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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[VIDEO: Mexican Ford Focus commercial features familiar soundtrack, surprise ending]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><small> </small><em><strong><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/focus-rs-commercial.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
</small></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Click above to watch the video <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/">after the jump</a></small></strong></em></div>
<br />
The Ford Focus is an automotive study in duality. Europeans get a really good, second generation version of Ford's C-segment wunderkind, while motorists here in the U.S. make do with an updated family based on the first-generation model. Actually, we call the second-gen Focus the "Euro" model, but the fact is that most of the free world receives the newer, superior model, while America waits patiently for the 2011 model to come hither. Our Mexican neighbors to the south have nothing to wait for, for in the land of Pancho Villa, the upgraded Focus is <em>the</em> Focus of record. <br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/"><br />
Beyond the jump</a> is the latest commercial for the Focus, and it's a good one. For starters, Ford's marketing team chose some sweet tunes for the commercial's sound track. Here's a hint on the song: you'll want to wax vintage automobiles and paint acres of fencing as soon as you hear it. <br />
<br />
The commercial appears to be some sort of Skip-Barber-meets-Tim-Burton driving school, with a <em>Bourne Supremacy</em>-style pursuit and an ass-kicking parallel parking job. At the end of the video, members of the Mexico viewing audience gets a quick glimpse of a lime green <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/video-ford-focus-rs-falls-short-of-record-with-8-26-nurburgring/">2010 Focus RS</a> in all its 300 horsepower glory. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/">Hit the jump</a> to view the video - and if you can't remember where you've heard that soundtrack before, watch the second video as well. <em>Thanks for the tip, Miguel!</em><br />
<br />
[Source: Ford via <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igOJi4Pnqkg&amp;NR=1">YouTube</a>]<br />
<br /><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>VIDEO: Mexican Ford Focus commercial features familiar soundtrack, surprise ending</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/">VIDEO: Mexican Ford Focus commercial features familiar soundtrack, surprise ending</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igOJi4Pnqkg&amp;NR=1>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19157613/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/video-mexican-ford-focus-commercial-features-familiar-soundtrac/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2010 ford focus rs</category><category>2010FordFocusRs</category><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>focus ad</category><category>focus commercial</category><category>focus spot</category><category>FocusAd</category><category>FocusCommercial</category><category>FocusSpot</category><category>ford</category><category>ford ad</category><category>ford commercial</category><category>ford focus</category><category>ford focus rs</category><category>ford spot</category><category>FordAd</category><category>FordCommercial</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>FordFocusRs</category><category>FordSpot</category><category>mexico</category><category>mexido</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford adds Focus Zetec S model in Europe... they can keep this one]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/ford-adds-focus-zetec-s-model-in-europe-they-can-keep-this-on/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/ford-adds-focus-zetec-s-model-in-europe-they-can-keep-this-on/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/ford-adds-focus-zetec-s-model-in-europe-they-can-keep-this-on/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-zetec-s-1/1116143/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt=""  src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/231008-a-for_opt.jpg" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Focus Zetec S</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />We're still ga-ga over the C1 Focus, but this one's moving the needle on the "meh"-o-meter. The Focus Zetec S is badged up and body-kitted, but otherwise a standard-issue Focus Zetec. Actually, while it's no RS, the Zetec and Zetec S are fine little cars offering a wide choice of powertrains in three- or five-door body styles that we'd be plenty pleased to cruise around in. Maybe we'd skip the optional WRC Pack that adds checkered flag decals to the rear quarter panels, but the 18-inch wheels in the Sport Pack might get our dollar...er, Euro. The S package is a pretty good deal, bundling a bunch of optional stuff together for less than half the price of selecting each item separately. While the Focus Zetec S is mostly a poseur, it's a far more attractive option, albeit one we cannot choose, than our solid-but-aged (not to mention strange looking) U.S. Focus. Follow the jump for Ford UK's press release and check out more angles in the gallery below.<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-zetec-s-1/low/">Ford Focus Zetec S</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-zetec-s-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/231008for_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-zetec-s-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/231008-a-for_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-zetec-s-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/231008-b-for_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-zetec-s-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/231008-c-for_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-focus-zetec-s-1/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/231008-d-for_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Ford]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/ford-adds-focus-zetec-s-model-in-europe-they-can-keep-this-on/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Ford adds Focus Zetec S model in Europe... they can keep this one</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/ford-adds-focus-zetec-s-model-in-europe-they-can-keep-this-on/">Ford adds Focus Zetec S model in Europe... they can keep this one</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/ford-adds-focus-zetec-s-model-in-europe-they-can-keep-this-on/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1351308/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/ford-adds-focus-zetec-s-model-in-europe-they-can-keep-this-on/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>euro