Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Dan Roth — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

The usual suspects of Chris, Sam, and Dan are joined this week by Autoblog Editor Extraordinaire Chris Paukert. It's a packed 'cast, starting with the apparent go-ahead of the Cadillac Converj. The future of the Dodge Viper figures in to a few minutes of debate, as does Chrysler's marathon presentation about the company's plans going forward. Moving from Chrysler to the company's former overlords at Daimler, we talk about Mr. Paukert's Wild Ride in the AMG SLS, and take a complete left turn into Ford Ranger land and talk about the one we won't be getting. Toyota's floor mat/throttle controversy finishes up the topics before we take a couple questions and call it a night. A good, solid hour and a half for your enjoyment.

Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Gallery: Podcast listener pictures

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced!

Autoblog Podcast #152 - Paukert enhanced! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mullaly says global Ranger and Ka won't be offered in Ford's U.S. showrooms

Chris Shunk — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Hatchback, Ford

Global Ford Ranger - Click above for high-res gallery

Ford has been working hard to integrate its product lineup on a global scale, but it appears that some models available overseas may never make it to U.S. shores. Ford CEO Alan Mulally has apparently told Automotive News that the Thai-built global Ranger and the A-Segment Ka likely won't be going on sale here in the States. Mulally had previously stated that both vehicles were under consideration for U.S. sale, but now the prognosis appears to be far more dire.

The global Ford Ranger is a far more modern entry-level pickup than its U.S. counterpart which is scheduled to cease production in 2011. While the future of the Ranger is looking pretty bleak here in the States, it appears there is some hope that the shelved F-100 project could once again be in Dearborn's plans. Pickuptrucks.com is reporting that its sources indicate that the F-100, which is a lighter, shorter version of the popular F-150, is still being considered. The F-100 is said to be bigger in all dimensions than the global Ranger.

While there is still hope for a smaller truck in the Blue Oval's arsenal of products, there doesn't appear to be any pulse at all for an A-Segment hatch. Mulally reportedly told AN that the Ka is just too small to be successful in America, adding "Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States." The tiny Ka, which shares hardware with the soon-to-be-sold in the U.S. Fiat 500, is a full 25 inches shorter than the Fiesta.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: 2010 Ford Ranger (EU)

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Sources: Automotive News - subs req'd; Pickuptrucks.com]

REPORT: Mullaly says global Ranger and Ka won't be offered in Ford's U.S. showrooms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kas and Coffee at Ford's Premier Automotive Group

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

2010 Ford Ka - Click above for high-res image gallery

Look what we spotted at the weekly Cars & Coffee gathering today in Irvine. Right there amidst the Cobras, Ferraris, Ariel Atoms and Toyota 2000GTs sat a perfectly ordinary looking 2009 Ford Ka. Well, it was an ordinary 2009 Ford Ka, but its presence in California was rather surprising. After all, Ford hasn't said that they are going to be bringing this European COTY nominee to these shores any time soon.

Does this add credence to the notion that this little Fiat 500 platform-mate might be headed Stateside or is it just a typical example of models from other markets getting passed around to U.S. operations for a little looky-loo? Ford reps on hand were tight-lipped, but we did hear one mention the "Mazda1" in passing. Since Mazda shares the parking lot with Ford at this site, it's possible Mazda was taking a closer look at it as well.

Whatever the official line, we noticed quite a few show-goers giving it appreciative glances. While some were lamenting the time when these tiny European shuttles might be mandated as replacements for their high horsepower sports cars, others seemed to admire the lines and packaging, especially when price and gas mileage came up. If the special editions are part of the deal, we say bring 'em over! Whatever Ford decides to do with this little Ka, we'll try to keep you posted. Until then, check out our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka at Cars & Coffee

Kas and Coffee at Ford's Premier Automotive Group originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Could the Fiat-Chrysler deal yield a North American Ford Ka?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Chrysler, Ford, Fiat, Rumormill

The 2009 Ford Ka - Click above for a high-res gallery

It's a long shot, but according to The Detroit Free Press, Chrysler's deal with Fiat could result in Ford offering the cutesy Ka for sale in North America. As you may recall, Ford co-developed the Ka's platform with Fiat (it shares its chassis with the 500), and the Italian automaker builds both cars in Poland. If and when Chrysler and Fiat finish dancing and commit, the Freep reasons that models built on the 500's platform might be built in Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant. If so, that could offer Ford the kind of economies-of-scale necessary to sell the thousands of thin-margin Kas to make the venture worthwhile.

