Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford believes it can get premium dollars for Fiesta... what do you think?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-ford-believes-it-can-get-premium-dollars-for-fiesta-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-ford-believes-it-can-get-premium-dollars-for-fiesta-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-ford-believes-it-can-get-premium-dollars-for-fiesta-w/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

So you're ready to be your own 2011 Ford Fiesta agent, but you'll actually be paying for yours instead of the company giving you one to drive for free. If you want one that's got all the doodads, this is what you need to do: bring money. A base Fiesta sedan starts at $13,320, but go for the pricier hatch and check a few boxes and you'll hopscotch your way past the $23,000 line -- and there will still be options left.

Ford doesn't see this car as just a small American hatchback for people who want a smaller footprint but all the style and utility. The base and lower end models fit the bill for that, but on the other end, Ford officials tell Automotive News that it sees the Fiesta as an aspirational, high tech hatch that can command attention and commensurately elevated prices. Said Ford's Jim Farley, "Americans have shown us if we bring out aspirational products, not only will they pay the base price, but go up."

We played with the Fiesta configurator and wound up at $22,970. Yes, it's easy to do, but that does give you just about everything -- we skipped the graphics packages, the smoker's kit, and a couple of other accessories. But of that $9,650 difference between the sedan's base and our wishlist hatch, about half of the cost is loaded on the front end: the SES starts at $17,120 before you do anything to it, and that goes to $18,190 if you go for the automatic. Ford's getting premium prices in Australia for the Fiesta, and it believes it can do the same here. If you think so - or don't - let us know in Comments.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

REPORT: Ford believes it can get premium dollars for Fiesta... what do you think? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fiesta2010 ford2010 ford fiesta2010Fiesta2010Ford2010FordFiestafiestafordford fiestaFordFiestahatchbacksedanMon, 21 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ford-accepting-applications-for-fiesta-movement-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford finally unveiled the U.S. version of its B-Segment Fiesta yesterday at the LA Auto Show, and thanks to some clever marketing, the Blue Oval's newest small car is already well-known to prospective buyers. Ford's ingenious "Fiesta Movement" marketing initiative, which put 100 Euro-spec subcompacts in the hands of socially advanced "agents," resulted in over six million YouTube views, 740,000 Flickr views and 3.7 million Twitter impressions. All that traffic has apparently resulted in a 60-percent vehicle recognition score in Ford's survey findings - a number that would be good for a vehicle that has already been on the market a few years.

The first Fiesta Movement was created to get the Fiesta in front of the car-buying public while engaging in customer-driven dialog. Connie Fontaine, Ford brand content and alliances manager, says that wave two will focus on "driving unparalleled consideration." In other words, Ford wants customers to be excited to buy a new Fiesta. Given the fact that Ford generated 80,000 "hand-raisers" with Fiesta Movement number one, another group of Fiesta agents probably isn't a bad idea.

Ford is looking now for 20 teams of agents to participate in getting the word out about its new small car. Interested parties can apply via video on fiestamovement.com between now and January 31. Round two begins in mid-February. Winning contestants will need to be "socially vibrant" and "in-tune with the latest happenings in their neighborhood." Winners will be chosen based on public reaction to their video presentations... though it probably wouldn't hurt to look young and Millenialish. Hit the jump to check out Ford's official press release.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2

Ford accepting applications for Fiesta Movement 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestafiestafiesta movementfiesta movement marketing campaignFiestaMovementFiestaMovementMarketingCampaignfordFord FiestaFordFiestaus spec fiestaUsSpecFiestaThu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2011-ford-fiesta-pricing-sedan-hatchback/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Surprisingly, Ford decided to slip out U.S. pricing for its hotly anticipated 2011 Fiesta with no fanfare at all. No major announcements at the LA Auto Show, no wordy press releases... nothing. But, if you head on over to Ford's official page for the new Fiesta, you'll see that it starts at $13,320 (plus a $675 destination charge).

Even better, the full Build and Price section is available, meaning you can see each and every individual option and its price. We went ahead and spent some time perusing the options list, and we see that the low base price is for the base S model, which comes exclusively in sedan form. The least expensive hatchback model is $15,120 (about $800 more than a comparably-equipped sedan).

