FRESHNESS GUARANTEE: FORD AT GENEVA SHOW
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FRESHNESS GUARANTEE: FORD AT GENEVA SHOW
GENEVA, March 5, 2002 ? An array of new products, new technologies and exciting derivatives is making product freshness the theme for the Blue Oval at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show. The event provides hard evidence of the growing momentum of Ford of Europe?s product-led transformation.
Ford continues to roll out new products, part of its pledge to introduce 45 new or significantly revised products by 2005. Geneva marks the introduction of the new Ford Fusion, following close on the heels of the all-new Ford Fiesta, which was introduced in the autumn and which will begin arriving in dealer showrooms soon. Together, the two products are part of a new generation of small cars that Ford expects to broaden its appeal in the largest segment in the European car market.
?With Fiesta production underway you can feel the product-led momentum gathering within Ford,? said Martin Leach, Vice President of Product Development for Ford Europe. ?Ford of Europe is poised for a new era of sustained profitability. We?ve effected a massive transformation that?s still underway, with products at the very forefront. It?s clearly evident from the product freshness across our stand at Geneva.?
As important as the major new vehicle launches at Ford is the introduction of new technologies. Ford's new Duratec SCi range of Direct Injection Spark Ignition powertrains coming in 2003, and Ford's second-generation, high-pressure Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines create more depth across the Ford range and enhance the ownership and driving experience through the practical application of new technologies.
New Ford Fusion debuts
Ford Fusion, introduced to the public at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, bridges conventional vehicle segments and small-car stereotypes to create its own niche as the first ?Urban Activity Vehicle? (UAV). It exemplifies urban confidence with its:
· Family-sized interior space with a small-car footprint.
· Rugged protectiveness outside with comfort and convenience inside.
· Commanding driving position for reassuring all-around visibility but with the agility and economy of a small car.
Fusion?s modern, individual style and generous interior space can fit with many different lifestyles and customer requirements, but Ford expects it to appeal especially to young urban families ? mainly with children ? who are looking for a smart, tailored answer to their complex transport needs.
?Fusion has styling cues that combine the solidity, robustness and road presence of an SUV, the large package space of an MPV and the dynamic, agile qualities of a small car,? said Mark Adams, the vehicle?s chief designer. ?For families wanting the most out of the urban environment, it?s an appealing combination.?
Longer (4020 mm), wider (1708 mm) and taller (1503 mm) than a typical small car, Ford Fusion provides a new level of space for today?s urban family. Front-seat occupants have strong outward visibility and easy ingress-egress, while rear occupants also enjoy the comfort of generous knee clearance, headroom, legroom and shoulder room. Fusion?s versatile luggage and stowage space includes a standard volume of 337 litres, a 60/40 split rear seatback that folds flat to provide an extended, rear load length, easy slide-out capability for cargo items without a bumper liftover lip, a fold-flat front passenger seat that allows added loading versatility for long items and extra stowage space with a flip-top fascia bin.
The all-new Ford Fusion features three contemporary engine choices.
Fusion?s engine range includes the latest common-rail diesel engine technology and two petrol engine choices, all designed for real-world fuel economy.
The All-New Ford Fiesta
The all-new Ford Fiesta is the first product in a new generation of small cars Ford plans to launch by early 2003. Fiesta's contemporary design incorporates Ford?s acknowledged vehicle dynamics expertise while creating a new standard for small-car driving quality. Innovations like its new Intelligent Protection System of dual-stage front air bags, similar to those fitted to the all-new Ford Mondeo, extends Fiesta?s reputation for safety, dependability and value even further.
The style of Fiesta's new design clearly signals its package efficiency, its strong driving quality credentials and a special zest for life. Fiesta?s engaging new face appeals to the heart as well as the head.
New Fiesta offers more space and comfort for people and cargo without sacrificing manoeuvrability and economy. Fiesta has class-leading rear-passenger knee clearance and headroom plus luggage capacity of 284 litres (10 cubic feet) that accommodates longer items like foldable baby buggies with generous load width between its wheel arches.
Fiesta also demonstrates Ford's commitment to safety with its Intelligent Protection System, derived from the acclaimed technology first seen in the all-new Ford Mondeo. A central feature of this system is the fitment of dual-stage front air bags as standard on all new Fiestas. They feature new "smart safety" technology that can sense the severity of a frontal impact, and are part of an occupant protection package of six available air bags for the new Fiesta. Thorax-protecting side airbags are available for the front seat occupants in the event of a side impact. Optional inflatable side curtains provide side-impact head protection of the front and rear seat passengers. The curtains inflate to cover the full length between the vehicle?s A- and C-pillars.
