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[Current Ford Mondeo will underpin the next Fusion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/current-ford-mondeo-will-underpin-the-next-fusion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/current-ford-mondeo-will-underpin-the-next-fusion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/19/current-ford-mondeo-will-underpin-the-next-fusion/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Mondeo.

Since taking the reigns at FoMoCo, Alan Mulally has made it clear that one of the keys to Ford's resurgence is to leverage its assets abroad. Specifically, he wants to utilize the automaker's platform development in Europe to maximize engineering and manufacturing efficiency, creating several global models. While we're still waiting for Ford to ditch the old Focus platform for the Euro model's underpinnings, the next major implementation of Mulally's plan will come in the form of the next Ford Fusion, which will use the current Mondeo platform.

The CD3 platform, which is derived from the Mazda6 and underpins the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, will be abandoned in favor of the Mondeo's EUCD platform and will be the foundation for Ford's global mid-size/CD-segment vehicle. Ford of Europe has been tasked with reworking the platform for the U.S., which has been internally dubbed CD4. Expect the Mondeo-based Fusion to arrive in the U.S. in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Mondeo

Ford Mondeo 5-DoorFord Mondeo WagonFord Mondeo Interior

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Current Ford Mondeo will underpin the next Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20132013 ford fusion2013FordFusionfordford mondeoFordMondeofusionmondeoMon, 19 Jan 2009 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to retool U.S. plant for European vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/ford-to-retool-u-s-plant-for-european-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/ford-to-retool-u-s-plant-for-european-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/ford-to-retool-u-s-plant-for-european-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



We wrote about it earlier, just as a rumor, but it looks like an announcement is imminent: the Wall Street Journal says that Ford is going to make European cars on this side of the pond. However, it isn't merely North American plants that will be changed over, but American plants. The Journal doesn't give any further indication of where those plants might be or what those cars might be, only saying that the strategy could be revealed during Ford's Q2 earnings announcement this Thursday. But we'll say again: come on, Mondeo! (And Focus and Focus Coupe and Ka and...)

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Ford to retool U.S. plant for European vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-maxeuropean focusEuropeanFocusfocus coupeFocusCoupefordford europeford factoriesford mondeoford retoolingford us factoriesFordEuropeFordFactoriesFordMondeoFordRetoolingFordUsFactoriesretoolretoolingMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Further proof that future Fords will have Euro flair]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/further-proof-that-future-fords-will-have-euro-flair/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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.

According to Automotive News, 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.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub Req]

Further proof that future Fords will have Euro flair originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euro focuseuro fordEuroFocusEuroFordford fiestaford focusford fusionford globalford mondeoford mullalyFordFiestaFordFocusFordFusionFordGlobalFordMondeoFordMullalyglobal platformsGlobalPlatformsThu, 17 Jul 2008 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Europe launches new top shelf Mondeo - the Titanium X Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport

The Ford Mondeo has been a well received car in Europe, and Ford says that there's so much demand for high-end models that it's decided to introduce a new top-of-the-line version called the Titanium X Sport. Dubbed "the most desirable Mondeo yet" by Ford, the Titanium X Sport will be available either as a saloon (sedan) or estate (wagon) and be powered by Ford's 2.5L turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine or its 2.2L TDCi diesel mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. New 18-inch alloy wheels, side skirts and chrome dual exhaust tips add a premium punch to the visuals, while the interior benefits from red stitching on its leather seats, as well as a cow hide-covered steering wheel and shifter. You'll find no wood veneer on this car's instrument panel, as aluminum inserts and piano black inlays give the Mondeo's domicile a more stark and modern feel. There is a "sports suspension", but it appears that the Titanium X Sport is more show than actual go. Buyers will, however, get a nice long list of standard features to keep them company while accelerating to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds in the diesel-powered version.