Step up to a hatchback with Ford's new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and you're looking at $16,190, and the uprated SES hatchback starts at $17,120 ($18,190 with the auto). Click past the jump for more interesting little tidbits that we noticed when pricing out our own Fiestas, including what Ford is offering for reserving one early.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

Continue reading 2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early

2011 Ford Fiesta priced from $13,320, special deal for reserving early originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Fiesta2011 fiesta price2011 ford fiesta2011 ford fiesta msrp2011Fiesta2011FiestaPrice2011FordFiesta2011FordFiestaMsrpfiestafiesta msrpfiesta pricefiesta pricingFiestaMsrpFiestaPriceFiestaPricingfordford fiestaford fiesta msrpford fiesta priceFordFiestaFordFiestaMsrpFordFiestaPriceThu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Custom Accessories - Click above for high-res image gallery

While introducing the folks at the LA Auto Show to the American-market 2011 Ford Fiesta, Ford decided to go a step further. They didn't just show the production sedan and hatchback, they also showed off the possibilities the platform presents as well. They had four customized Fiestas on display, done up by companies like H&R, 3dCarbon, FSWerks, and Steeda, as well as Ford's in-house Racing and Custom Accessories team. And just for good measure, they also brought along that wicked Kenny Brack X-Games Rally Fiesta as well.

There's a full press release after the jump, but here is a brief summary of the four featured vehicles:

Black Fiesta:

This car was put together by Ford Racing and Steeda Autosports. It features Steeda's cold air intake, a Borla/Ford Racing Performance cat-back exhaust system, Steeda/Ford Racing suspension upgrades, Ford Racing multi-spoke Euro wheels and Brembo anchors.

Blue Fiesta:

The blue car was built by H&R Special Springs. Naturally, it received some suspension tuning with an H&R Street Performance monotube coil-over kit and a set of spiffy 18-inch OZ SuperTurismo GT wheels. It's also the beneficiary of some Euro reverse-engineering via "Sticky Jewell custom graphics, custom Euro hood vents, stealthy blacked-out headlamps and a Ford Custom Accessories upper rear hatch spoiler."

White Fiesta:

The white Fiesta (above) features Ford Custom Accessories, so it ought to be the easiest model the Average Joe to copy. Nearly every styling element can be purchased from the Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories or Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogs. And get used to those graphics, because Ford has taken this opportunity to add a whole new line of them for the Fiesta. You can see the whole collection at fordfiestagraphics.com.

Red Fiesta:

Last, but certainly not least, is the red Fiesta by 3dCarbon and FSWerks. It's the only one of the four that has some serious rejiggering underhood. It features an FSWerks Stage 2 intercooled turbo kit and 2.25-inch exhaust system. It also sports a 3dCarbon body kit with an "aggressive front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and rear lower accent trim."

We'd probably mix and match among these mods, perhaps the H&R suspension, the Brembos from the Steeda car, the OZ wheels and that FSWerks turbo setup. Or maybe we'd just take Brack's car. Check out the gallery by clicking below and more details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta Customs


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities

LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d Carbon3dcarboncustom carcustom carsCustomCarCustomCarsFiestafiesta movementFiestaMovementfordFord FiestaFordFiestaFSWerksHRken blockKenBlockla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowsteedaSteeda AutosportsSteedaAutosportsx gamesx games rallyXGamesXGamesRallyThu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-at-2009-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-at-2009-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been hearing about the 2011 Ford Fiesta for so long that it's hard to imagine that the U.S. version of the car was just officially unveiled today. We gave you all of the official details and photos late last night, but we can now give you our first live impressions of the North American-spec version. Ford's own Mark Fields officially introduced the car along with numerous Fiesta agents on hand who helped pull the sheets off the various Fiestas on the show floor.

Although just 60 percent of the parts on the U.S.-spec Fiesta are common with the European version, it seems that most of the charm of the car remains. Up front the grille has been revised to include the three-bar design (at least on the sedan), and the fog lights have been replaced by LED light strips surrounded by chrome. The interior design is relatively the same as well, although it's been tweaked to conform with U.S. crash standards and features soft touch materials, a four-inch LCD display, and available SYNC, auto climate control, leather seats, moon roof and more. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder putting out a respectable 119 horsepower and 109 lb-ft torque. A 5-speed manual or new 6-speed PowerShift electronic dual clutch automatic will be the transmissions of choice, though the automatic goes without any manual controls.

