Autoblog

Who needs Ken Block? Ford of Europe presents Snowkhana One

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Ford, Humor

We haven't seen a Ken Block Gymkhana since the infamous Ford Fiesta assaulted the streets of San Francisco over the summer, but Ford of Europe wanted to make sure we weren't going through withdrawals. For our viewing pleasure, Ford's team from across the pond created the stop-motion Snowkhana One using a scaled-down version of Block's car, someone's garage and a lot of free time.

In the video, the rally car proves that the Abominable Snowman, a Stormtrooper and even the local constabulary are no match for the No. 43 Fiesta; even Santa makes a cameo in this video. The sights and sounds of this video are exactly what we'd expect from a Gymkhana, and if it doesn't bring a smile (or at least a smirk) to your face, you're watching it wrong.

Hit the jump to watch the tiniest rally adventure yet.

Continue reading Who needs Ken Block? Ford of Europe presents Snowkhana One

Who needs Ken Block? Ford of Europe presents Snowkhana One originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford of Europe denied small coupe, Mustang viability questioned

George Kennedy — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

Too often, we find ourselves pining for Europe-only versions of cars that will never be sold in the United States, but if a report from Inside Line is to be believed, this is a case in which The Continent's enthusiasts will have to watch from afar gets. Ford of Europe is seeking a new coupe that would be smaller than the Mustang, but be positioned as a halo car for the American automaker's European division.

Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally has reportedly given this proposal the 'thumbs down' for the time being, citing the current economic turmoil in the European market. Given the financial climate, the presumably lower-volume vehicle was deemed too much of a risk in these uncertain times. While there was reportedly a design on the works, based on an undisclosed global Ford platform, these efforts have since been shelved following word from the Ford boss.

For its part, the next-generation Ford Mustang is being designed as a global vehicle, opening up potential for sales in new markets. However, despite announcing that the next-generation Mustang will be headed for Europe back in September, Inside Line says Ford of Europe officials are still apparently concerned that the Mustang will be too large and thirsty for their market. The thought is that a more fitting performance model would be smaller, with a potent yet fuel-efficient engine paired with the responsive handling of Ford's current European lineup (perhaps something like Ford's short-lived Puma, shown above).

If/when economic conditions improve in Europe, it will be interesting to see if Ford restarts talks about bringing a new smaller sportscar to market. While we would not disapprove, it would once again cause us consternation if the model was then kept as a Europe-only offering.

Ford of Europe denied small coupe, Mustang viability questioned originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford exiting WRC after 2012 season as Euro economy struggles

George Kennedy — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:13:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

It appears that the World Rally Championship has lost another key player. After word that Mini is leaving WRC comes news that Ford is pulling out as well. While Mini's departure was rooted in its tenuous relationship with Prodrive, Ford's exit from the sport is tied to the poor economic climate in Europe.

According to a statement from Ford of Europe's VP of Marketing, Sales and Service, Roeland de Waard, "Ford has a long and proud history in the WRC and this was not an easy decision." He continued, "At this time, however, we determined that it was better for the company and the Ford brand to reduce our commitment to the WRC and deploy our resources in other areas."

While Ford's factory backing might be out, the rally masters at M-Sport were running the Ford team up until this news and plan to stay on with the Fiesta WRC in the years to come. The racing outfit, run by Malcolm Wilson, has achieved 52 wins and 208 podium finishes in the 16 seasons that it has been racing with Ford. The M-Sport boss voiced his gratitude toward the relationship with the automaker saying, "I would like to thank Ford of Europe for their enthusiastic support and the faith shown in the team over the past 16 seasons. We understand that tough decisions have had to be made to safeguard Ford jobs."

M-Sport has run Ford's factory team since 1997, and is talking with Ford to receive support in the form of vehicles and engineering. The extent of that support remains to be seen, and it is unknown if Ford will return to WRC if economic conditions in Europe improve.