focus</category><category>euro focus confirmed</category><category>euro ford</category><category>euro ford focus</category><category>euro fords</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>EuroFocusConfirmed</category><category>EuroFord</category><category>EuroFordFocus</category><category>EuroFords</category><category>ford euro focus</category><category>ford focus</category><category>ford focus rs</category><category>ford focus zetec</category><category>ford focus zetec s</category><category>FordEuroFocus</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>FordFocusRs</category><category>FordFocusZetec</category><category>FordFocusZetecS</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford of Europe may design next all-new Mercury]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercury/" rel="tag">Mercury</a></p><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081013/ANE03/810129879"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/09mlan_voga_front_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><br />Ford has promised that the Mercury brand will live on in a way that sets the marque apart from it's Blue Oval-badged siblings. Many Autoblog readers have commented that Ford should utilize its European models to meet this end, and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/20/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/">all indications</a> are that you were right on. Ford has said that the next all-new Mercury would <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/mercury-repositioned-to-compliment-lincoln-new-small-car-coming/3">come in 2010</a>, and Ford of Europe CEO John Fleming told <em>Automotive News</em> that the vehicle will "likely" be designed and engineered in Europe. The reason for Mr. Fleming's confidence comes from the fact that the new vehicle will be based on the Ford Focus platform, and that vehicle architecture will, for the foreseeable future, be developed overseas. <br /><br />Ford of Europe currently builds the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-c-max/161474/">C-Max</a>, the three-, four-, and five-door Focus and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/first-drive-ford-kuga-euro-spec/">Kuga</a> off the C-platform, meaning any one of those variants could one day wear a Mercury waterfall grille. While it would essentially still be a rebadged Ford, this new Merc will be a slightly reworked version of a vehicle that won't otherwise be sold stateside, so it will be new to us. That sounds a lot better than the Mercurys we have today.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081013/ANE03/810129879">Automotive News</a>, sub. req'd]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/">Ford of Europe may design next all-new Mercury</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:27:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081013/ANE03/810129879>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1341666/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ford-europe-will-design-next-mercury/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>c-max</category><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>ford</category><category>kuga</category><category>mercury</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:27:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford investing $75M to switch Michigan Truck plant from trucks to cars]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393933/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus2_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">click above to view more high-res shots of the Euro-Focus</span><br /><br />News flash: small cars like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/19/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-ford-focus-ses-coupe/">Ford Focus</a> are selling <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/it-has-a-nice-personality-ford-boosts-focus-production-by-30-t/">beyond expectations</a> (ours anyway) while trucks and SUVs are <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/no-surprise-here-expedition-navigator-production-stopped-for-n/">sitting on dealer lots</a> much longer than auto manufacturers would like. For this reason, Ford is moving as quickly as possible to switch a few of its truck plants into car plants, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/desperate-times-ford-will-retool-truck-plants-to-build-cars/">including</a> its Michigan Truck plant where behemoth SUVs like the Expedition and Navigator were being built. The switchover is going to cost the automaker since these are not flexible manufacturing facilities, with the first bit of retooling ringing the registers to the tune of $75 million bucks -- and that's just for a new bodyshop. The total cost to retool the plant will be in the hundreds of millions. As they say, it takes money to make money. While the plant is being refurbished, workers will be shuffled to the nearby Wayne plant to build <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/">even more Focuses</a>. The best bit of news, though, is that Ford will finally be building its <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/ford-eyeing-mexico-for-fiesta-production/">small cars</a> from Europe at its converted truck plant, the ones we've all been asking for since the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/">Euro-Focus</a> got a new platform and we didn't. Not that we're still sour or anything...<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/">2008 Euro Ford Focus</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus11_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/AUTO01/808260413/1148/rss25">The Detroit News</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/">Ford investing $75M to switch Michigan Truck plant from trucks to cars</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080826/AUTO01/808260413/1148/rss25>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1295451/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-investing-75m-to-switch-michigan-truck-plant-from-trucks-t/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>euro focus</category><category>euro ford</category><category>euro ford focus</category><category>euro fords</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>EuroFord</category><category>EuroFordFocus</category><category>EuroFords</category><category>european ford</category><category>european ford focus</category><category>european fords</category><category>EuropeanFord</category><category>EuropeanFordFocus</category><category>EuropeanFords</category><category>ford focus</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>michigan truck</category><category>MichiganTruck</category><category>wayne