If the Ford Fiesta takes off and Ford can keep the Ka's price down - it starts at £7,995 ($12,150 US) in the UK - the case might make itself. Sure, there are a fair number of ifs, mights, and maybes in there, but as a cheap city car for when gas prices doubtlessly skyrocket again, it's certainly worth a thought or two.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Rumormill: Could the Fiat-Chrysler deal yield a North American Ford Ka? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Everybody loves... the Fiesta Movement?

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Ford

Click above for gallery of pics of the Ford Fiesta and Ford Ka

While visiting our favorite weekly car gathering in SoCal today, we were stopped in our tracks when we spotted "Everybody Loves Raymond" star Ray Romano, happily answering questions about the shiny new Ford Fiesta parked beside him. We thought it odd for Ford to enlist such a well-known stand-up comic to pitch the product at such a meager gathering, but figured even A-list talent might be hurting for a little extra scratch in this economic climate. We approached to get a better look and realized it was actually Fiesta Brand Manager Sam De La Garza a dead ringer for the actor who portrayed everybody's favorite Italian-American non-mobster on television.

Sam brought the Fiesta to Cars & Coffee to show it off and elicit some reactions. He also wanted to remind folks that the Fiesta Movement is still underway, although he declined comment on sister site AB Green's entry. Without giving too much away, he did mention that the response to the contest has been overwhelming. He told us that the entries have been beyond imagination, mentioning, for example, that Juston Laipply, creator of the über-viral "Evolution of Dance", was among the entrants. While the Fiesta's success in America seems to be a foregone conclusion in some camps, Sam also brought along a Ford Ka to see whether the Fiesta might have big enough coattails to carry its kid brother as well. We can hardly wait to get our hands on one. Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta and Ka

Everybody loves... the Fiesta Movement? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford CEO wants to bring Ka to U.S.

Michael Harley — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST

Click above for our high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Ka

While his priority is to launch the Ford Fiesta in North America in 2010, the CEO of Ford told Automotive News that the Europe-only Ford Ka microcar might also be available in the United States. Alan Mulally said that an array of subcompact and Focus-sized cars will follow the Fiesta, and then the redesigned Ka (itself smaller than the Fiesta) may find itself on our shores. Mulally reiterated Ford's commitment to a small-car strategy, but admitted the company must find a way to achieve a decent profit margin on the inexpensive vehicles. The task is especially daunting when one considers the $8,000 to $10,000-plus margins the automaker banks on SUVs and big pickups.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Ford CEO wants to bring Ka to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bond girl buddies up with Ford Ka

Chris Shunk — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Aston Martin, Ford, Celebrities

Who's not looking forward to the new Bond flick Quantum of Solace that opens in theaters on October 29th? Agent 007 returns with an Aston Martin DBS as his daily driver and a beautiful woman on his arm, per usual. The new girl's name is Camille, and she's played by Olga Kurylenko. Her job is to make James forget about that Vesper girl, and she'll be sharing scenes with Ford's recently redesigned Ka while doing it.

Ford plans to make good use of the Ka's starring role next to Olga, and is sponsoring a slew of Bond girl events including a special on MTV that will take an ordinary Jill and give her four weeks of Bond training with Ms. Kurylenko. Other events include a behind the scenes look at the Camille character on E! Entertainment and full coverage from the red carpet premiere. We dig the cute little Ka, but we're guessing Olga will garner much of the spotlight during the efficient little hatch's big screen debut. Click the pic to the right for a high-res version and another head shot of Kurylenko upstaging the Ka with her better-than-Kinetic good looks.