There's plenty of more details in the multitude of press releases after the jump, and we've included all of our live shots of the 2011 Fiesta in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement

LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShow2011 Ford Fiesta2011FordFiestaFiestaFordFord FiestaFordFiestala 2009la auto showla auto show 2009la showLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowWed, 02 Dec 2009 18:38:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-for-america-revealed-hits-40-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Ford Fiesta has proven to be a very successful small car wherever it's sold in the world. Ford has sold 12 million Fiestas over the vehicle's lifetime and the new-for-2009 model has moved half a million units already this year in Europe and Asia. It's a smash hit in spite of the fact that the Fiesta is not for sale in the U.S., a.k.a. the world's biggest car market. That all changes in the spring of 2010 as the Fiesta finally makes its way stateside.

Ford appears to be focusing its efforts in the U.S. small car market at exactly the right time, as consideration for B-Segment vehicles is at an all-time high and the trend appears to be upwardly mobile. And while Ford would love for us to believe that it was clairvoyant when deciding to bring the Fiesta to the U.S., it just isn't true. In fact, the Fiesta wasn't originally designed for the U.S. market, but the shock of $4 per gallon gas and a new-found interest in eco-friendly transportation led the Blue Oval to rethink its strategy. Ford didn't start readying the Fiesta for the U.S. market until many bits and bolts of hardware were already settled, so Team Blue had to go back to the drawing board to make its small car ready for Americans. The result is a U.S.-spec Fiesta that has only 60% of its parts in common with the Euro Fiesta. Will Americans be missing out? Follow the jump for everything you need to know about the Fiesta.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg

LA Preview: 2011 Ford Fiesta for America revealed, hits 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestafiestafiesta specsFiestaSpecsfordFord fiestaford fiesta launchFordFiestaFordFiestaLaunchla 2009LA auto showLa2009LaAutoShowlashowus spec fiestaUsSpecFiestaWed, 02 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 Ford Fiesta gets another early reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-fiesta-gets-another-early-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-fiesta-gets-another-early-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-fiesta-gets-another-early-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Fiesta Movement, Ford's campaign to introduce the little global Fiesta car to the U.S. market, kicked off at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year and will end this week during the LA Auto Show with, what else, a party. Oh, and the official unveiling of the 2011 North American version. We got a sneak peek of the Fiesta earlier today that it now seems was incorrect, based on these new pictures found buried on Ford's website.

The U.S.-style three-bar grille is thankfully not present in these official pics, though the hatch and sedan do wear different grilles (we like the hatch's version better, for what it's worth). The rest of the car remains as good-looking as the Euro-spec version ever did, and the interior will be a big draw for this car - along with solid MPG numbers, of course. For those of you who hoped Ford would bring the Fiesta over from Europe pretty much intact, it appears your wishes have been granted. We'll have all the details from LA right soon.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan


[Source: Ford]

2011 Ford Fiesta gets another early reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford fiesta hatchback2011 ford fiesta sedan2011FordFiestaHatchback2011FordFiestaSedanFiestafiesta movementFiestaMovementfordFord Fiestaford fiesta hatchbackford fiesta sedanFordFiestaFordFiestaHatchbackFordFiestaSedanMon, 30 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Fiesta unveiled early by Ford Canada?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/ford-fiesta-unveiled-early-by-ford-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/ford-fiesta-unveiled-early-by-ford-canada/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/ford-fiesta-unveiled-early-by-ford-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec - Click above for image gallery

Did our friends in the great, frostbitten north just jump the gun by half a week and reveal the 2011 North American Ford Fiesta ahead of its upcoming LA Auto Show debut? Boy we kinda hope not. Well, specifically, we hope the the little five-door fire cracker we've come to know and love (largely thanks to the well-executed Fiesta Movement) doesn't get this new grille. It's by no means a deal breaker, but it's just not as uncluttered and sharp looking as the Euro-Fiesta's simple face. Meanwhile, the Fiesta sedan gets FoMoCo's three-bar grille up front, and resembles a Yaris sedan everywhere else.