assembly plant</category><category>wayne plant</category><category>WayneAssemblyPlant</category><category>WaynePlant</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Further proof that future Fords will have Euro flair]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/minivans/" rel="tag">Minivan/Van</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/ANA03/807140305/1194/rss02&amp;rssfeed=rss02"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/mondeo_450.jpg" /></a><br /><br />There has been plenty of support for Ford to bring its rest-of-the-world products to the North American market, and with the truck market doing a Roscoe P. Coltrane E-brake turn away from profitability, the Blue Oval's global efforts are becoming increasingly important for its survival. The plan going forward is to utilize small and medium sized vehicles from Ford's European arsenal globally. In North America, the cars will be spiffy, though Ford will be robbing Peter to pay Paul on that count -- spreading the costs of America's premium cars over the breadth of the entire program's worldwide scope. <br /><br />According to <em>Automotive News</em>, we're getting a big list of Euro-Ford based cars in the near future. The Fiesta will slot in under the Focus, and will share a new platform with Mazda. Also on the Fiesta's underpinnings could be a small crossover or minivan. The Euro Focus will finally get here in 2011, when the next generation drops. 2012 will bring the C-Max, a Mazda 5-ish people mover. The Fusion moves to the EUCD platform, though we hope it doesn't grow too much, lose its joyous demeanor, or come up short on fuel economy. It looks like Ford's going to try to stack the B, C, and D segments with sedans and MPV-type offerings, as well as seriously tweaking all of its offerings to match the new and looming reality. <br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/ANA03/807140305/1194/rss02&amp;rssfeed=rss02">Automotive News</a> - Sub Req]<br /><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/">Further proof that future Fords will have Euro flair</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:27:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/ANA03/807140305/1194/rss02&amp;rssfeed=rss02>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1254806/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>euro focus</category><category>euro ford</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>EuroFord</category><category>ford fiesta</category><category>ford focus</category><category>ford fusion</category><category>ford global</category><category>ford mondeo</category><category>ford mullaly</category><category>FordFiesta</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>FordFusion</category><category>FordGlobal</category><category>FordMondeo</category><category>FordMullaly</category><category>global platforms</category><category>GlobalPlatforms</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:27:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Officially Official: 2009 Ford Focus RS]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/officially-official-2009-ford-focus-rs/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/officially-official-2009-ford-focus-rs/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/officially-official-2009-ford-focus-rs/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/misc-auto-shows/" rel="tag">Misc. Auto Shows</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/901276/"><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7509a_450.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><em>Click above for a high-res gallery of the new Focus RS</em><br /><br />Yesterday brought the sneak peek, but today we've got the real deal. The new Ford Focus RS is is mean and green (we mean that in the literal sense, thanks to its killer-looking paint color), and it will make its debut at this month's London Motor Show. While the RS is still under development, the car being put on display isn't exactly a concept, either. Some details might change here and there before it reaches showrooms in 2009, but ultimately, what you see here is what European drivers are going to get. The wide, low-slung stance, intimidating fascia, racy dual exhaust, and requisite high-mount spoiler are all part of the package. Follow the jump for more<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/low/">2009 Ford Focus RS (green)</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7495a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7490a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7509a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7502a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs-3/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/09focusrs_7506a_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/officially-official-2009-ford-focus-rs/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Officially Official: 2009 Ford Focus RS</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/officially-official-2009-ford-focus-rs/">Officially Official: 2009 Ford Focus RS</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/officially-official-2009-ford-focus-rs/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1245727/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/04/officially-official-2009-ford-focus-rs/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>300 ps</category><category>300Ps</category><category>410 nm</category><category>410Nm</category><category>BMIS</category><category>breaking</category><category>british international motor show</category><category>BritishInternationalMotorShow</category><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>focus rs</category><category>FocusRs</category><category>ford</category><category>ford europe</category><category>ford focus</category><category>FordEurope</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>london motor show</category><category>LondonMotorShow</category><category>revoknuckle</category><category>rs</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Nunez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford to produce Focus in two plants in 2010]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393917/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/01_frank_focus10_450-op.jpg"  alt="" /></a></p>
<p>With sales up 35-percent year over year, the current Focus is on fire. Even after Ford added a third shift that bumped annual production at its Wayne assembly plant to 280,000 units per year, the Blue Oval is still selling every compact it an make. To give Americans more of what they want, the Dearborn, MI automaker plans to produce the next generation Focus in two plants. Industry insiders say Ford will convert its Louisville plant from Explorer production to a mix of small vehicles, including the Focus. There is no word at this time if the plant will also build other smaller models as well, but it's a good bet that Ford will make the plant more flexible so it can adapt to consumer demand.</p>