Gallery: Olga Kurylenko and the Ford Ka

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Bond girl buddies up with Ford Ka

Bond girl buddies up with Ford Ka originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mulally: Ford considering Ka for U.S. market

Chris Shunk — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Ka

Ford has said in the past that it wasn't looking to bring its lovable little Ka subcompact to the United States, but increased demand for fuel efficient transportation has the Dearborn-based automaker rethinking its plans. The Ka is very popular in Europe, where fuel-sipping cars have long been accepted, but the tiny Ka has never been sold here in the States. The new Ka, which was shown off in Paris last week, carries Ford's European Kinetic Design theme that is shared with the larger Fiesta and Focus, but in a much smaller package.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally told a local Detroit radio station this morning that many within Ford Motor Company would like to bring the Ka across the pond, and that executives are reassessing the situation. The new Ka hits European showrooms in early 2009, and even if the Ka does come here, we likely won't see the sub-compact until 2011 at the earliest. With fuel prices in constant flux, we're guessing MPG-conscious customers will make the Ka a safe bet for Ford in the U.S.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: Detroit News]

Mulally: Ford considering Ka for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Ford unveils three custom versions of Ka

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford, Lifestyle

Click above for high-res shots of the Ford Ka Digital, Grand Prix and Tattoo

Ford's Ka has always had an expressive design, and the second generation of the little city car is set to continue that trend with three new custom packages that will debut with the new model in January. All three of them make quite a statement, though we'll leave it to you to decide if that's a good or a bad thing.

Ka Digital: Hi-Liter green is the name of the game, with an offset stripe across the top of the car and on the sides, along with a glow-in-the-dark colored grille. Inside, that same shocking color is applied liberally throughout, appearing on the dash, doors and seats.

Ka Grand Prix (above): Traditional red and white racing colors make a more subdued impression than the green of the Digital, and the two colors cover all the same features on the Grand Prix. A rear spoiler and white alloy wheels round out the racing-theme.

Ka Tattoo: For Ed Hardy fans, Ford rolls out the Tattoo edition of the Ka with a large decal on the roof and a smaller matching one on the fender. Metallic colors and trim cover the interior, which gets tattoo-like embellishments on the seats and floor mats.

All three special editions will be available on the Zetec model, though pricing has yet to be announced. If we were forced to choose one as our favorite, it would definitely be the Grand Prix, if only by default. Check out the gallery below for high-res shots of each.

Gallery: Ford Ka Special Editions

[Source Ford]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Ford unveils three custom versions of Ka

Paris 2008: Ford unveils three custom versions of Ka originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Ka gets role in new Bond movie

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ka in the movies

Ford's new Ka mini-car will be making its official debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October, but it already has a bit part in the next James Bond movie. Since the success of Casino Royale and the walk on part played by the then-new Mondeo, Ford has taken up the automotive product placement mantle in all Bond movies for the foreseeable future. Unlike the Mondeo, which Bond picked up from a Caribbean rental car counter, the Ka, which shares a platform with the Fiat 500, will apparently be tossed around by the super spy's feminine counterpart. Ford hasn't given any indication that it will bring the Ka to the US market, but given recent announcements about globalizing its products, a Stateside Ka certainly can't be counted out. In the meantime, we can see if the Ka can fly like an Aston Martin DBS when Quantum of Solace hits theaters in November.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka - Bond movie

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Ka gets role in new Bond movie

Ford Ka gets role in new Bond movie originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Ford debuts all-new Ka

John Neff — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

Click above to view high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Ka

Sure, you've these pics before (though not in high-res), but Ford has now officially revealed its all-new Ka that will be the automaker's big debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October this year. Unfortunately, they neglected to release any details about the car, instead throwing out a bunch adjectives like "fresh, funky and fun" and "fashionable, modern" and "youthful and cheeky". None of those confirm what engines will be offered or what kind of fuel economy the car achieves. We do know the Ka will share its underpinnings with the Fiat 500 and be built in the same factory in Poland, so it would be safe to assume that Ford's "cheeky" hatch will use similarly high quality materials and be built tight as a drum, as well. Engine choices are presumed to be 1.4L and 1.6L petrol powerplants and a 1.6L diesel, and a hot ST version using the 500's turbo 1.4L is rumored to be arriving later.

