s global product development activities in 2006 and global purchasing operations in 2008. It also reflects an aggressive move to global vehicles. All Ford vehicles competing in global segments will be common in North America, Europe and Asia within the next five years. They include Fiesta- and Focus-sized small cars, Fusion- and Mondeo-sized mid-size cars and utilities, and commercial vans.

In the newly established role, Elena Ford will be responsible for:

• Leading Ford’s Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations to drive commonality and standardization of marketing resources. This includes integrating the company’s marketing team members, global agencies and other supplier partners with a common and integrated plan to bring new global vehicles to market.
• Driving a governance process on strategic and operations matters across Marketing, Sales and Service.
• Enhancing Ford’s brand image around the world.
• Driving greater presence of the Ford brand at global auto shows and other consumer-facing events to create a more experiential connection with customers.
• Expanding the offering of Ford-branded licensed merchandise around the world.

The new Ford Focus global small car – which will be introduced in North America, Europe and Asia nearly simultaneously in 2010 – will be the first vehicle to benefit from global coordination. The new Focus’ introduction will build on lessons learned from the current launch of the new Fiesta, the company’s first global product under its One Ford vision.

In addition to a more consistent and higher-quality communication of the new Focus around the world, Ford expects that a globally integrated marketing launch will result in millions of dollars of cost savings.

“Our new products are being recognized for excellence around the world, and they are leading the competition in quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technologies,” Farley said. “Now, our job is to more effectively and efficiently connect these great products with our customers and build on Ford’s strength as one of the world’s most admired companies and brands.”

Elena Ford joined the company in 1995 as the truck advertising specialist for Ford Division. She has held marketing leadership positions representing all regions and brands around the world.

Prior to her current assignment at Ford Credit, she has served as: director of North America product marketing, planning and strategy; director of North America product marketing; director of Ford Division product marketing; and director of Business Strategy for International Automotive Operations.

Before joining the company, Elena Ford was a senior account executive for Wells, Rich Green Advertising in New York. She is the great-great-granddaughter of company founder Henry Ford.

FORD GEAR-SHIEFT INDICATOR LIGHTS THE WAY TO BETTER FUEL ECONOMY

Image via WikipediaThe latest Ford ECOnetic and Transit models light the way towards improved fuel economy via a 'smart' gear change alert.

The gear-shift indicator in the instrument cluster of Ford Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo ECOnetic and Transit diesels signals to drivers when to change gear at the optimum moment. Moving more swiftly through the gears reduces fuel consumption by avoiding unnecessarily high engine speed.

The system not only helps drivers cut fuel costs, but also enables them to reduce CO₂ emissions and to decrease wear on engine and transmission components.

Tim Winstanley, Ford diesel powertrain manager, said: “Many drivers could improve their fuel economy significantly by changing gear earlier. The indicator provides drivers with a helpful aid to using less fuel and encourages a smoother driving style.”

A shift indicator is fitted as standard to the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic and Mondeo ECOnetic models, and will be added to the Ford Focus ECOnetic in early 2009. The feature is also on all Ford Transit and Transit Connect TDCi diesels.

The gear-shift indicator senses the way the vehicle is being driven, taking account of road gradient, vehicle load and individual driving style and identifies the most suitable gear change point.

The system continuously monitors data from the vehicle including engine speed, road speed, gear selected and throttle position to calculate optimum gear changes.

Using the gear-shift indicator helps drivers to maximise the fuel economy of Ford models, which are already among the most fuel efficient in their class. The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic achieves a combined fuel consumption of 76.3 mpg* along with an ultra-low 98g/km CO₂, making it exempt from UK road tax.

This year Ford ran a nation-wide Smart Driving Challenge using Focus ECOnetics to promote techniques including early gear changes. Fuel saved after deploying eco driving tips equated to £325 per year for the average motorist, with drivers improving their miles per gallon by over a third.