<p>The good news for enthusiasts is that the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/">next Focus</a> will be a global model based off the much drooled over European model. The bad news is that both the new model and the added capacity won't be available until the end of 2010. It may be two years into the future, but at least the new Focus is on its way, and there will be a lot more of them, too.</p>
<p>[Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/article/20080623/ANA03/806230361/1176"><font color="#376d39">Automotive News - Sub. Req.</font></a>]</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/">Ford to produce Focus in two plants in 2010</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonews.com/article/20080623/ANA03/806230361/1176>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1233775/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/ford-to-produce-focus-in-two-plants-in-2010/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>Ford focus</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>louisville assembly</category><category>LouisvilleAssembly</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford confirms U.S. production of Euro Focus in 2010, delays new F-150 launch]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393933/"><img hspace="4" border="1" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/000_frank_focus2_opt.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for a gallery of the Euro-market Ford Focus</span><br /><br />Finally. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/">European Ford Focus</a> will go into production in the United States in 2010 along with the Fiesta. This has been officially confirmed by Ford, which will offer the Euro Focus here in both four- and five-door body styles. That's not the only news, either. Production of large trucks and SUVs will be further dialed back for the remainder of this year, and the introduction of the new F-150 pickup truck has been pushed back two months to "late fall". The catalyst for all this? Expensive gas, the new boogeyman that has people running from trucks and SUVs en masse. The F-150 delay is designed to give dealers more time to thin out existing '08 truck inventory before the new pickup arrives in the fall. On the flipside, Ford will add shifts to increase production of the current Focus, Mariner/Escape, Edge/MKX, and the new Flex. In the end, however, expect more red ink on the balance sheet, as Ford states that its pre-tax Automotive results will fall short of 2007's, and follows that up with an announcement that it expects Ford Motor Credit to post a loss, as well. You can read the full release after the jump.<br /><br />[Source: Ford]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Ford confirms U.S. production of Euro Focus in 2010, delays new F-150 launch</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/">Ford confirms U.S. production of Euro Focus in 2010, delays new F-150 launch</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1231720/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/ford-confirms-u-s-production-of-euro-focus-in-2010-delays-new/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2010</category><category>euro focus</category><category>euro focus confirmed</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>EuroFocusConfirmed</category><category>f-150</category><category>f150</category><category>fiesta</category><category>focus</category><category>ford</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Nunez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/is-this-the-next-ford-focus-rs-for-europe-yes/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/is-this-the-next-ford-focus-rs-for-europe-yes/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/is-this-the-next-ford-focus-rs-for-europe-yes/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/misc-auto-shows/" rel="tag">Misc. Auto Shows</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs/858767/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/09fordfocusrs_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Ford Focus RS</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs/857784/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/ford_focus_rs_2009_8_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a>In the magical lands where the Focus looks cool, otherwise known as Europe, new images of the hotrod 2009 Focus RS have had enthusiasts atwitter the last few days. While the images are clearly 'chops - the wheels and backgrounds look like they're in high speed motion, while the tire tread is statue-still - they're reportedly legitimate mockups that were used to illustrate internally how the car might look. Ford confirmed their legitimacy today when it released two more photos of an actual Focus RS prototype along with a press release. The two new pics show the RS prototype racing around the Nurburgring where it's being tested ahead of its launch in 2009. The press release confirms that the RS will be powered by a Duratic 2.5L engine that's turbocharged to produce 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Ford also claims it's got torque steer for this pocket rocket in check with a new front-wheel-drive system and limited-slip differential. As for the design, we'll get to see it for the first time at the 2009 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/LondonMotorShow/">London Motor Show</a> in late July. Check out both the photoshopped pics and Ford's two official pics in our gallery below and read the official press release for yourself after the jump. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs/low/">2009 Ford Focus RS</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/09fordofocusrs2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/09fordfocusrs_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/ford_focus_rs_2009_10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/ford_focus_rs_2009_9_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-ford-focus-rs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/ford_focus_rs_2009_8_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />[Source: Ford, <a href="http://tribes.cartribe.co.uk/kickapps/_The-Focus-RS-Round-Up/BLOG/65791/7276.html?as=7276">CarTribe</a> via <a href="http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/06/2009-ford-focus-rs-images-are-they-real.html">Carscoop</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/is-this-the-next-ford-focus-rs-for-europe-yes/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/is-this-the-next-ford-focus-rs-for-europe-yes/">2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:53:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2008/06/2009-ford-focus-rs-images-are-they-real.