Fiesta?s advanced safety technology is founded on a robust body structure. Fiesta?s body is 100 per cent stiffer in bending and 40 per cent stiffer torsionally than the previous model, making extensive use of high-strength steels to create a robust body structure for occupant protection. The rigid body structure has been engineered to provide multiple load paths for the management of crash energy that are designed to maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment in all real-world crash events. In addition to the lower path along the floor that is typically the only energy path in most small cars, Fiesta?s body structure can distribute crash energy into an upper path via the cowl and into the A-pillar. Special emphasis in the design has been applied to reducing driver lower leg injuries through footwell intrusion in a frontal crash. Fiesta has a new deploying brake pedal assembly to minimise such injuries.
Fiesta represents driving quality, and combines the class-leading dynamics of the Ford Focus, and the ?large car? ride comfort inspired by the Ford Mondeo with a dash of fun inherited from the Ford Puma. Its strong twist-beam rear suspension has been honed for interior package efficiency while delivering class-leading handling capabilities. Its front suspension and steering systems have been scrutinised for friction reduction and compliance management, a technique already applied successfully to the Focus and Mondeo.
The all-new model extends Fiesta?s reputation for value with fuel-efficient, modern powertrains ? including the latest common-rail diesel engine technology ? that help keep running costs low. Real-world fuel economy ? assuring that customers can achieve expected levels of fuel consumption ? is a key aspect of the Fiesta powertrain story.
The new Fiesta will feature three new powertrains which are targeted to deliver fuel economy improvements of up to 10 per cent across the range:
· The all-new 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCi is a compact, lightweight, aluminium, turbodiesel engine featuring new-generation common-rail injection technology. Delivering 68 PS and 160 Nm of torque, this new drive-by-wire common-rail diesel is engineered for small-car driveability, excellent economy and new levels of refinement.
· A new double-overhead cam petrol engine developed from that fitted to the Ford Focus ? the Duratec 16V ? joins the Fiesta range in two small-car configurations, the 80-PS 1.4-litre, and a 100-PS 1.6-litre variant. Extensively developed to suit this small car application, Duratec 16V engines are equipped with a precision electronic throttle for responsive and economical performance.
· A friction-fighting new value engine, the 1.3-litre Duratec 8V, which is ultra low in cost to own and operate, and available in two variants, 58 PS or 68 PS, depending upon market. The new engine features low-friction valvetrain technology for its low fuel consumption levels on the official European driving test cycle and in the real world of today?s small-car owner.
Ford Mondeo
Ford Mondeo continues its momentum in 2002 with the introduction of derivatives and new technologies that build on its premium credentials. Mondeo is celebrating a year of success in 2001, in which sales were up 62 per cent from the previous year when the all-new model was introduced.
For 2002, Mondeo receives a new high-pressure common-rail Duratorq TDCi engine option, a sophisticated new five-speed automatic transmission and a new performance derivative, the Mondeo ST 220 executive flagship.
Mondeo TDCi ? Refined power from a new-technology diesel engine ? the new Duratorq TDCi 2.0-litre, builds on Mondeo?s premium reputation of driving quality.
Smooth, powerful and quiet, the 16-valve Duratorq TDCi now leads Mondeo?s diesel engine line-up. This 130-PS offering extends the strengths Mondeo has already demonstrated with its high-pressure, direct-injection, 115-PS Duratorq TDdi engine. In addition, Mondeo also offers an economical 90-PS lead-in variant of the engine.
The new Duratorq TDCi engine is characterised by its smooth and immediately powerful throttle response, and the overall flexibility that makes it a joy to drive. It achieves peak torque output of 330 Nm of torque at 1800 rpm, but it also benefits from Ford?s innovative transient overtorque technology that generates additional low-speed torque contributing to Duratorq TDCi?s mid-range flexibility and instant responsiveness.
Durashift 5-tronic ? New transmission technology is also making its debut in the Mondeo range. The new Durashift 5-tronic provides new levels of automatic-transmission sophistication, destined for the top-of-the-range Mondeos. The premium 5-speed gearbox will be available initially on models equipped with the 170-PS, 24-valve Duratec V6 engine and later in the new Duratorq TDCi.
?With the new Durashift 5-tronic, we offer our customers a truly premium transmission that epitomises driving quality,? said Joerg Beyer, Mondeo chief programme engineer. ?It?s a ?no regrets? choice, even for those drivers who?ve said they would never drive an automatic.?
Durashift 5-tronic has been designed to enhance Mondeo?s acknowledged driving quality. Its characteristics include new levels of smoothness and robustness for high-torque engines, without compromising fuel efficiency.
Integrated Child Seats ? The Mondeo safety story continues to grow with the availability of new integrated child safety seats in the rear seat structure. The integrated child seat makes it possible for children to travel without the need to carry cumbersome aftermarket child seats.
The depth of the Mondeo range is extended in 2002 with the introduction of the ST220, an exciting new performance car, developed as part of Ford?s Sport Technologies range.
ST ? Ford?s Sport Technologies
Ford?s pledge to bring performance back into its product range is now coming to fruition. Two new models, embodying Ford?s Sport Technologies (ST) philosophy, are on show at Geneva and poised for delivery to dealer showrooms.