There are also some enormous chrome scoops/intakes fore of the front wheels where the fog lamps on the Euro cars used to reside. Purpose? No idea, but we have to imagine that fog lamps would have served a more purposeful purpose. We have to say that we hope the loss of the fog lamps isn't an indication that the Fiesta is getting decontented for our market.

One of the reasons (admittedly of many) that we fell so head over heals for the Fiesta is that it provided big car sophistication in a little car package. American car companies have for decades been of the mind set that if you opt to buy a small car, you should suffer (quite literally) the consequences. The Fiesta looked to be a break from that mentality. Hopefully it still is.

There is a weird sliver of history that provides a silver lining. There is a longstanding tradition of releasing slightly different models in Canada than we get here in the U.S. This always struck us as weird since half of Quebec runs across the border to buy cigarettes in Vermont every week. Anyhow, remember the Pontiac Parisienne - a Chevy badged as a Pontiac with fancy seats that helped make Pontiac the number three selling brand in Canada for decades. Here's hoping we get the full Euro-Fiesta south of the 49th Parallel.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec


[Source: Autoblog Espanol via Google Translate]

U.S. Fiesta unveiled early by Ford Canada? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Fiesta2011 Ford Fiesta2011Fiesta2011FordFiestaFiestaFordFord CanadaFord FiestaFordCanadaFordFiestala 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShowlashowMon, 30 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/ford-and-m-sport-officially-unveil-fiesta-s2000-rally-car-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/ford-and-m-sport-officially-unveil-fiesta-s2000-rally-car-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/ford-and-m-sport-officially-unveil-fiesta-s2000-rally-car-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car - click above for high-res image gallery

Ford Motor Company and noted rally masters M-Sport have pulled the veil off their latest collaborative rally machine, the Fiesta S2000. It's their first global rally car, and as such will be able to compete in a whole bevy of international competitions ranging from IRC to the S2000 World Cup to Aatos and Aamu's Finnish Tree Bash. Long story short, going by past history alone, this should be one bruiser of a successful rally car.

Right, so let's talk stats. The Fiesta S2000 comes with a naturally aspirated 1998cc I4 Duratec S2000 engine good for 280 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of twisting torque all the while spinning to an 8,000 rpm redline. That mill gets mated to a permanent all-wheel drive system hooked up to a sequential manual transmission with an AP clutch. Sizable Brembos are at all four corners (and like the wheels, vary in size depending on asphalt or gravel). Ready for the best part? It weighs just 2,640 pounds - and that's with the roll cage. And get this - the Fiesta S2000 is "due for homologation in January 2010." Fake, well-produced "spy video" after the jump, gigantic high-res gallery below.


Gallery: Ford and M-Sport Fiesta S2000 rally car


[Source: FiestaS2000.com via 0-60mag.com]

Continue reading Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO]

Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FiestaFiesta S2000Fiesta S2000 rally carFiestaS2000FiestaS2000RallyCarFordFord FiestaFordFiestaM-SportM-Sport FiestaM-sportFiestaRallyRally CarRallyCarWed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Fiestas being built in Mexico -- Click above for high-res image gallery

What is reported to be the coming U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta has been photographed during assembly in Mexico, and the minor changes we can glean so far center around the grille. Compared to its European counterpart, the American version gets a much chunkier front end which has pushed the leading edge of the hood back. The Ford emblem is now completely surrounded by the front clip.

Below that, the central opening is larger, ringed with chrome, and the bisecting bar on the Euro version has been moved up and fitted with a U.S. license plate holder. Outside, the single fog light has been reworked into a giant, glass covered alien eye. Make no mistake - it's still hot, and we still can't wait to see it when it's unveiled at the LA Auto Show next month.