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/is-this-the-next-ford-focus-rs-for-europe-yes/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1222705/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/12/is-this-the-next-ford-focus-rs-for-europe-yes/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2009 ford focus rs</category><category>2009FordFocusRs</category><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>european ford focus</category><category>EuropeanFordFocus</category><category>focus</category><category>ford focus</category><category>ford focus rs</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>FordFocusRs</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:53:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Desperate times: Ford will retool truck plants to build cars]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/desperate-times-ford-will-retool-truck-plants-to-build-cars/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/desperate-times-ford-will-retool-truck-plants-to-build-cars/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/desperate-times-ford-will-retool-truck-plants-to-build-cars/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/suvs/" rel="tag">SUV</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lincoln/" rel="tag">Lincoln</a></p><p><a href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/AUTO01/806110388/1148"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/52690070_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a> </p>
<p>Ford's recent announcement to reduce its white collar workforce costs by 15% shows that Mulally &amp; Co. are dead-serious about turning around the Dearborn, MI automaker. The newest twist in the FoMoCo saga takes the situation from serious to near desperate, as plant managers and union leadership are convening in Dearborn to discuss switching factories from truck to car production. Such a move is much easier to make in one of Toyota or Honda's flexible manufacturing plants, but Ford has plenty of facilities that are hardwired to build only one or two products. Analysts say that costs could be $250 million a year or more, which would make for a huge dent in Ford's already shrinking bank account.</p>
<p>The good news is that Ford is looking at its European products as the vehicles it needs to build State-side. We enthusiasts have been drooling over the Euro Focus, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/ford-eyeing-mexico-for-fiesta-production/">Fiesta</a>, Mondeo, S-Max and Kuga for quite a while, but their fuel-efficient ways will have the masses finally thinking Ford first if they come here. </p>
<p>Ford won't announce its plans until July, and some details will be held back for months more, but The Detroit News has it on good authority that the Michigan Truck and Louisville plants will be part of the shift away from gas guzzlers. Louisville, which currently produces the Explorer, would shift to a unibody facility that produces cars and CUVs. Michigan Truck, which produces the Navigator and Expedition, will make room for the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/enter-the-rumormill-ford-considering-f-100-small-pickup/">F-100</a>, which will be smaller and likely more efficient than the F-150 on which it's based.</p>
<p>It's amazing what $4 per gallon gasoline can do to U.S. manufacturing, no? Ford just may be on the verge of the largest shift in the company's 105-year history, and we're all here to witness it. Here's hoping the plan works.</p>
<p>[Source: <a href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/AUTO01/806110388/1148">The Detroit News</a>, Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty]<br /></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/desperate-times-ford-will-retool-truck-plants-to-build-cars/">Desperate times: Ford will retool truck plants to build cars</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:54:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080611/AUTO01/806110388/1148>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/desperate-times-ford-will-retool-truck-plants-to-build-cars/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1222226/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/11/desperate-times-ford-will-retool-truck-plants-to-build-cars/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>F-150</category><category>fiesta</category><category>flexible manufacturing</category><category>FlexibleManufacturing</category><category>Ford</category><category>Mulally</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:54:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: 2010 Ford Focus]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/rendered-speculation-2010-ford-focus/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/rendered-speculation-2010-ford-focus/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/rendered-speculation-2010-ford-focus/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/ford-focus-render.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ford-verve-concept/365180/"><img width="250" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="135" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/02/verve11_vlo.jpg"  alt="Ford Verve concept" /></a>For over three years, US car buyers have soldiered on with variations on the aged first-generation <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-focus-ses-coupe/">Ford Focus</a> architecture while Europeans have moved on to enjoy the much better-looking and more refined <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/">gen-two model</a>. Ford CEO Allan Mulally has <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/mulally-makes-it-official-next-focus-and-fusion-based-on-global/">officially confirmed</a> that the upcoming 2010 Focus will be global, meaning that our interest in the Ford compact should grow considerably. The web scribes at FoMoCo News have popped up a possible sketch of the next Focus (source unknown, so take with a grain of salt), and the three-door rendering shares a lot of design elements with its smaller sibling, the Verve (shown at right). The taut, flowing headlamps and aggressive fender bulges are similar, as is the trapezoidal theme for the lower intake. The contour of the two vehicles is also a near perfect match, with the hatch and rear windows receiving very similar angles. The Focus sketch has more pronounced side panels with a flare that stretches from behind the front wheel well all the way to the hatch, giving the larger three-door a more athletic appearance. <br /><br />We're still a year or two from seeing the next Focus in the flesh, and although the FoMoCo News sketch is far from official, it's probably as reasonable a forecast as any, since we know the Verve's design language is on the way. You can check out more sketches of this possible next-gen Focus by clicking the "Read" link below. Thanks for the tip, Mbuku!