Autoblog

Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Ford Galaxy and S-Max -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The next generation models of Ford of Europe's popular Galaxy and S-Max people movers are about to make their introductions at the Brussels Motor Show. Both have been given modest exterior revamps, new technologies like Ford's Blind Spot Information System and so on. Most importantly, though, these are the first Fords to receive EcoBoost four-cylinder engines.

The S-Max wears a redesigned hood and front fascia with LED running lights, while its rear end gets a new tailgate and LED taillights. The Galaxy is likewise fitted with the new family look, with a bolder lower, new fog lights, and LEDs in the rear.

Both cars have updated interiors and new materials. Under their hoods, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost SCTi tops out at 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque (the latter of which is available from just 1,750 rpm). For all the info on two more of Ford's Please-Come-to-America-Offerings, have a look at the press release after the jump and check out the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Galaxy

Gallery: 2010 Ford S-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show

Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Nip/Tuck'd Ford S-Max spotted in the Swiss mountains

Chris Paukert — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Europe

Ford's rakish S-Max people mover may yet come to the States, but we almost certainly won't see it before the facelift seen here takes effect. Caught by long-lensed spy shots for EVO Magazine, this next-generation S-Max mule was caught pulling caravan duty in the Swiss mountains.

According to the U.K. publication, the S-Max's interior is likely to stay the same, meaning that buyers will once again get a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations. The exterior is clearly being tweaked with a new front fascia and grille, as well as reconfigured taillamps featuring LED illumination. Given that the production S-Max first debuted at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2006, this seems like as opportune a time as any to refresh the award-winning MPV.

The engine lineup is expected to remain unaltered, meaning buyers can expect a range of gas and diesel four- and five-cylinder engines as well as manual and automatic transmission choices.

We've been hearing for years now that the sporty S-Max might cross the Pond... is it finally our turn? And if so, would Americans consider it? Have your say in 'Comments.'

[Source: EVO]

Spy Shots: Nip/Tuck'd Ford S-Max spotted in the Swiss mountains originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:30:00 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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Spy Shots: Ford S-Max caught 'round the bend in L.A.

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Europe, Ford

One of the intrepid editors at Motor Trend snapped off a few shots of a manufacturer plate-equipped Ford S-Max making the rounds in Los Angeles. Yes, it is the exact same S-Max that Autoblog reader Ku Kim snapped back in late July. So, what does this mean? Currently: nothing. But we do know that Ford CEO Alan Mulally is hot on bringing some Euro-only models here to the States as a way to spread development costs. And a few of us around the Autoblog offices have maintained for a while that the S-Max would be a prime candidate for a people-mover revival here at home. We've even been told that it's an entertain steer, something that the Freestar could never be accused of.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Spy Shots: Ford S-Max caught 'round the bend in L.A. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2007 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford S-Max spotted in L.A.; headed to the States?

Chris Tutor — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Ford

Alert Autoblog reader, Ku Kim, spotted an odd-looking van in Los Angeles traffic. With his always-handy mobile phone, he snapped a couple of pictures of Ford's new S-Max.

But wait, you say, that's not supposed to be here! You're right. The S-Max is Ford's middle-tier European minivan, uh sorry, MPV. (The C-Max is positioned below it, while the Galaxy is the big MPV above it in the heirarchy.)

Could this lone, white S-Max prowling California streets be validation of our January import prediction? With its 5+2 seating, sportier feel and modern lines, the S-Max might be able to carve some sales out of the MPV segment here, but will have stiff competition from the increasingly more CUVs offered by almost every carmaker, including Ford.

Hopefully, this really is an indication of Ford's intention to bring its (at least perceived) superior European offerings across the pond.

Then again, it could be nothing more than a photo shoot in trendy L.A.

Thanks for the tip and photos, Ku Kim!

Ford S-Max spotted in L.A.; headed to the States? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:33:00 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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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 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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'Ford Individual' customization begins in Europe

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, I.C.E., Ford

Ford has begun running a pilot program in Germany and Switzerland that would allow buyers to customize their rides in ways currently unavailable to customers in Europe.

The program, imaginatively called "Ford Individual", is similar to the packages available through Volkswagen and BMW, and will consist of a few distinctly different styling directions.

One is entitled the "Sporty Line" that's primary focus will be more on modern-looking additions, like exterior styling bits, wheels and interior accoutrements. The "Luxury Line" will allow buyers to add leather and wood grain, while the "Hitec Line" consists of in-car entertainment packages, rear-view cameras and other techy tidbits.

Initially the only vehicle that will benefit from these additions is the Ford S-Max, however, demand may allow Ford to broaden the vehicles available for customization.

[Source: Motor Authority]

'Ford Individual' customization begins in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Euro models finally on their way to US?