Gallery: Dummies Ford Fiesta americano


[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated)]

Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fiesta2010 ford2010 ford fiesta2010Fiesta2010Ford2010FordFiestabudgetfiestafordford fiestaFordFiestahatchbackla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009manufacturingmexicoplantsspy shotsSpyShotsMon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ford's Euro sales crest 10% for the first time in 8 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-fords-euro-sales-crest-10-for-the-first-time-in-8-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-fords-euro-sales-crest-10-for-the-first-time-in-8-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-fords-euro-sales-crest-10-for-the-first-time-in-8-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec) - Click above for high-res gallery

New products, improved quality and a surge in public perception have helped Ford buttress its sales numbers here in the U.S., but the Dearborn-based automaker also has a good story to tell across the Pond. According to The Detroit News, Ford managed to grab 10.1% of Europe's overall market share in September - the first time since September of 2001 that the Blue Oval has touched double digits. Ford sold 155,000 vehicles in September in Europe's 19 biggest markets, up 12.3% versus September 2008. Ford has now beaten year-over-year sales totals for four straight months.

One vehicle that has gone a long way towards getting the Blue Oval over the 10% milestone is the new Fiesta, as the popular B-Segment vehicle achieved its highest September sales in 15 years. While Ford's overall market share benefited from the quality of its product lineup, the increased volume during the month of September also came in part courtesy of Cash for Clunkers-like scrap programs in several European nations. Many of those programs have recently ended or are being phased out, though, which worries Ford for the short term. Ford of Europe VP Ingvar Sviggum told the DetNews that the health of the market still pretty shaky, adding "It is clear that there is still a need for government intervention in Europe to help bolster the market until demand reaches a more sustainable level."

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford's Euro sales crest 10% for the first time in 8 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 market share10MarketShareblue ovalBlueOvaleurope market shareEuropeMarketSharefiestafordford europe september salesford fiestaford market shareford of europeFordEuropeSeptemberSalesFordFiestaFordMarketShareFordOfEuropeMon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta to debut at LA Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/u-s-spec-ford-fiesta-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/u-s-spec-ford-fiesta-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/u-s-spec-ford-fiesta-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

Come December, we'll finally get an official look at the U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta at the LA Auto Show. Yes, yes... we've seen the Fiesta in a hundred different colors and shapes already, but those have all been either European or Chinese models, and the U.S. version of the car will have a slightly different look as necessitated by our federal crash requirements.

Don't expect any major changes to the Fiesta's basic shape, however. We may get mildly enlarged bumpers front and rear, and those will likely have a small impact on the car's fascias, but overall the changes should be very minor. While an official sale date has not yet been announced, the Fiesta should show up in Ford dealerships sometime in early 2010.

According to Ford, more than 50,000 "hand-raisers" have expressed interest in the small car since its Fiesta Movement kicked off back in May. Perhaps an even more noteworthy statistic is that 97 percent of those parties don't currently own a Ford. Hit the jump for the official press release.


Gallery: Ford Fiesta in NYC


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta to debut at LA Auto Show

U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta to debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestafiestafordford fiestaFordFiestala 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShowlos angeles 2009los angeles auto showLosAngeles2009LosAngelesAutoShowu.s. ford fiestaU.s.FordFiestaus ford fiestaUsFordFiestaTue, 06 Oct 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Inside Line pits Ford Fiesta against Honda Fit in small car scrap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/inside-line-pits-ford-fiesta-against-honda-fit-in-small-car-scra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/inside-line-pits-ford-fiesta-against-honda-fit-in-small-car-scra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/inside-line-pits-ford-fiesta-against-honda-fit-in-small-car-scra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If you're looking for a practical, fuel efficient subcompact, you've got a few options, and the Honda Fit remains a top pick for many. The five-door hatchback packs plenty of volume, while also providing just enough punch to deliver smiles on the open road.

Doubtlessly jealously eying the Fit's success, Ford officials are counting down the months until they can finally provide some competition in the form of their 2011 Fiesta - but does it have the goods to knock the Fit from atop the subcompact mountain?

