Autoblog

Current Ford Mondeo will underpin the next Fusion

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:01:00 EST

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

[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.

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Rumormill: Ford converting North American factories to make European cars

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Ford

For reasons that everyone is aware of, American carmakers have been shutting down and idling plants that make trucks and SUVs. According to AutoSavant, however, Ford is not going to simply shutter plants, it is going to retool some of them to build its Euro-market cars for the American market.

If this is true, we're so giddy we don't even want to paraphrase it, so we'll just quote directly: "Our sources at Ford say that Mr. Mulally has already made the decision to convert at least three truck/SUV production facilities in North America as soon as possible to produce Ford models currently sold in Europe.... The timeline Mulally prefers, according to insiders, is 'yesterday'."

The reasoning is ostensibly that with the American market going to more frugal cars, it's time for Ford to start spending the money to provide them -- even though cash is tight right now. What might make the leap across the water? The Euro Focus, the Focus Coupe, and the C-Max (pictured) are candidates. The Mondeo is, supposedly, not. But it's a start, hey? It only took spiraling gas prices and plummeting truck sales to get us what we have been begging for. If we had known, we'd have done it sooner. Thanks for the tip, Daniel!

[Source: AutoSavant]

Rumormill: Ford converting North American factories to make European cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ford working on four-door Mondeo coupe

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Ford, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

It seems most car buyers today have decided that the aesthetic advantages of the two-door coupe body style are not worth the ergonomic hassles of getting in and out of the back seat. To remedy that issue, most every automaker has or very soon will introduce a car with a coupe-like profile and extra doors to ease ingress/egress. This design trend runs the gamut from mainstream models like the VW Passat CC to near exotics like the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera. Ford apparently doesn't want to miss out on this potentially profitable trend and may create a four-door coupe based on the best selling Mondeo.

If this rendering from CAR is anything by which to judge, the Mondeo coupe will take Kinetic design to a new extreme with a low profile greenhouse, frameless windows, and rear-door openings that are almost certain to induce some concussions. As the premium Mondeo (if indeed it wears that badge), it will get all the techno goodness one would expect of such a car in the 21st century. It may also carry a variant of the 2.7L diesel V6 that Ford has previously installed in Jaguars. Interestingly, the article also mentions AdBlue, which is the urea injection system used to reduce NOx emissions of diesel engines. If Ford adds urea injection, this engine could likely pass U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions and could even come to the States someday.

[Source: CAR]

Rumormill: Ford working on four-door Mondeo coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

John Neff — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford

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.

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J Mays set to overhaul Ford's global design

Dan Roth — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Ford

Rather than have disparate design wings flung across the globe, all speaking in a different tongue, Ford's tasking J Mays with teaching everyone the design equivalent of Esperanto. The new, unified, global design language will replace the "Kinetic Design" that Ford of Europe employs, as well as superseding the "Bold American" motif we get here in the United States. We're not likely to see the Edge pick up any Mondeo themes any time soon, but Mays is looking forward about six years to see the convergence come to fruition on a new generation of vehicles.

Ford is looking inward, trying to divest some of the PAG largesse while simultaneously reinvigorating the core Ford brand. New, cohesive, and most of all exciting design is key to transforming Ford, and Mays will serve as overlord from his London base of operations. While you'd think that something as important as global design for such a huge automaker would be cloistered in the bowels Dearborn, Mays says that Alan Mulally is comfortable with him working remote. We think it will be good to have the design chief living abroad, able to take in a wider sampling of automotive fashion than what we can find here in the US. Besides, we're sure there's an XK in the Mays garage, ready to rip on down to Carnaby Street to study fashionistas in their natural habitat.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

J Mays set to overhaul Ford's global design originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Ford Mondeo XR5 Turbo

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, Ford

Click the XR5 photo for more images

American drivers haven't had a special high-performance sedan offering from Ford since the demise of the Contour SVT and it doesn't look like we'll get one anytime soon. Fortunately, overseas buyers don't have that problem. Besides the pleasure of having the standard Mondeo, it looks like they will soon have a XR5 Turbo version to choose from. This one is expected to be propelled by a five-cylinder turbo sourced the Swedish side of the family at Volvo. It could be a fun combination. Head over to CarAdvice.com.au for more pics of the XR5.

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

Spy Shots: Ford Mondeo XR5 Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:36:00 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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Mazda6 teaser hits the web, set to debut in Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:22:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Mazda

Click the image above for a high-res pic.

Mazda has just released a teaser image of the new Mazda6 that will be officially unveiled next month in Frankfurt. The Mondeo-based sedan gets some freshly styled sheet metal that forms a familial resemblance to the recently released Mazda2, with more sunken front fenders, accompanied by a less aggressive, dare we say, "cuter" front fascia that has a distinctly up-market shape.