Gallery: Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport


[Source: Ford Europe]

Continue reading Ford Europe launches new top shelf Mondeo - the Titanium X Sport

Ford Europe launches new top shelf Mondeo - the Titanium X Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 May 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford mondeoford mondeo titanium x sportFordMondeoFordMondeoTitaniumXSportmondeotitanium x sportTitaniumXSportTue, 06 May 2008 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mulally makes it official: Next Focus and Fusion based on global platforms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/mulally-makes-it-official-next-focus-and-fusion-based-on-global/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/mulally-makes-it-official-next-focus-and-fusion-based-on-global/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/23/mulally-makes-it-official-next-focus-and-fusion-based-on-global/#commentsFiled under: ,



Despite not being official, we've known for some time that Ford CEO Alan Mulally wants to increase the number of platforms shared by its U.S. and European divisions. It's something Ford fanboys have been demanding for some time, and yesterday Mulally officially confirmed that the next-gen Focus and Fusion would be global vehicles, sharing platforms with their counterparts across the pond. This will be in addition to the B-class car that's coming in the form of the new European Fiesta small car that will slot below the Focus in Ford's U.S. lineup.

The amount of overlap between Ford in the U.S. and Ford of Europe was one of the first things that surprised Mulally when he arrived at Ford exactly one year ago. He's quickly set about fixing the redundancy, but we won't likely see the fruits of his labor until 2010 or 2011 when the next Focus is expected to debut for both markets.

Ford execs have said that these cars will wear different styling and be tuned differently, but we've heard from inside the Blue Oval that a conflict between U.S. and Euro designers is growing, with the former group upset that its delicate balance of three-bar grilles will be upset by the Fiesta, and possibly other models, arriving with FoE's "Kinetic Design" theme.

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

Mulally makes it official: Next Focus and Fusion based on global platforms originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallyfiestafocusford fiestaford focusford fusionford mondeoford of europeFordFiestaFordFocusFordFusionFordMondeoFordOfEuropefusionglobal platformGlobalPlatformkinetic designKineticDesignmondeomulallyThu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Long-wheelbase Mondeo sighting in China]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/31/long-wheelbase-mondeo-sighting-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/31/long-wheelbase-mondeo-sighting-in-china/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/31/long-wheelbase-mondeo-sighting-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Motor Authority just posted a photo of a special long-wheelbase version of the Ford Mondeo, apparently made for the Chinese market. This has been a popular pastime for automakers of late, as LWB versions of sedans from Cadillac, BMW, Audi and others have surfaced as psuedo-limos for the Chinese market.

The picture of the stretched Mondeo was apparently found on the Chinese forum SoulImage, and shows an obviously-lengthened Ford Mondeo sedan with a longer wheelbase to accommodate its extended rear door. It's a bit strange to see cars that have just debuted going through the taffy puller and coming out with different proportions than the press photos, especially before we have yet to see the real thing in person, but this Mondeo manages to still look handsome and stylish even with the extra inches. No word on whether or not this Mondeo plus will make it to other markets, though.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Long-wheelbase Mondeo sighting in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ford MondeoFordMondeolwb MondeoLwbMondeoTue, 31 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #59]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/autoblog-podcast-59/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/autoblog-podcast-59/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/07/autoblog-podcast-59/#commentsFiled under: ,