Thanks to the high-res images in the gallery below, we can now inspect the Ka's design inside and out. Its cockpit is very unique, with a number of different textures and contrasting colors to keep it "fresh, funky and fun." Our one worry is how far up the center console the radio has been placed. With those eency-weency buttons, it could be difficult to operate on the move. The exterior is defined by Ford of Europe's now familiar 'Kinetic Design' language, and suits the tiny three-door well. Its proportioned so that the tiny wheels aren't totally overcome by the car's visual mass, and the big headlights that dominate the front fenders in conjunction with the blacked out grille give the Ka an expressive face. Would you say the Ka's a winner, or more importantly, would you consider purchasing it if Ford chose to sell it in the U.S. one day?

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Officially Official: Ford debuts all-new Ka

Officially Official: Ford debuts all-new Ka originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Ka caught

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford, UK

The newest Ford Ka has been spotted by Auto Express, and the car in the flesh looks almost exactly like the Ka renderings that Auto Express published a couple of weeks ago. The grille could be a bit smaller than the one in the rendering, but it's difficult to tell without the highlights and chrome. The number of discrete elements in the GT-R-like mouthpiece, though, is the same.

Otherwise, the side swage line looks to be toned down a bit; and in the rendering, the Ford badge on the hatch that doubles as the latch has been replaced by a separate latch and key. Inside, Ford has said the car will outdo the car with which it shares underpinnings, the Fiat 500, and maintain the handling that has made it a European favorite for 12 years. All of which makes this a hot little Ka. Stay tuned for the Paris Motor Show when we see the real deal in person.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Ford Ka caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Ford Ka unofficially revealed

Chris Shunk — Sat, 31 May 2008 08:46:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, UK

The Ford Ka has been a prime example that the Blue Oval can be successful at making little cars, even if they kind of look like basketball shoes. After 12 years of service, it's time to shake things up a bit. The next Ka shares mechanicals with the stylish Fiat 500, and after scoping the first unofficial pics from Auto Express, the Ford will be just as cute as its Italian sibling. Designers did manage to heavily differentiate the Ka from the 500, skipping the rounded lines in favor of edgier lines and details that reinforce Ford of Europe's styling language. Think micro-Fiesta, and you've got the picture.

Since it's for European consumption, it'll have no less than three powertrains from the get-go, with a 68 hp 1.2L, a 100 hp 1.4L, and a 1.3L, 50 mpg diesel. Rumor has it that a hotter Ka ST is on its way as well, with 150 hp coming from a turbocharged 1.4L engine. Interior refinement over the outgoing model comes courtesy of better materials and improved ergonomics.

We're still a few months away from the Ka's official unveiling at the Paris Auto Show in September, but we like what we see so far. Besides, if it's good enough for Bond, it'll be good enough for us. The Ka will be produced in Poland and it'll go on sale in Europe by the end of the year.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Ka

[Source: Auto Express]

2009 Ford Ka unofficially revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 May 2008 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Ford's new Ka is coming

Merritt Johnson — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Ford

There are many vehicles manufactured by Ford that never see the United States market, and the subcompact Ka is one of those offerings. It can be found roaming the streets of Europe and Latin America (totally different versions that happen to share the same name, we're told), and it's actually quite popular in the United Kingdom where the second generation model is eagerly awaited.

The updated Ka will officially debut in September at the Paris Motor Show, but Auto Express has managed to snag an early look for itself and produced some renderings based on what was seen. The new body lines trade smooth panels for slight bulges in the fenders, while the head and tail amps also protrude from the vehicle. The front fascia even features a wide mouth opening, further increasing the model's new dynamic personality. Despite the exterior changes, the design still maintains wheel placement at the extreme edges of all four corners. This ensures continuance of the tight cornering capabilities that made the previous model so popular. The new Ka will be built on the same platform as height-endowed automotive journo Jeremy Clarkson's favorite vehicle, the Fiat Panda, and share engines with the Fiat. It's not planned for sale in the U.S., but at least its larger siblings, the Fiesta and next-gen Euro Focus, are.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Ford's new Ka is coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New Ford Ka spotted in Sao Paulo