Expect the dimensions to grow, along with displacement, with the new 6 likely packing the 3.5-liter V6 found in its platform sibling, the Mondeo.

We'll be on hand to bring you plenty of live coverage when the wraps are taken off in Frankfurt, but in the meantime, enjoy the teaser above and Mazda's press release after the jump.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading Mazda6 teaser hits the web, set to debut in Frankfurt

Mazda6 teaser hits the web, set to debut in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mondeo named Car of the Year by Auto Express

John Neff — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford

click above to see more high-res pics of the new Ford Mondeo

We believe it's that time of year again when every automotive media outlet and its sister (publication) begin giving out its Car of the Year (COTY) award. Auto Express in the U.K. is kicking things off by awards its respective COTY statue to the new Ford Mondeo, as well as the honor for best family car and estate car. The editor's don't mince words when they say the Mondeo is "Ford's finest ever car". We'd like to agree, except we probably won't ever get a chance to drive the new Mondeo, at least not this generation of the car. Hopefully, Ford CEO Alan Mulally will have his way and the next-gen Mondeo will merge with our Fusion sold in the U.S. Perhaps then we can corroborate the opinion of Auto Express that the Mondeo is a COTY caliber sedan. Until then, however, we'll just congratulate the car from afar.

[Source: Newspress]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Mondeo

Continue reading Ford Mondeo named Car of the Year by Auto Express

Ford Mondeo named Car of the Year by Auto Express originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford not interested in selling Volvo

Chris Shunk — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Earnings/Financials

It's just plain difficult to follow Ford Motor Company lately, as there seems to be more rumors about the embattled American icon than any other automaker. On any given day, all, some, or none of the Premiere Automotive Group could be for sale, and everyone from Renault to Hyundai, even the Russians, could be the most interested suitors.

In the past couple weeks, a sale of Jaguar and Land Rover has appeared more and more likely, as Ford has hired KPMG to assist in a possible sale. In a recent interview with the Free Press, however, Way Forward architect and Ford President of the Americas, Mark Fields, claims that Volvo definitely isn't on the block. The product portfolios of the Ford brand and Volvo are far too intertwined at this point, especially in Europe, for a split to pan out in the Blue Oval's favor. Ford will likely combine the R&D between the two brands further in North America, where Ford is working to bring down costs.

For our money, it makes sense to keep Volvo in the fold, if only because the Swedish automaker represents one of the few outright success stories in the Ford portfolio.

[Source: Freep]

Ford not interested in selling Volvo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Focus getting Iosis-treatment? Maybe in Europe.

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:09:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

If Martin Smith - the designer of the new Mondeo and S-Max - has his way, the next Ford Focus in Europe will be drawing heavily from the styling of its upmarket siblings.

While we're stuck with the new Focus coupe that was unveiled earlier this year, European consumers will be getting a thoroughly reworked version of Ford's compact sedan. In addition to the Iosis-inspired sheetmetal, those lucky blokes across the pond will also benefit from a freshly styled interior, complete with a cabin control system inspired by the Human Machine Interface in the Mondeo.

If AutoExpress' crystal ball is to be believed, the new Focus may debut at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales likely to begin sometime in 2008. If this particular five-door does become available, the hue and cry from those of us in the States will be heard yet again, and summarily dismissed by FoMoCo execs.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Next Focus getting Iosis-treatment? Maybe in Europe. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Euro Focus hatches coupe

John Neff — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, Ford

These rendered images of the next-generation Ford Focus for the European market are, to put it bluntly, painful to look at. That's not because the artist penned a dog, but rather because he or she gives us a glimpse of Ford's next-gen Focus in the form of a three-door coupe, not unlike the coupe version of the redesigned 2008 Focus that Ford will be selling in the U.S. soon. Our Focus, however, is based on the same platform the original Focus used when it debuted back in Y2K, whereas the Euro Focus will be moving over from the already excellent C1 chassis, which our Focus never got, to a shortened version of the Eureopean Mondeo's platform. Plus, our Focus coupe will not look like a 3/4-scale Mondeo with snazzy Kinetic styling. Instead, the redesigned 2008 Focus for the U.S. takes a step backwards in styling, landing somewhere in the time of the Tempo and LTD. We're a little rusty with our Italian, so we're not even sure if Infomotori is claiming that Ford of Europe will offer a three-door coupe version of the next Focus or if these renderings are just fun. They're still painful to gaze upon, knowing what awaits an unsuspecting public at our own Blue Oval dealerships.