Ford exiting WRC after 2012 season as Euro economy struggles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford expands European design center

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Ford, Design/Style

It's a big week for buildings: after the announcement of Lamborghini's prototype center, not only is Ford not pulling out of Europe, it has spent €11.6 million ($14.3M U.S.) to expand its design center in Germany. The 3,000 square-meter architectural addition to the location charged with global design of small and compact Ford models revamps existing studios, adds a "powerwall" for projecting 3D designs and virtual envrionments, along with new machines for clay modeling.

The new wing is said to be "reminiscent of a boat," but it doesn't resemble any oceangoing vessel we've ever seen. No matter, you can read more on its land-lubber details in the press release and check out the high-res gallery above.

Continue reading Ford expands European design center

Ford expands European design center originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford of Europe's VP of manufacturing leaves after just 5 months

Chris Tutor — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

Mike Flewitt, Ford's vice president, manufacturing, Ford of Europe, has decided to "pursue other career interests" according to the company's press release. Jeff Wood, director of manufacturing for Ford's North America operations, will replace Flewitt beginning June 1.

Automotive News reports that the resignation comes after Ford of Europe reported a first-quarter, pre-tax loss of $149 million. The company has also cut working days at plants in Spain and days and production rates in Germany. Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell has previously said Ford's second-quarter production will fall by 65,000 vehicles from last year.

Flewitt began working at Ford in 1983 as an assembly plant trainee. Eventually he wound up at Rolls-Royce in 1995 as production director then moved to managing director at AutoNova AB Volvo in 1998 and operations group manager at TWR in 2000. In 2003, Flewitt returned to Ford of Europe as production quality director. Flewitt was installed in the VP position in January, 2012.

Automotive News says Flewitt has left Ford's European headquarters in Cologne, Germany for his UK birthplace.

Read Ford's press release after the jump for details and other personnel news from Ford.

Continue reading Ford of Europe's VP of manufacturing leaves after just 5 months

Ford of Europe's VP of manufacturing leaves after just 5 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford of Europe unveils production Tourneo Custom van

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Ford

Ford of Europe has officially unveiled the production version of the Tourneo Custom Concept that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The Tourneo won't be coming to the United States, but according to Ford, it's part of the automaker's plan to refresh its entire commercial vehicle lineup by 2014. The production model will officially debut at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show in April.

This front-wheel-drive van is available in both short- and long-wheelbase versions (measuring in at 195.7 and 210.2 inches in overall length, respectively), and can be had in either eight- or nine-passenger configuration. Ford also touts the Tourneo's car-like interior with its "stylish, sculpted driver-focused instrument panel," as well as onboard tech like SYNC, a rear-view camera, lane-keeping assist and driver alert.

Under the hood is an updated version of Ford's 2.2-liter Duratorq inline-four, offered in 99-, 123- and 153-horsepower variants, all of which are paired exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. There's also auto start/stop on board, meaning the Tourneo can deliver a combined fuel economy rating of 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers - about 34 miles per gallon on the U.S. cycle.

Again, we won't be seeing the Tourneo in the States - our all-new Transit van will be based on the heavy-duty, rear-wheel-drive commercial line that's set to debut later this year. Nevertheless, hit the jump for the full details in Ford's press release.

Continue reading Ford of Europe unveils production Tourneo Custom van

Ford of Europe unveils production Tourneo Custom van originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford becomes top-selling brand in Europe

Chris Shunk — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:38:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

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

Ford has been making some real progress here in North America, with sales up 37 percent in the first quarter. That's good news to be sure, and new reports indicate that Blue Oval may be experiencing as much success across The Pond. The Detroit Free Press reports that Ford is now the number-one selling brand in the ultra-competitive Europe market after March sales in the top 19 Euro countries outpaced the industry with a 11.5 percent sales gain. Ford's sales boost during March boosted the company's overall market share to 10.4 percent, up .4 percent versus the year ago period.