<br /><br />[Source: FoMoCo News]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/rendered-speculation-2010-ford-focus/">Rendered Speculation: 2010 Ford Focus</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 13:33:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.fomoconews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1800>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/rendered-speculation-2010-ford-focus/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1110871/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/rendered-speculation-2010-ford-focus/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Allan Mulally</category><category>AllanMulally</category><category>Euro Focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>Ford Focus</category><category>Ford Verve</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>FordVerve</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2008 13:33:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[More cowbell! Ford turns Focus into musical instruments]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/more-cowbell-ford-turns-focus-into-musical-instruments/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/more-cowbell-ford-turns-focus-into-musical-instruments/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/more-cowbell-ford-turns-focus-into-musical-instruments/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/euro-ford-focus-instruments/610897/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/08ad_focusmusic_05s.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>click above for more images of the all-Focus orchestra</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/euro-ford-focus-instruments/610898/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/focus-2.jpg" /></a>The European Ford Focus is a big reason that Ford sells more vehicles in the UK than any other automaker, so you'll have to forgive the Blue Oval if it goes overboard in marketing one of its biggest stars. You may remember a Lexus campaign that used the sound systems from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/04/lexus-relentlessly-pursues-promotion-with-worlds-first-all-car/">12 Lexus LS 460s to create a virtual orchestra</a>, but Ford has taken the musical theme a big step forward. Composer Craig Richey, sound designer Bill Milbrodt, and friends used a five-door Focus fresh from the factory floor, took it apart, then used the car's many parts to create 31 musical instruments. We're not talking flutes and trombones here, folks. The musical maestros used Focus parts to create such original works as a Rear Suspension Spike Fiddle and Door Harp. Ford will then hand over the Motorcraft-edition instruments to a full-blown orchestra to lay the sound track for the next Focus commercial. The ad will be aired on ITV in Europe on Feb. 4. </p>
<p>We may not have the Euro Focus on our shores, but we are hoping we can get the song on our iPods so that we can ask SYNC to play it when driving our less-dashing Focus. Check out Ford's press release after the jump.</p>
<p>[Source: Ford]</p>
<p><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/euro-ford-focus-instruments/low/">Euro Ford Focus Instruments</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/euro-ford-focus-instruments/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/08ad_focusmusic_04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/euro-ford-focus-instruments/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/08ad_focusmusic_03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/euro-ford-focus-instruments/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/08ad_focusmusic_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/euro-ford-focus-instruments/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/08ad_focusmusic_01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/euro-ford-focus-instruments/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/08ad_focusmusic_05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/more-cowbell-ford-turns-focus-into-musical-instruments/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>More cowbell! Ford turns Focus into musical instruments</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/more-cowbell-ford-turns-focus-into-musical-instruments/">More cowbell! Ford turns Focus into musical instruments</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:21:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/more-cowbell-ford-turns-focus-into-musical-instruments/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1099672/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/29/more-cowbell-ford-turns-focus-into-musical-instruments/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Euro Focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>focus on music</category><category>FocusOnMusic</category><category>Ford</category><category>Ford Focus</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>Music</category><category>Orchestra</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:21:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Euro Ford Focus ST unveiled!]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/new-euro-ford-focus-st-unveiled/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/new-euro-ford-focus-st-unveiled/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/new-euro-ford-focus-st-unveiled/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/uk/" rel="tag">UK</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-focus-st-eu/479695/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/neweurofocusst_lo.