[Source: Infomotori - Google Translation]

Rendered Speculation: Euro Focus hatches coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford steals a page from mobile phones for Mondeo's HMI

Alex Nunez — Tue, 29 May 2007 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedan, Europe, Technology, Ford

Click image to enlarge

In-car user interface systems run the gamut in terms of usability. BMW's iDrive (which we've found to be alternately wonderful and maddening) and Audi's slicker, easier-to-use MMI are two of the most well-known. Devising an interface that makes it easy to control multiple systems is no easy task, but Ford thinks it's found a sweet spot with the HMI (Human Machine Interface) that's included in some versions of the all-new Mondeo.

The system is used to control the car's phone, cruise control, audio, and tire pressure monitoring systems. It's operated via a set of buttons on the steering wheel that emulates the primary input device used on mobile phones: buttons at each of the four compass points, and an "OK' button in the middle of them. The reasoning, according Dr. Stevan Becker (right), who supervised the HMI project, is that around 95% of people use a mobile phone already and are familiar with that kind of control setup. The HMI's GUI is displayed on both the 5" info screen in the center stack as well as in the instrument cluster itself.

Time will tell how well it works, but we like that it's limited to the systems listed. It's when automakers try to have these interfaces control too many things that they get into trouble. We'll fiddle with our HVAC settings manually, thanks. Save the menus for the other stuff.

We'd love to hear opinions from international readers who actually get to try this out. Now, on a completely unrelated note, why doesn't every Ford interior look as good as the one above?

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford steals a page from mobile phones for Mondeo's HMI

Ford steals a page from mobile phones for Mondeo's HMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2007 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mondeo deemed allergy free

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 May 2007 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford

For anybody that suffers with environmental allergies, spring and summer can be brutal. Dust mites and pollen can wreak havoc on sinus cavities, ears, and eyes whether inside or outside your car. Many automakers have taken precautions to help minimize the pain of allergy sufferers, and Ford seems to have gotten the formula down... at least in Europe.

The soon to be available for purchase Ford Mondeo has received the coveted "Allergy-tested seal of approval" from the German TÜV Rhineland group. The vehicle earned this honor as the result of eliminating materials like chrome and nickel from the cockpit, using low-emission adhesives, and allergen-tested textiles and leathers. The Mondeo also has a high-tech pollen filter that eliminates pollen from the air. Ford's newest example of Kinetic design joins the Focus, Ka, S-MAX and Galaxy as the only vehicles on earth to earn TÜV allergy certification.

For whatever reason, Ford's Euro-lineup always seems to be better-looking and more richly-appointed than what we can get here in the States, and we're often left wanting. Now even those with allergies are left with something to sneeze at. We know, that was bad. The press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Ford media site]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Mondeo

Continue reading Ford Mondeo deemed allergy free

Ford Mondeo deemed allergy free originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Ford Mondeo rolls off the line

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

The first Mondeo has made its way down the production line at Ford's production line in Genk, Belgium. The Genk plant has undergone a big upgrade and is one of the most flexible in Ford's production arsenal. The plant was already building S-Max and Galaxy vehicles, and now with the Mondeo added to the mix, there are five different body styles being turned out at a maximum rate of 1,200 cars per day. Keeping it interesting for the workers, the different body styles can come down the line in any order, as well. It looks like Ford's investment of over 700 million Euro will be paying off as they ramp up full production on their lauded European offerings. While 98 percent of the Genk plant's output will be for export, the United States is not one of the 60 countries these cars are headed. A shame, as we really dig the Euro Fords.

Press release after the jump

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading First Ford Mondeo rolls off the line

First Ford Mondeo rolls off the line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford announces UK pricing for new Mondeo

Chris Shunk — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford

The newest Ford Mondeo has the looks to compete in any market. For citizens of the UK, pricing looks pretty affordable too, ranging from £14,995 to £24,195. Even with the dramatic makover, the price of the Mondeo actually drops by £300 versus the previous model. Ford's European midsize everything-mobile comes as a saloon, estate, and hatchback and has plenty of engine choices too. Buy a Mondeo and you can go from 1.6 litres and 110 hp all the way up to the range-topping 2.5T with 220 hp. Of course you can get a diesel too, and at only £18,395.

The £14,995 to £24,195 may sound like very attractive pricing for the Mondeo, but in US dollars it's more like $29,436 to $43,571. Big difference. The Mondeo gets its official unveiling at the Geneva show in March, but in the meantime, check out the press release after the break.