John Neff — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Ford

A Ford spokesperson has told auto industry trade paper Just-Auto that the U.S. automaker is "eyeing Ford Europe products" but that no decisions have been made to import any of those models to the U.S. market. Motor Authority, which has a subscription to the trade news site, states the article particularly mentions the Mondeo, Focus, S-Max and Galaxy as possible imports for Ford's North American division. Many of us have waited for news like this a long time, and if Ford's turnaround is truly product driven then its competitive wares across the pond could be the jump start its recovery needs.

Not to spoil the speculative fun, but we have to mention that Ford's current line up is chock full of product except at the low end where a Fiesta or Festiva might do the most good, neither of which were mentioned in the Just-Auto article. As great a car as the Mondeo supposedly is, we're finding day after day how good the Fusion is, as well. The S-Max and Galaxy, both people movers, would enter a showroom already crowded with the Freestyle, Edge and upcoming Fairlane. The European Focus... well, that's a no-brainer. The current U.S.-spec Focus is old and due for a replacement, and Focus fans have been patiently awaiting the C1-based Focus car's arrival for some time now.

As much as Ford fans and even analysts might think it's a good idea to start importing models from the company's European arm, the Blue Oval must choose wisely which cars it wants to bring over. The North American lineup is full in some places and lean in others, so hopefully Ford can find appropriate places for these Euro models to fit.

[Source: Just-Auto: sub. required via MotorAuthority]

Ford Euro models finally on their way to US? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 European Car of the Year: Ford S-MAX

Scott Davis — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

Ford Motor Company can use all of the good news it can garner these days. On the heels of the positive announcements regarding the Fusion and Milan quality, a panel of 58 automotive journalists from 22 European countries voted the Ford S-MAX the 2007 European Car of the Year.

The S-Max earned its crown by boxing out the Citroen C4 Picasso and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, which were also very close in the running. The rest of the short list included the Fiat Grande Punto, Honda Civic, Skoda Roomster and Volvo C30. Not bad company to keep; even better company to beat!

Thanks for the tip Alberto B.!

[Source: Autoblog Spanish, Reuters]

2007 European Car of the Year: Ford S-MAX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Ford Mondeo Wagon

Randall Halcomb — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 07:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Ford

Using the 'kinetic' design language introduced at Frankfurt in 2005 with the Iosis concept, Ford of Europe has just unveiled its new flagship, the Mondeo, at Paris today. The wagon is the first to be debuted, with a production launch scheduled across Europe in the second quarter of 2007. Ford of Europe considers the Mondeo a critical step forward to expanding its product portfolio, and it complements their other new vehicles, the S-MAX, Galaxy, and Focus Coupe-Cabriolet.

The new Mondeo will be built at Ford's Genk plant in Belgium along side the S-MAX and Galaxy. These vehicles all share much of the same architecture and technology, as well as assembly process, allowing the Genk plant to be more flexible in terms of vehicle production.

With GM getting serious about taking its investment in Opel and porting the European flavor into one of its brands, we wonder why we can't see more of the same from Ford. Sure, the Fusion is a nice car, but the Mondeo shown here is just phenomenal. Why not take a brand like Mercury and bring these more expensive European models over in limited numbers?

You can check out more of the photos that Eric Byrant has acquired, as well as Ford's own press release, after the jump.

[UPDATE: Swapped in some cleaner shots. Sorry 'bout the first ones, folks! - EB]

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Ford Mondeo Wagon

Paris Motor Show: Ford Mondeo Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mondeo concept surfaces overnight

John Neff — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Ford

While most of us in North America were asleep, a European outlet by the name of Coche Actual published what appears to be an official shot of the Ford Mondeo concept that will be seen at the Paris Motor Show next week. The concept is in wagon form, but we're likely to see the production version of both the sedan and wagon at next year's Geneva Motor Show. Built on the same platform as the new S-Max and Galaxy, the Mondeo is expected to be a class leader in the handling department and will share engines with its MPV brethren. This means the Mondeo should be available with a 145-hp, 2.0-liter and a 220-hp, 2.5-liter turbo, along with at least one diesel option. The Mondeo concept's design is a pleasure to behold, with a face that's nearly a carbon copy of the Iosis concept we first saw at the 2005 Frankfurt show. Can't wait to see this one in person.

[Source: Coche Actual]

Ford Mondeo concept surfaces overnight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Ford S-Max

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 28 Feb 2006 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Geneva Motor Show

Autoblog's man in Geneva, Alberto, sent us pics and specs for Ford Europe's new S-Max MPV, a sister ship to the Ford Galaxy cruise liner.

Unlike the larger Galaxy, which is billed as having full seven-passenger seating, the S-Max is described as a 5 2. As with the Galaxy, Ford has done a very nice job on the interior design of the S-Max, which has a very roomy feel despite the lower profile of the S-Max compared to the Galaxy. The orange trim on the show car might take a bit of getting used to, though.

The real mission of the S-Max is to provide a sportier and more involving driving experience than the Galaxy, and to that end the S-Max is available with the same engine as the Ford Focus ST. Much more after the jump.

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Ford S-Max

Geneva Motor Show: Ford S-Max originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2006 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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