John Neff — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford

click above image for a few more pics

The new Ford Ka is set to be unveiled next week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but spy photogs there have already caught the new model motoring around with the current Ka. As you can see from the pic above, the Ka, at least for the Brazilian market, is ditching its current design for something a bit more mainstream. Whereas the current car is eclectic and full of round shapes and curvy lines, the new one is much more traditional with large headlamps and conventional fender flares at each corner. Unfortunately, we think the current Ka is infinitely cooler than this three-door hatch with its unique design. Though even if this car does debut in Sao Paulo next week, we may yet see a different design for the rest of Europe. This may be, however, the quickest way to get yourself into a Fiat 500, as Ford and the Italian automaker are reportedly sharing platforms for both vehicles.

[Source: autoestrada.uol.com.br]

Spy Shots: New Ford Ka spotted in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RR of the Day: 2001 Ford Ka XR

Alex Nunez — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:06:00 EST

Filed under: RR of the Day

The Ford Ka is one of our "forbidden fruit" favorites here at Autoblog, so Fabio's Ka had a lot going for it before we even started reading the description. What we learned upon reading, however, was more than enough to catapult it out of Flickr and onto Autoblog as today's RR of the Day.

A self-described "Ford kind of guy" in Brazil, Fabio acquired the Ka in 2005 and is its second owner. As you can see, it's a very well-kept example. Even better, it's the mechanical equivalent of the Euro-market SportKa -- meaning it's got the 95-horsepower 1.6L underhood. He reports that it's very fun to drive, and that he's wound it out to 124 mph on the highway without it feeling the least bit hairy. It probably looked good doing it as well, thanks to its understated factory body kit and Ford Puma-style wheels

That's not the best thing about it, though. Open Fabio's rear hatch, and you find a surprise in the cargo area: a 63-liter CNG (compressed natural gas) tank. The system is safe, legal, and government-certified, and to hear Fabio tell it, it's basically a necessity. CNG, you see, costs three times less than gasoline in Brazil, and the small sacrifices the system calls for -- loss of the Ka's luggage space, drop in peak power to 86 horses, and an additional 154 lbs added to the car's weight -- are offset by the money he saves on fuel. Not only is the CNG system less expensive to run, but it's also very green, leaving no reduced CO2 emissions in its wake.

Besides, if he needs added punch, he can flip a switch and get back into gasoline mode, making this one very flexible daily driver, indeed. We love it, Fabio, and truthfully, we're more than a little jealous.

If you'd like to see your own ride featured here, simply upload photos of your ride into our Flickr group. We select one image to highlight each week day, and on the weekend let you vote for the RR of the Week. Detailed instructions can be found after the jump.

Continue reading RR of the Day: 2001 Ford Ka XR

RR of the Day: 2001 Ford Ka XR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat 500 to be built in Poland

Chris Paukert — Sun, 14 May 2006 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback

Fiat's new 500 will speak with a Polish accent. The automaker announced Thursday that production of the supermini will begin in July of next year at the company's Tychy facility. This, from Fiat Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne, who confirmed the car's production plans while visiting a plant in Italy.

The plant will churn out 120,000 500s and 120,000 Ford Kas each year over ten years.

[Source: People's Daily Online]

Fiat 500 to be built in Poland originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 May 2006 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Ford Ka to be presaged by Fiat 500 revival

Chris Paukert — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Trends, Budget, Geneva Motor Show

While Ford's Fiesta is set to grow in its next iteration, the company's cheap n' cheerful bottom rung Ka hatchback will look to get by with a little help from an Italian friend: Fiat. The Ka replacement won't appear until 2010, but Fiat will revisit its historic 500 nameplate by producing their own version of the baby Blue [Oval] city car beginning next year.

Fiat showed a sensational looking spiritual successor to the 500, dubbed the Trepiùno concept, two years ago in Geneva. Click here for a refresher.

[Source: Auto Express UK, Car Design News]

Next Ford Ka to be presaged by Fiat 500 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Mar 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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