The big reason for Ford's sales dominance in Europe is the new Fiesta. The Fiesta accounted for 68,000 of the company's 192,500 sales for the month, up 28.6 percent versus last March. The Fiesta appears to be picking up sales momentum in Europe, even after finishing 2009 as the second highest-selling vehicle in Europe behind the Volkswagen Golf. The Fiesta, which was launched late in 2008 in Europe, arrives in U.S. dealerships this summer.

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

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Ford becomes top-selling brand in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Ford launches updated Galaxy, S-Max at Brussels Auto Show

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Ford S-Max (above) and Galaxy (below right) - Click either for high-res image galleries

We can debate the relevance of the modern minivan in the North American market until the proverbial cows come home, but the fact remains that in Europe, the MPV still plays a vital role. Few know that as well as Ford does, and now the Blue Oval has unveiled mildly revised versions of its most important people-movers at the 2010 Brussels Auto Show.

Previewed in initial details and photos a full month ago, The visual tweaks to both the Galaxy and its sportier sibling, the S-Max, are admittedly minimal, but keep both looking fresh and in stride with Ford's latest kinetic design language. LED daytime running lights and taillamps are part of the package, and there are a host of new interior trim options, complete with a new panoramic sunroof. Ford's also offering a Blind-Spot Information System (cleverly abbreviated as BLIS), along with the new 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower, direct injection four-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline engine in addition to Duratorq diesels with 115 or 163 hp.

We took a ride in a pre-facelift S-Max on the way to the airport en route back from test driving the new Ford Fiesta in Tuscany and were suitably impressed, so any effort to keep it relevant is good in our books. That's the short of it. If you want the long version, there's a 70-page press release after the jump with all the information you never wanted to know about Ford's latest European people haulers. And for your viewing pleasure, high-resolution image galleries of both are included below.

Gallery: 2010 Ford S-Max

Gallery: 2010 Ford Galaxy

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Ford launches updated Galaxy, S-Max at Brussels Auto Show

Pics Aplenty: Ford launches updated Galaxy, S-Max at Brussels Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford's Euro sales crest 10% for the first time in 8 years

Chris Shunk — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Ford, Earnings/Financials

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.

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Ford Fiesta winning hearts and minds - and wallets - in Europe

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Earnings/Financials

2009 Ford Fiesta - Click above for a high-res gallery

The Ford Fiesta has already won us over -- twice - and we can't even buy the car yet. But European buyers are nabbing so many Fiestas that the Blue Oval is now enjoying a 10% market share in Europe based on the strength of the compact's sales alongside the Focus and Transit. It's the first time that Ford has had a double-digit European market share since September 2001, and it keeps Ford solidly in the number two spot overall behind Volkswagen.

In all but three of Europe's 19 markets, Ford says it has improved its showing. Already this year, there have been 108,000 Fiestas sold, with 52,800 of those coming in March alone. The market share triumph is even sweeter seeing that overall industry sales took a double-digit fall, but Ford is getting more of what's left. There was no cheating with fleet sales, either: retail sales were up 13% year-on-year. Only France, Switzerland, and Italy showed declines. Appreciate the tip, Preston.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta in NYC

[Source: Ford]

Ford Fiesta winning hearts and minds - and wallets - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Focus C-Max caught testing

Chris Shunk — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Crossover, Ford

Ford is looking to bring over more C-segment crossovers from Europe to the US, and word has it that the people-hauling C-Max is toward the top of the list. The current C-Max would probably be sufficient for US duty in terms of size and performance, but with America's different legislative standards, if we get the Euro crossover Stateside it will likely arrive with the next redesign.

The next C-Max is already on its way toward production, as evidenced by spy photos taken of a couple next-generation mules dredging through the snow. The C-Max mule is clothed in yesterday's duds, but a wider than usual b-pillar shows that the Euro crossover is going to get bigger. The extra four or five inches of interior volume could make room for a third row of seats, or Ford could simply be angling for extra cargo capacity. Either way, a new C-Max is en-route. And thanks to Ford's future ability to build Focus-sized vehicles in Louisville beginning in 2010, it could be built here in the States. We can hope.