The crew at Inside Line wanted to answer that question and brought the Fit face-to-face against a European-spec Fiesta in a battle for B-Segment superiority. The Fit came in for praise for its masterfully engineered interior and massive cargo area, while the Fiesta was lauded for its superb driving dynamics and higher end materials. Which subcompact all-star came out on top in the battle of the (little) bulge? Head over to Inside Line to find out.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec)


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport


[Source: Inside Line | Image Source: Kevin Wing]

Inside Line pits Ford Fiesta against Honda Fit in small car scrap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 honda fit2009HondaFit2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestaBlue OvalBlueOvalcomparison testComparisonTesteuro spec fiestaEuroSpecFiestafiestafiesta fitFiestaFitfitford fiestaFordFiestahonda fitHondaFitinside lineInsideLineTue, 22 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Two Chinese girls and one Ford Fiesta Agent act out scene from <i>Big Lebowski</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/video-two-chinese-girls-and-one-ford-fiesta-agent-act-out-scene/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/video-two-chinese-girls-and-one-ford-fiesta-agent-act-out-scene/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/19/video-two-chinese-girls-and-one-ford-fiesta-agent-act-out-scene/#commentsFiled under: ,

This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps - click above image to watch the video

We can all agree that Coen Brothers' The Big Lebowski is the single funniest movie ever made. If you don't agree, well, that's just like, your opinion, man. We can also agree that Ford's Fiesta Movement is one of the most ambitious and well-executed social networking marketing schemes ever undertaken. And if you don't agree, ask Honda.

If you're unfamiliar with the Fiesta Movement, a quick refresher is order: Ford gave one hundred "Fiesta Agents" a free Ford Fiesta for six months, plus an unlimited gas card. The Agents were then expected to go on all sorts of wacky adventures and record said adventures for their YouTube and Facebook accounts. Yes, well, sometimes the best car-related ideas happen while parked and not moving. Make the jump to watch the hilariously NSFW video (Warning: Explicit language). Thanks to Pat for the tip!

[Source: YouTube | Image: IMCDB.org]

Continue reading VIDEO: Two Chinese girls and one Ford Fiesta Agent act out scene from Big Lebowski

VIDEO: Two Chinese girls and one Ford Fiesta Agent act out scene from Big Lebowski originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big lebowskiBigLebowskidudeFiestaFiesta AgentFiestaAgentFordFord Fiesta AgentFordFiestaAgentthe dudeTheDudeSat, 19 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Mazda2 coming to the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/breaking-mazda2-coming-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/breaking-mazda2-coming-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/breaking-mazda2-coming-to-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This just in: that fantabulous little Mazda we've admired from afar for the past couple years, the Mazda2 (also known as the Demio in Japan), is coming to all of North America, the U.S. included. President and CEO of Mazda's North American Operations Jim O'Sullivan has just told the automaker's top dealers that the diminutive Mazda, which shares its platform with the also incoming Ford Fiesta, will go on sale in the U.S. around the end of 2010. That's just about the same time that the Mazda2 will go on sale in Canada, as well.

O'Sullivan cites the changing tastes and attitudes of consumers towards smaller cars as shifting the business case in favor of selling the Mazda2 here in the States below. While no other information was given, dealers were told they can expect to see the North American-spec Mazda2 debut later this year at the 2009 LA Auto Show.

What this means for Ford and the similar-in-almost-every-way-but-styling Fiesta remains to be seen. Knowing that the Mazda2 is on its way, would you reconsider buying a Fiesta in favor of test driving the same thing with a little extra Zoom Zoom?


Gallery: 2007 Mazda2


[Source: Mazda via Mike Spinelli, auto123]



BREAKING: Mazda2 coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfiestafordford fiestaFordFiestamazdamazda2Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford confirms two colors for 2011 Fiesta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ford-confirms-two-colors-for-2011-fiesta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ford-confirms-two-colors-for-2011-fiesta/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/ford-confirms-two-colors-for-2011-fiesta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Fiesta (Euro-spec) - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not likely that white, black and silver will be dethroned as the most popular color for vehicles in all the universe (have you ever seen a spaceship painted orange? We haven't either). That said, we're all for offering a diverse palette of hues when it comes to car colors. Ford is touting the popularity of non-monochromatics with some interesting stats: nearly 40 percent of people who have bought the F-150 SVT Raptor so far have chosen "Molten Orange" (blue, white and black are their other choices) and 2010 Mustangs decked out in "Grabber Blue" have grabbed 10% of Ford's pony car sales so far.

