CONFIRMED: Ford Fiesta coming to America, hope for Mondeo
Ford of Europe chairman Lewis Booth confirmed today that the next-generation Ford Fiesta for the European market will be brought to us folks in small car-starved North America. In truth, we're not actually starved for small cars in North America, we're just starved for good small cars like the Ford Fiesta and other European B-class models. The current model is well received in its native market, while the next generation model will be based off of the same platform used by the new Mazda2 that's being debuted publicly for the first time in Geneva tomorrow. The question remains whether Ford will substantially alter the design of the Euro model before it makes its transatlantic voyage, but considering how little money Ford has to spare, as well as how good the current designs are coming out of Ford Europe, we'd guess the models will be very similar.
Booth also commented that platform sharing between Ford's North American and European operations could extend all the way up to the Mondeo. For the first time we've gotten an indication of how that might work. Booth says that since the Fusion has just been launched, it likely won't be until the new sedan has gone through at least one full product cycle that the two cars can be merged. By that time, we'll either be getting the new Mondeo in the twilight of its own product cycle or an all-new Mondeo will debut on both continents.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Hamud 6:06PM (3/05/2007)
They should make no change to the Fiesta, just take it as it is, or as it will be, hehehe.
That's just great, hope Ford take the Mondeo to the USA and badge it as a Mercury.
Go for it Ford.
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Bryan 6:08PM (3/05/2007)
Nice! Even though I am not a small car fan, this easily looks better than the dustbuster looking Fit and the pig looking Yaris. Looks like Ford and Mazda are going to rock this segment hard in the very near future. I wonder how long before we see these models..anyone have an idea?
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SBessette 6:13PM (3/05/2007)
THANK GOD!!
I cant wait to see the look on the people's faces at Toyota!
Go for it Ford...the Mondeo mixed with the Fusion would be one sexy car!
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Bryan 6:13PM (3/05/2007)
I agree #1 the Fiesta looks good as is. I am guessing we would see the new Mondeo derivative in 2010? 11? I wonder what platform the Taurus will take under Mulally's rule when it is redone in 2010. I wonder if putting the escort name on it would surprise people knowing the old escort was bigger, or maybe generate more traffic by the name itself. They may not like how small it is, so they look at something else like a Focus or base Fusion. This would save them tons on marketing expenditures. The next few years prove to be very interesting.
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mark 6:13PM (3/05/2007)
Here's a good idea, wait and wait to bring the Mondeo over here. Yeah that's right (insert scarcasm here) Ford has all the time in the world. No, they're not in trouble, sure take your time Ford wait a couple more years while you lose more market share!
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ruggels 6:20PM (3/05/2007)
"I cant wait to see the look on the people's faces at Toyota!"
What like when Ford's CEO called them the 'masters'? Let's cut the fan boy crap.
This is a good move, for sure. Like everyone else, I can't wait for the Mondeo!
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Matt 6:25PM (3/05/2007)
I wonder if we'll get the 150HP XR4 as an SVT model?
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John P. 6:24PM (3/05/2007)
We don't want out of date cars Ford. If the Mondeo is 3 or 4 years old before it gets here, it does no good. On the other hand, if when the Fusion goes away, good car/bland design, the next gen mondeo/american counterpart should be ready to go, and launch at the same time.
Having said that. I'll buy a Fiesta the day it goes on sale. I'll be needing a new car soon and it would replace my focus nicely.
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SBessette 6:27PM (3/05/2007)
whoa...ruggels...relax...excuse me for showing enthusiasm.
im just happy for Ford man, no need for the testosterone explosion
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NoNameDenton 6:27PM (3/05/2007)
Take that Japanese imports, especially Toyota, Ford has finally found a way to save their bacon and make a come back. The Fiesta would be better then the Echo replacment from Toyota, and a Mondeo based Fusion will wipe the floor with the Camry. Hahahaha, sweet justice.
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NoNameDenton 6:28PM (3/05/2007)
#10, Don't mind ruggels, he forgets to take the medication for his personality issues
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CMOS 6:33PM (3/05/2007)
Wow, are you guys that threatened by Toyota? Let's just hope that Ford can come back to their former glory.
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ruggels 6:38PM (3/05/2007)
Lol, nah, Denton's just had a little too much son down there [in Texas].
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Howard Kerr 6:38PM (3/05/2007)
NND...ruggels HAS a personality? A DISORDER? YES! Personality? I doubt it.
If a new Fiesta is coming in 12 to 18 months, I'll continue saving my money and try to keep my '92 Integra going for another year or two.
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NoNameDenton 6:44PM (3/05/2007)
ruggels, you spelled sUn wrong, since the word you mean indicates my offspring, and Howard Kerr, that was funny, thanks for making me laugh today
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Accordsforall 6:51PM (3/05/2007)
Hmmm
Keep in mind that the Accord and Camry dont give the US their best vehicles.. the Austrailian versions of BOTH CARS could very well go toe to toe with the Fusion / Mondeo.
And I like to say.. Im happy that the Mondeo is coming as the Fusion in a coupla years.
But we will see.. just how soon those coupla years are. Are we talking 2010.. 2015.. 2020?
And you know that Ford will being over the Festiva (but because its still related to the POS from 10yrs ago) it will be hard to keep the name positive. And.. I highly doubt a sporty version will make the streets. Ford is more concerned with.. low cost cheap B class cars.. than cars with power. Thats the sole reason why the Focus isnt up to the European version.. they went for cheap low cost vehicles.. rather than stuff ya actually want to drive.
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lavardera 8:48PM (3/05/2007)
That sounds like good news, however I'll believe it when I see it.
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Blake 7:41PM (3/05/2007)
Its about time THANK GOD!!!! I just hope they'll keep the 3 bar chrome grille off the American model...
Now the Mondeo needs to come over here just as a Mercury..... Also there needs to be a Mercury version of the Fiesta....
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Atomicbri 7:47PM (3/05/2007)
I will believe it when I see it! (And I hope I see it in this for, unaltered)
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Howard Kerr 7:58PM (3/05/2007)
I just wish all those nitwits who insist on confusing the FIESTA with the festiva, would lave their REAL names and addresses....I'd send them something to help them remember which is which.
Accordfor All.......there ain't no more FESTIVAS being built or sold ANYWHERE...so how can "Ford will bring over the Festiva..."
What a marooooon.
FIESTA...........6 letters, has no V in it.
festiva.........7 letters, no i BEFORE the e.
To confuse these two, to CONTINUE to confuse these two...is as stupid as confusing a cupcake and a ricecake.
Can someone get ruggels and Accords a room, put them in it, and lock the door and throw away the key?
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