[Source: Next Autos]

Spy Shots: Ford Focus C-Max caught testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Focus RS

The 2009 Focus Rallye Sport has a price: £24,995 when it goes on sale in the UK in March. That will put you about £4,000 over a Focus ST3, but for that extra money you get a car that could be much closer to Ford's WRC competitor than it is to its ST3 sibling. The 300 horses and 325 ft-lbs is channeled through a six-speed manual to the front wheels, and a wider track joins beefier driveshafts, thicker anti-roll bars, tuned springs and uprated dampers.

The car comes with a bodykit that only an RS could wear, as well as things like heated door mirrors and windshield, xenon headlights, Recaros, and Ford's Easy Fill fueling system. Only a few options are available, the ritziest one being the Luxury Pack that will give you things like automatic climate control and rear parking sensors. Thankfully, based on how popular these cars are among the five-finger set, an alarm is also standard. You can check out the full release after the jump and the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (blue)

Continue reading Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995

Ford Focus RS starting abroad at �24,995 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: Ford Kuga (Euro-spec)

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Crossover, Ford, First Drives

Click above for high-res gallery of the Euro-spec Ford Kuga

The grass, they say, is always greener on the other side of the fence. Though that often appears to be the case, most of the time it isn't. Dearborn's new "One Ford" initiative promises that we'll soon be able to stop gazing longingly across the ocean at what the company offers overseas buyers, as Ford endeavors to integrate its global product line-up into one cohesive range for every market around the world. In the case of the new Fiesta, that's a good thing. Less so with regards to the Kuga. Follow the jump to read why.

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Ford Kuga

Continue reading First Drive: Ford Kuga (Euro-spec)

First Drive: Ford Kuga (Euro-spec) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: European Ford Focus Coup�-Cabriolet

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Ford

click above to view high-res gallery of the Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet

Having already taken the wraps off the more conventional four-door sedan, three- and five-door hatchbacks and wagon body-styles in Frankfurt, Ford of Europe is preparing to unveil its new hard-top convertible version of the new European Focus. Unfortunately, this model won't be available in the US market, so we'll have to settle for the images Ford has released of the new Focus CC until we bring you the live shots from the Geneva show floor next month. The CC also joins the ST hot-hatch and the upcoming RS in the new Euro Focus line-up.

Like its predecessor, Ford of Europe's new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is being built in Bairo, Italy, by Pininfarina. The drop-top Focus boasts a stiff body to maintain handling integrity and class-leading luggage space over rivals like the Peugeot 308 CC and Volkswagen Eos, regardless of whether the roof is up or down. The new Focus CC will be offered with three engine options and three trim levels: a 1.6-liter/100-hp and 2-liter 145-hp Duratec gasoline fours, and the 2-liter Duratorq turbodiesel with 136 hp, in either Trend, Sport or Titanium spec.

Follow the jump to read the full press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view pics in our high-res gallery.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Focus CC

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: European Ford Focus Coup�-Cabriolet

Geneva '08 Preview: European Ford Focus Coup�-Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to launch Econetic range of ultra-low CO2 cars in Europe

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Technology, Ford

At next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford of Europe will show off a new line of powertrains that produce ultra-low levels of CO2. The engines will be common-rail diesels and will first appear in early 2008 under the hood of the Ford Focus ECOnetic. In the Focus, it should produce a class-leading 115g/km CO2 reading. This 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine features a standard diesel particulate filter and also returns 65.7 mpg on the cycle.

With legislators increasingly focusing on economy and emissions, Ford is the latest to announce a specific answer. We just profiled BMW's tweaked gearbox and Chrysler's lightweight steel, and now we have this clean diesel from Ford. Besides the efficient engine, this Focus has been optimized with a lowered ride height, a new aero kit and low rolling resistance tires. It also represents the first use of a new low-viscosity transmission oil that Ford developed with fuel partner BP.