With that in mind, Ford has confirmed that "Bright Magenta" and "Lime Squeeze" will be two colors available for the 2011 Fiesta when it goes on sale next year in the U.S. You should be familiar with these two paint jobs by now, as we're fairly certain that all nearly 80 percent of the 100 Fiesta Movements cars being driven around the country for months now are wearing one or the other. In fact, we're now more interested in what the 2011 Fiesta will look like in boring, old white, black and silver.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec)


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford confirms two colors for 2011 Fiesta

Ford confirms two colors for 2011 Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestabright magentaBrightMagentafiestafordford fiestaford fiesta colorsFordFiestaFordFiestaColorslime squeezeLimeSqueezeThu, 17 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: No, the 2011 Ford Fiesta will NOT blend]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-no-the-2011-ford-fiesta-will-not-blend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-no-the-2011-ford-fiesta-will-not-blend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/12/video-no-the-2011-ford-fiesta-will-not-blend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the break

Just like any other self-respecting car enthusiast, there's one question in particular that's been burning our minds ever since we first laid eyes on the upcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta: Will it blend? The answer, surprisingly enough, is no - due to its high-strength boron steel construction, the Fiesta will NOT blend. Definitive proof of such can be seen in the video pasted after the break.

Now that you've watched the video, perhaps a more poignant question is whether or not the stupid-popular Will It Blend series of videos has officially jumped the shark now that it's totally gone corporate promoting products for the Blue Oval. In any case, perhaps a new set of boron steel blades for the Blendtec Total Blender would take care of the non-blended problem.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fiesta (Euro-Spec)


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: No, the 2011 Ford Fiesta will NOT blend

VIDEO: No, the 2011 Ford Fiesta will NOT blend originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford fiesta2011FordFiestablendtecblendtec blendersBlendtecBlendersfiestafordford fiestaford fiesta will it blendFordFiestaFordFiestaWillItBlendwill it blendWillItBlendWed, 12 Aug 2009 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/x-games-15-ford-fiesta-kenny-brack-get-the-gold/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/x-games-15-ford-fiesta-kenny-brack-get-the-gold/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/x-games-15-ford-fiesta-kenny-brack-get-the-gold/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

X Games 15 Crowns New Rally King - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not going to say we told you so - because we didn't - but we are going to go ahead and say we're totally not shocked that former Indy 500 champ Kenny Brack just won some X Games gold. After all, we're still a touch weak in the knees from our little ride along with him and his atomic weasel Ford Fiesta rally car last Thursday. First thing's first: what a coup for Ford. Beating Subaru at X Games is like beating Muhammad Ali in the 1960s. It just doesn't happen very often. Turns out that the big jump that had everyone at Ford a little more worried than they were publicly letting on just wasn't an issue. The hopped up Fiestas did great. In fact all three Ford drivers (Brack, Foust and Deegan) made it to the semifinals, along with Subaru's Travis Pastrana.

What a great intro to the sport of rallying for Kenny Brack. It looked as if Foust was going to beat Brack heads up, but then Tanner spun out and Brack was pitted against Pastrana and his Subaru in the final. Pastrana is ahead after one lap and everyone had pretty much concluded that he was about to win his umpteenth X Game event. But at the start of the second lap, Pastrana goes wide, spins, hits the back left side of his car against a barrier and can't continue. Ten years after winning the the Indy 500, Kenny Brack wins X Games Rally gold. Good job, Kenny.

Follow the jump to watch video of the finals contest at this year's 2009 X Games.


Gallery: X Games 15 Crowns New Rally King

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[Source: ESPN]

Continue reading X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold

X Games 15: Ford Fiesta, Kenny Brack get the gold originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 X Games2009XGamesbreakingDeeganFiestaFiesta Rally CarFiestaRallyCarfodrFordFord FiestaFord Fiesta RallyFord Fiesta Rally CarFordFiestaFordFiestaRallyFordFiestaRallyCarKen BlockKenBlockKenny BrackKennyBrackOpen Class STIOpen Class SubaruOpen Class Subaru WRX STIOpenClassStiOpenClassSubaruOpenClassSubaruWrxStiSubarusubaru wrxSubaru WRX STISubaruWrxSubaruWrxStiTanner FoustTannerFoustTravis PastranaTravisPastranaWRX STIWrxStiX GamesX Games 15XGamesXGames15Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 X Games Rally Car ride along]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/2009-x-games-rally-car-ride-along/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/2009-x-games-rally-car-ride-along/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/31/2009-x-games-rally-car-ride-along/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 X Games Rally Car ride along - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've never been given a "hot lap" by a professional driver, let me try and convey what the experience is like. You're usually dehydrated and have been standing on a heat-soaked paddock for far too long. There's a track rat (or two) whose job it is to get a helmet and HANS device fastened on you and their default thinking is that you've never even seen a track before, much less driven on one. You're wearing your street clothes, and items like your wallet and cell phone make it even harder for them to get you shoehorned and belted into the seat. The passenger seats are typically much narrower than the driver's seat and you're typically much fatter than the driver. It can be pretty embarrassing. Once you're secured, the driver sticks his hand out, you shake it and then you're off.