[Source: ewspress.co.uk]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Mondeo

Continue reading Ford announces UK pricing for new Mondeo

Ford announces UK pricing for new Mondeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Ford Mondeo revealed, will debut in Geneva

Alex Nunez — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Ford

Click for photo gallery showing all 3 bodystyles

The photos have been leaking all weekend, well ahead of the Valentine's Day embargo date; such is the love being shown for Ford of Europe's all-new 2008 Mondeo. Fully restyled using Ford's Iosis-style "kinetic design" language (to use the Oval's marketing-speak), the new car will go on sale in June as a 4-door sedan, 5-door hatch (as seen in Casino Royale) , and a station wagon.

Four trim levels -- Edge, Zetec, Ghia, and Titanium X -- will be offered, with Ghia and Titanium X representing the top of the line. The car's modern exterior is matched by a swanky passenger cabin that boasts features such as ambient lighting and premium-feeling materials on the various touch surfaces, Available goodies include a keyless entry and start system that makes use of the ever-more-popular start button, and a new graphical interface in the instrument panel.The car is quieter, too, with overall noise cut 3 decibels across the board.

Power comes from a range of seven available engines, the top performer being the 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec good for 220 horsepower. It's mated to a six-speed manual transmission. We at Autoblog sincerely hope Alan Mulally finds a way to get this new Mondeo over to North America. We don't care if it sports a Ford, Lincoln , or Mercury badge. Call it Edsel for all we care. Just make it happen one way or another, okay?

The official unveiling occurs in Geneva next month, when you can expect to see a lot more info on the car. For now, you can get acclimated with the preliminary press release after the jump.

UPDATE: 7 more photos added to the gallery

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Mondeo

Continue reading New Ford Mondeo revealed, will debut in Geneva

New Ford Mondeo revealed, will debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford may bring Mondeo, S-Max to U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Crossover, Ford, Mercury

As previously reported, Ford intends to begin sharing both platforms and vehicles, originally developed for Europe, with the U.S. We've already been informed that the Transit Connect, a small commercial vehicle, is headed our way, but during an interview with Automotive News, FoMoCo CEO Alan Mulally hinted at the prospect of bringing over the Mondeo sedan and S-Max people mover.

Both you and most of the Autoblog staff have been smitten by the Mondeo's style, but the question remains: where will it fit in? The sedan would directly compete with the Ford Fusion, so the possibility of moving the Mondeo up market and slapping a Mercury badge on it is one possibility.

As for the S-Max: most will agree that the people mover segment is in desperate need of a makeover. While minivan sales remain stagnant and consumers move on from the SUV-craze, there would seem to be a market for a nicely designed, well-equipped vehicle that can hold the kids and the prerequisite soccer supplies.

If and when all this would come to fruition is up in the air, but if Ford decided to make this kind of move, we wouldn't expect much before 2009.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ford may bring Mondeo, S-Max to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury?

Dan Roth — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Mercury

After last week's flurry of news from Detroit, we're realizing that little was heard from Mercury. Parent Ford certainly had some introductions and unveilings, but nothing from across the corporate hall. It makes us wonder whether the Mercury brand is going to completely wither and die, or if Ford's got some surprises left. There really seems to be little point to the brand. There are no Mercury-specific models like there once were (Cougar, Villager, etc.) and really nothing particularly compelling for sale. Perhaps giving Mercury a segment to fill would drive the brand.

More armchair quarterbacking after the jump

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury?

And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Friday Photochop Fun: Mercury saved by Mondeo

John Neff — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 19:47:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford

click on image to enlarge

This nicely done Photochop of a Mercury-badged Ford Mondeo was sent in to us by Autoblog reader Galvin, which is funny because it's the second Photochop of a Mercury-badged Ford Mondeo we've received from readers this week. The quality of Galvin's pixel painting got us thinking about amending our comments in the past about what Ford should do with Mercury, which you can read here. Seeing this makes you wonder whether such a vehicle could actually do anything to not just stop Mercury's slide, but bring back the brand we'd all like to succeed but just don't expect to. It's a nice thought, and frankly we'd entertain a lot of crazy notions that would result in Ford's new Mondeo being sold in the U.S., but then reality kicks in and we remember the Mercury Milan, which shares its platform and a lot of other stuff with the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr. The Mondeo would likely never become a rebadged Mercury because the Fusion triplets are actually selling well as a whole. Also, such a vehicle would likely cannibalize sales from the Fusion and MKZ were all three to be sold in the same market.

Nevertheless, something has to be done about Mercury and its overreliance on poorly-rebadged Ford products. With General Motors officially announcing the Saturn Astra yesterday and completing that brand's transformation into an almost all-Opel lineup, we wonder whether or not the same thing couldn't be done with Mercury, at least in the case of the Mondeo. Bringing over your best cars from Europe to save that slipping brand in the homeland seems to be working for GM, perhaps Ford should follow suit.

Friday Photochop Fun: Mercury saved by Mondeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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