Follow the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to launch Econetic range of ultra-low CO2 cars in Europe

Ford to launch Econetic range of ultra-low CO2 cars in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mulally makes it official: Next Focus and Fusion based on global platforms

John Neff — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Ford

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.

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Range Rover receives Ford's designer du jour

John Neff — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, Land Rover

Ford has reportedly announced that its current chief designer at Ford of Europe, Phil Simmons, is being moved over to Land Rover. Rather than having a man with such experience oversee the design of the entire Land Rover brand, Simmons will become the studio director for just the Ranger Rover line of premium SUVs. Simmons is actually the one responsible for the Ranger Rover's current design, having spent a decade at Land Rover before being sent to Ford in the U.S., where he also oversaw the Blue Oval's family of midsize sedans, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. He's been at Ford of Europe since 1999, and thus also must've been partly responsible for the Kinetic design language that debuted on the Iosis concept and matured into the production design of the current Mondeo.

Is it a waste (or a demotion) to shift such talent to a brand that's on the verge of being sold from the corporate fold, and then to only give him control over one vehicle line? The Range Rover is certainly key to the success of Land Rover as a whole, but does it need its own design steward? We're a bit perplexed at the appointment, but the rest of Ford's loss is Range Rover's gain.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Range Rover receives Ford's designer du jour originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One less to pine for: Ford Europe drops MkII Focus RS plans

Alex Nunez — Fri, 25 May 2007 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Click image for a gallery of the 2002 Ford Focus RS

One of the most desirable pieces of forbidden fruit from the Ford of Europe stable was the Focus RS. Based on the Mk1 Focus, the RS sported WRC-inspired looks and handling, and was powered by a turbocharged 215-horsepower 2.0L Duratec that spun the front wheels. Auto Express is now reporting that the next RS, which was to be based on the freshened MkII Focus coming in late '08, expected to boast 300 horsepower and 4WD, has been scrapped.

A UK buyer who had placed a deposit told the publication that his money was returned, saying the dealer informed him that the project was scrapped due to emissions concerns. Ford has dispelled that notion, telling Auto Express that a sound business case for the car simply couldn't be made at this time. Before our European readers get too upset, the mag says that the RS could come back on the radar for the MkIII refresh scheduled for sometime in 2010.

At least we'll be spared the ignominy of being taunted with another awesome Europe-only Focus for the time being.

[Source: Auto Express]

Gallery: 2002 Ford Focus RS (EU)

One less to pine for: Ford Europe drops MkII Focus RS plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Ford isosis-X

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford

Some cloaked shots of the production version of Ford's newest cute ute have surfaced. First shown as the iosis-X concept in Paris, this C-segment crossover features that same "kinetic design language" we see in Ford of Europe's S-MAX and C-MAX, in a size that slots between the two. This small crossover would compete head-to-head with the Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V, among others.

Just when we thought the CUV/SUV market couldn't get any more crowded, this would be the eleventieth UV in the Ford lineup alone. But it's a looker, this one. Using spy photos of a heavily disguised prototype, the artist created a rendering that looks athletic and stylish but functional, sort of like a scaled down Mazda CX-7, which is a good thing. Our previous spy shots of this productionized iosis-X looked markedly different, but it's likely the older pics were of a test mule. As this vehicle gets closer to it's early 2008 launch and Frankfurt debut, the shape seems to be taking its final, more stylish form.

[Source: drive.com.au]

Spy Shots: 2009 Ford isosis-X originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Line to buy Ford's Aston Martin grows

Chris Tutor — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Supercars, Aston Martin, Ford

At least five potential Aston Martin buyers have now whipped out their platinum cards in anticipation of taking the esteemed carmaker off Ford's hands. One London banker said, "The interesting question is whether this is just going to be a scrap between the rich men of Russia and the rich men of the Middle East." It's interesting to note the plethora of former Ford execs hoping to get a piece of Aston.

List of potential bidders after the jump.

[Source: thebusinessonline.com]

Continue reading Line to buy Ford's Aston Martin grows

Line to buy Ford's Aston Martin grows originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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