Follow the jump to find out what happens next.


Gallery: 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

subarufordxgames000subarufordxgames001subarufordxgames002subarufordxgames003subarufordxgames004

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along

2009 X Games Rally Car ride along originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Ford Fiesta2009 Ford Fiesta Rally car2009 Ford Fiesta Rallycross2009 Subaru WRX STI2009 X Games2009FordFiesta2009FordFiestaRallyCar2009FordFiestaRallycross2009SubaruWrxSti2009XGamesDave MirraDaveMirrafeaturedFiestaFiesta Rally Carfiesta rallycrossFiestaRallyCarFiestaRallycrossFordford fiestaFord Fiesta Rally CarFord Fiesta WRCFordFiestaFordFiestaRallyCarFordFiestaWrcimprezaKen BlockKenBlockKenny BrackKennyBrackOpen ClassOpen Class SubaruOpen Class Subaru WRX STIOpenClassOpenClassSubaruOpenClassSubaruWrxStiRallySTISubarusubaru imprezaSubaru WRX STISubaruImprezaSubaruWrxStiTanner FoustTannerFoustTravis PastranaTravisPastranaWRXWRX STIWrxStiX Gamesx games rallyXGamesXGamesRallyFri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fiestas set to break up Subaru's party at X Games 15]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/ford-fiestas-set-to-break-up-the-subaru-party-at-x-games-15/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/ford-fiestas-set-to-break-up-the-subaru-party-at-x-games-15/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/ford-fiestas-set-to-break-up-the-subaru-party-at-x-games-15/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford Fiesta X Games Preview - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The first three X Games Rally competitions have been dominated by Subaru, with most of the drivers picking the WRX STi as their vehicle of choice. Ford is determined to change that, and is making its X Games debut with a trio of Fiesta rally cars prepared by Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution, the same team that ran the Fiesta duo at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb earlier this month. Piloting the rally cars will be a stellar lineup of drivers including Tanner Foust, a two-time X games medalist in the rally event, Kenny Brack, winner of the 1999 Indy 500, and X Games Motocross veteran Brian Deegan.

We caught up with the three cars yesterday at the El Toro Marine base in Irvine, CA, where the drivers were doing practice runs up and down the abandoned air strips. Each seemed to be coming to grips with the power of their cars, all shod with grippy BFGoodrich g-Force Rally tires, and even the experienced Foust called the Fiesta Rallycross an "angry little beast." Still, we have no doubt that they'll have the cars mastered by Thursday's practice sessions, and we wouldn't be surprised to see any of the Fiestas in the final race on Sunday.

Highlights of the X Games Rally can be viewed on ESPN and ESPN 2 starting July 30, and the final will be aired live on ABC on August 2nd from 3:00-6:00 pm EST. You can read more about the Fiesta Rallycross in the press release after the jump, and check out our gallery of yesterday's practice session below.


Gallery: Ford Fiesta Rallycross X Games Preview


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Ford Fiestas set to break up Subaru's party at X Games 15

Ford Fiestas set to break up Subaru's party at X Games 15 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 X Games2009XGames2011 Ford Fiesta2011FordFiestaBrian DeeganBrianDeeganFiestaFordford fiestaFord Fiesta Rally CarFord Fiesta RallycrossFordFiestaFordFiestaRallyCarFordFiestaRallycrossKenny BrackKennyBrackTanner FoustTannerFoustX GamesX Games 15XGamesXGames15Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:27:00 EST