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Click image for photo gallery</em><br /><br />Yesterday's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/07/uk-gets-limited-edition-ford-focus-st500/">Focus ST500</a> special edition is cool and all, but what most Focus fans overseas are looking forward to is the <em>next </em>ST. Well, the wait's over thanks to the UK's <a href="http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/212139/ford_focus_st.html"><em>Auto Express</em></a>. The mag has pulled the cover off of the updated hot hatch, which incorporates all the latest Ford of Europe design cues. The headlights are very Mondeo, and that gaping lower intake shows us that the maw on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-ford-verve-concept-visits-the-stage/">Verve concept</a> was not some show car exaggeration. It's a styling element that's now officially been used on a production vehicle. Around back, the hatch is updated and the rear bumper has a diffuser insert. <br /><br />As before, 3- and 5-door models will be offered, and the new car's powertrain also remains unchanged. It packs the same 2.5L 222-horsepower turbo five-cylinder underhood as the outgoing car, and it even keeps the same pricing scheme. The three-door ranges from &pound;17,995 for the ST to &pound;19,995 for the loaded-up ST-3. Five-door versions add another &pound;600 to the bottom line. The updated Focus ST goes on sale in March 2008. While our pals across the pond get this toy to play with, we're stuck with the new car whose front end looks like it's made of Duplo blocks. But it has Sync, so rejoice. <br /><br />[Source: Auto Express]<br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-focus-st-eu/low/">2008 Ford Focus ST</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-focus-st-eu/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/eurofocusst-(1)_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-focus-st-eu/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/eurofocusst-(2)_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-focus-st-eu/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/eurofocusst-(3)_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-focus-st-eu/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/eurofocusst-(4)_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-ford-focus-st-eu/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/eurofocusst-(5)_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/new-euro-ford-focus-st-unveiled/">New Euro Ford Focus ST unveiled!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:55:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/212139/ford_focus_st.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/new-euro-ford-focus-st-unveiled/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/1034241/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/08/new-euro-ford-focus-st-unveiled/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>focus</category><category>FOcus ST</category><category>FocusSt</category><category>ford focus</category><category>Ford Focus ST</category><category>FordFocus</category><category>FordFocusSt</category><category>new focus st</category><category>NewFocusSt</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alex Nunez]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:55:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Frankfurt 2007: European Ford Focus goes Kinetic]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/" rel="tag">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393933/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus2_opt.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">click above image to view full high-res gallery of the new European Ford Focus</span><br /><br />Ford of Europe's Executive Designerer Martin Smith has seen his "Kinetic" design language sweep across the company's product line ever since it debuted on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2005/08/30/ford-iosis-concept/">Iosis Concept</a> two years ago in this very city. That design has finally reached the Focus, which will soon be wearing new "Kinetic" design cues like its siblings the Mondeo, S-Max and many others. What this means is a new front end with Iosis-inspired headlights, a larger lower air intake and more sculpted hood. From our perspective on the show floor, it looks fantastic. Normally you can tell when a car receives a mid-cycle enhancement; it's just obvious the new design cues weren't part of the original plan. The new Focus, however, looks whole, like it was meant to look this way from Day 1. <br /><br />The Focus also gets a new interior that appears significantly upgraded in both design and the materials used to make it. But that's not all, just like with the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-dodge-journey-drops-in-germany/">Dodge Journey</a>, the new Euro Ford Focus will also be available with a six-speed double-clutch transmission when ordered with the 2.0L Duratorq  TDCi diesel engine that produces 134 HP.<br /><br />Finally, Ford also revealed the Focus Econetic (it's the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/393930/">blue Focus</a> in the gallery), which is basically for customers who want a Focus but also desire driving a greener car. Using off-the-shelf technology, Ford has managed to engineer the Focus Econetic to emit 115 grams/kilometer of CO2. It's powered by a squeaky clean 1.6L Duratorq TDCi diesel producing 107 HP and exhaling through a diesel particulate filter. <br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/">2008 Euro Ford Focus</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus11_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2008-euro-ford-focus/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/000_frank_focus3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Frankfurt 2007: European Ford Focus goes Kinetic</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/">Frankfurt 2007: European Ford Focus goes Kinetic</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:41:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/986939/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-european-ford-focus-goes-kinetic/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2008 Ford Focus</category><category>2008FordFocus</category><category>2009 Ford Focus</category><category>2009FordFocus</category><category>breaking</category><category>Euro Focus</category><category>Euro Ford Focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>EuroFordFocus</category><category>European Ford Focus</category><category>EuropeanFordFocus</category><category>Focus</category><category>Ford</category><category>frankfurt</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:41:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trends/" rel="tag">Trends</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mercury/" rel="tag">Mercury</a></p><a href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070113/AUTO01/701130370/1148/rss25"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/01/2005-mercury-meta-one-concept-grille-badge-1024x768.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After last week's flurry of news from Detroit, we're realizing that little was heard from Mercury. Parent Ford certainly had some introductions and unveilings, but nothing from across the corporate hall. It makes us wonder whether the Mercury brand is going to completely wither and die, or if Ford's got some surprises left. There really seems to be little point to the brand. There are no Mercury-specific models like there once were (Cougar, Villager, etc.) and really nothing particularly compelling for sale. Perhaps giving Mercury a segment to fill would drive the brand. <br /><br />More armchair quarterbacking after the jump<br /><br />[Source: Detroit News]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury?</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/">And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070113/AUTO01/701130370/1148/rss25>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/736300/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>euro</category><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>europe</category><category>european</category><category>european ford</category><category>EuropeanFord</category><category>focus</category><category>future</category><category>future of mercury</category><category>FutureOfMercury</category><category>Mercury</category><category>mercury models</category><category>MercuryModels</category><category>mondeo</category><category>new mercury</category><category>NewMercury</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dan Roth]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[An American in Paris disses the Euro Focus]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/an-american-in-paris-disses-the-euro-focus/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/an-american-in-paris-disses-the-euro-focus/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/an-american-in-paris-disses-the-euro-focus/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://blogs.edmunds.com/women/.ee94b9a"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/eurofocuswomandriver.jpg" id="vimage_1" alt="" /></a>We spend so much time on this blog bemoaning the fact that Ford has yet to offer to the "Euro" Focus in the United States. So much time, in fact, that we fear the concept of a C1-based Focus on U.S. soil has been placed on a pedestal and is widely considered to be the smartest move Ford has never made. <br /><br />While all that might be true, it was refreshing to read Edmunds editor Erin Riches recount her experience renting a Ford Focus ZX5 TDCi in France <em>(Editor's note: we have no idea if she visited Paris while there, but who goes to France and doesn't visit Paris?)</em>. Franc-ly, she was not impressed. Knowing the Euro Focus is based on the same platform as the lauded Mazda3 and Volvo S3, perhaps she was expecting a car that could carve a twisty path between wineries and plow down cobblestone streets with aplomb. Alas, she found the ride "soft, soft, soft" and the steering uncommunicative, which surprised her considering how fun our Focus can be to drive in any trim level. The nail in the coffin was Ford's 1.6-liter TDCi diesel engine, which while able to lurch around for 400 miles between fill ups, was noisier and clunkier than modern day diesels from Volkswagen. <br /><br />Of course, this doesn't mean Ford is off the hook with the North American market. It just means that now we want Ford to fix the soft suspension, sharpen up the steering and have a better diesel available before it brings the Euro Focus to our dealers. You know what? Forget all that, just sell the <a href="http://www.fordeumicrosites.com/en-gb/focusst/flash.html">Focus ST</a> here and we'll call it even.<br /><br />[Source: The Driving Woman]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/an-american-in-paris-disses-the-euro-focus/">An American in Paris disses the Euro Focus</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:26:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://blogs.edmunds.com/women/.ee94b9a>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/an-american-in-paris-disses-the-euro-focus/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/680349/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/an-american-in-paris-disses-the-euro-focus/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>c1</category><category>diesel</category><category>euro</category><category>euro focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>european</category><category>focus</category><category>hertz</category><category>rental</category><category>tdci</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:26:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Focus]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/spy-shots-2008-ford-focus/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/spy-shots-2008-ford-focus/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/spy-shots-2008-ford-focus/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/wagons/" rel="tag">Wagon</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-stop/519600-07-08-focus-sedan-pics.html"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/07-18-06_1309.jpg" id="vimage_1" alt="" /></a>This is a pretty bad shot of a heavily camo'd 2008 Ford Focus taken with a camera phone. It's damn near impossible to see any changes, but we'd bet our last gallon of gas that there's a shiny three-bar chrome grille hiding under that covering. The 2008 MY Focus will likely see the last tweak before we (FINALLY) get a Focus based on the company's C1 platform around 2010. Until then Ford will graft the Fusion's three-bar grin onto the Focus and apparently refresh the rear, as well.<br /><br />Rumor on the Focaljet forum where this and <a href="http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-stop/519600-07-08-focus-sedan-pics.html ">more pics</a> were posted is that the Focus three-door hatchback, five-door hatchback and possibly wagon will be deleted from the lineup next year. As far as we know that's just speculation, although it wouldn't surprise us if Ford trims down the number of Focus models being offered in the last couple of years before it's replaced. Perhaps if we're lucky part of Ford's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/20/ford-to-accelerate-way-ford-plan/">accelerated Way Forward plan</a> will be to sell the C1-based Focus here ahead of schedule.<br /><br />Thanks focaljet-1 for the tip!<br /><br />[Source: Focaljet]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/spy-shots-2008-ford-focus/">Spy Shots: 2008 Ford Focus</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:56:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://forums.focaljet.com/team-pit-stop/519600-07-08-focus-sedan-pics.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/spy-shots-2008-ford-focus/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/645400/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/spy-shots-2008-ford-focus/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>C1</category><category>Euro Focus</category><category>EuroFocus</category><category>European Focus</category><category>EuropeanFocus</category><category>Focus</category><category>spy photography</category><category>spy pic</category><category>SpyPhotography</category><category>SpyPic</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Neff]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 21 Jul 2006 10:56:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>