We apologize for the tardiness of Autoblog Podcast #59, as sometimes it's a devil to coordinate schedules. We managed to get our act together for this week though, and in episode 59, Dan Roth fills in for Damon Lavrinc, who's in Geneva. Alex and Dan recount their visit to the Consumer Reports track day, which provided insight into the organizations testing methods and showed that there are real car guys within the belly of the beast. A great time was had by all, and the CR folks were eminently gracious. After talking about that for longer than we should have (whoops!), we move on to the newly-unveiled Mazda 2, and our lust for it. This time, it looks like we won't be met with denial from Ford, as the 2's platform-mate, the Ford Fiesta, heads this way for 2009. We take the time to do some general Ford pontificating, move on to a tangent about styling trends and wrap up with breathless praise for the swagger of the Opel GTC Concept's lines. Enjoy!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Autoblog Podcast #59 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastconceptconsumer reportsConsumerReportsford fiestford fiestaford mondeoFordFiestFordFiestaFordMondeogenevageneva auto showgeneva motor showGenevaAutoShowGenevaMotorShowgran turismo coupeGranTurismoCoupegtcmazda 2Mazda2opelopel gtcOpelGtcpodcasttop picksTopPicksWed, 07 Mar 2007 11:36:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #59Dan Roth44:28Autoblog Podcast; GM; Saturn; Ford; Nissan; Consumer Reports; Top Picks; Mazda 2; Ford Fiesta; Mondeo; Opel; Gran Turismo Coupe; Track; Driving; Track Day<![CDATA[The perks of product placement: Mondeo ad with 007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/the-perks-of-product-placement-mondeo-ad-with-007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/the-perks-of-product-placement-mondeo-ad-with-007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/the-perks-of-product-placement-mondeo-ad-with-007/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Even more news on the Mondeo front. This crucial new model for Ford is getting some serious playtime, and justifiably so. It's handsome and sporty and has a lot riding on it. OK, we've seen a bazillion photos of it already, both spy and official. And we know it will play a part in the new Bond movie, Casino Royale. We also have most of the specs and details about features and content. So it was only a matter of time before we got to see the upcoming Ford Mondeo, in action. In this clip, we get to see some brief action shots of the Mondeo interspersed with new Bond, Daniel Craig, doing some typically 007-like acrobatics, but this commercial clip is actually for the car's baby brother, the Focus. Click and enjoy.

The perks of product placement: Mondeo ad with 007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>007Casino RoyaleCasinoRoyaleFord FocusFord MondeoFordFocusFordMondeoJames BondJamesBondTue, 24 Oct 2006 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[James Bond to rock Fiat bulldozer in Casino Royale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/james-bond-to-rock-fiat-bulldozer-in-casino-royale/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/james-bond-to-rock-fiat-bulldozer-in-casino-royale/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/james-bond-to-rock-fiat-bulldozer-in-casino-royale/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Daniel Craig, the next James Bond, has already endured his fair share of controversy, and now the poor guy will have to while away the opening sequence in Casino Royale in a Fiat W190 bulldozer. This word, after we we reported last month that he'll also be driving a Ford Mondeo in the film.

But don't shed a tear for Daniel Craig. We're quite sure that he'll still get to shack up with some ridiculously hot beauty in an exotic locale, bide his time with lots of too-cool spy gear, and save the world in his free time. Oh, and we're quite sure all the product placement in the film will result in a sizeable paycheck for the inconvenience of it all. Besides, 007 can always ditch the ditch-digger (and the Blue Oval rep-mobile) and drive off into the sunset in the Aston Martin he's also scheduled to drive. Life is tough, eh, Craig?

Casino Royale is slated for a November release.

[Source: Reuters via CNN; Fiat]

James Bond to rock Fiat bulldozer in Casino Royale originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aston MartinAstonMartinBulldozerCasinoCasino RoyaleCasinoRoyaleDaniel CraigDanielCraigFiatFord MondeoFordMondeoJames BondJamesBondMartiniMondeoProduct PlacementProductPlacementShaken Not StirredShakenNotStirredW190Thu, 27 Apr 2006 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Ford Mondeo inspired by Iosis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/07/next-ford-mondeo-inspired-by-iosis/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/07/next-ford-mondeo-inspired-by-iosis/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/07/next-ford-mondeo-inspired-by-iosis/#commentsFiled under: ,



World Car Fans has produced this computer generated image of the next Ford Mondeo based on spy shots of the vehicle it has obtained. It's clear looking through the heavy camo of the spy shots that the next Mondeo will have an Iosis-inspired face. Whether or not the rest of the Mondeo will look as good as this artist's interpretation remains to be seen. The new Mondeo will launch in 2007 and be built on the same platform as the new S-Max while riding on the same suspension as the latest Ford Focus.

Photo Credit: Copyright by Lehmann Photo-Syndication

Next Ford Mondeo inspired by Iosis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Mar 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ford IosisFord MondeoFordIosisFordMondeoFrankfurt Motor ShowFrankfurtMotorShowTue, 07 Mar 2006 16:30:00 EST