The Ford Mondeo ST220 and the Ford Focus ST170 build on their respective nameplates? reputation for driving quality and dependability and extend that appeal to the performance enthusiast.
Mondeo ST220 ? A confident new performance derivative, the new Mondeo ST220 combines impressive power, exclusive performance styling and Mondeo?s acknowledged dynamic capabilities to create an accessible "grand touring car" with truly spirited driving quality.
?Mondeo ST220 is really exhilarating to drive, well balanced and extremely capable,? said its chief programme engineer, Jürgen Gagstatter. ?It also comes with the kind of executive appointments that you?d expect from a new Mondeo at the top of the range, including the safety assurance provided by Ford's Intelligent Protection System.?
The ST220 model will be available in all three body styles of the Mondeo range ? four-door, five-door and wagon. Unique design elements on both the exterior and interior differentiate Mondeo ST220?s exclusive performance character. It is powered by a specially engineered Duratec ST 3.0-litre, 24-valve V6 engine that generates 226 PS. It powers Mondeo ST220 to a zero-to-100-kph acceleration time of 7.1 seconds (0-60 mph 6.8 secs) and a top speed of 243 kph (151 mph).
Focus ST170 ? Capable of zero-to-100-kph acceleration in 8.2 seconds (0-60 mph 7.9 secs) and a top speed of 215 kph (134 mph), the Focus ST170 gives a serious performance boost to the popular Ford Focus. It brings an understated, affordable performance derivative to the heart of Ford?s product range once more.
Focus ST170 features the 2.0-litre Ford Duratec ST engine, a performance version of the 130-PS Duratec engine at the top of the Focus range. Ford?s Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) team has squeezed 173 PS (at 7,000 rpm) out of the 16-valve four-cylinder engine.
With 40 more horsepower than the most powerful Focus currently available, plus a new six-speed gearbox, 17-inch alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, powerful brakes, suspension tweaks, and performance styling to match, the new Focus ST170 is a highly balanced performance car that is great fun to drive, refined and practical to own.
Focus ST170 is available in both the three-door and five-door Focus body styles, and a wagon ST170 will follow later in 2002.
Ford Focus
In 2001, Ford Focus had its best sales year since its launch, and celebrated its second year as the world?s most popular car. For 2002, the Focus range is extended and improved, and it has been placed at the top of the reliability charts in Germany.
2002 sees the introduction of the new ST170 performance derivative and the exciting Focus RS, plus enhancements to the entire Focus range, including an innovative stowage flexibility package and subtle changes inside and out.
Interior Versatility Package ? For 2002, the Ford Focus builds on its popularity with a new Interior Versatility Package (IVP) that responds to customer wants for even more stowage capacity and flexibility. The optional IVP comprises solutions inspired by the wide variety of Focus owner lifestyles.
IVP includes a fold-forward front passenger that can be used as a working surface or rucksack holder, a 40/20/40 rear seat back from greater flexibility to accommodate people and cargo, a smart package tray that helps prevent small items from rolling around in the boot, additional stowage nets, kangaroo pockets and hooks and a reversible load carpet that allows muddy boots, bicycles and other messy gear to be carried without soiling the carpet face. The non-napped side of the carpet ? with integrated strips for loading ease ? is simple to clean.
Exterior styling changes ? Subtle styling changes to the Focus improve its resistance to damage from parking bumps, scrapes and minor collisions. The front and rear bumper have a new protection strip on each corner that shield the painted bumper from damage, scratches and abrasions that can happen in tight urban driving.
Front turn signal lamps have been moved from the edges of the bumper into the headlamp units themselves, reducing the potential for costly minor damage. The headlamp unit now features a dual-chamber design. Its new main and high-beam reflectors are large and round, clearly visible and functional through clear, composite lenses. Fog lamps, when specified, are integrated into the revised lower front grille.
Enhanced series specification, new option choices ? Geneva visitors will notice enhancements and greater differentiation among the Focus series, which have resulted from customer feedback. As a result, the Focus Ghia is now be more luxurious, the Focus Ambiente more comfortable, and the Focus Trend sportier.
Now standard on the Focus Ghia models are body colour door handles, side mouldings and bumper protection strips, new interior trim, a new grain leather steering wheel, and footwell lighting which illuminates luxury carpet floormats, along with an already extensive list of the Ghia series? high level of interior specifications.
Focus Ambiente has a new dark titanium metallic colour treatment on the centre dash panel, contemporary new woven seat trims and a new standard wheel cover design. The sportiness of the Focus Trend is enhanced with a leather-covered steering wheel, satin aluminium sports instrument cluster, titanium grey gear-lever knob and supportive, bolstered seats with a choice of four accent colours. The Trend series also features a sport-tuned suspension.
The 2002 Focus also features new options, including xenon headlamps (available on the Focus Trend, ST170 and Focus Ghia luxury series), a new premium audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, a radio navigation system from Blaupunkt, a new premium climate control system and an optional power sunroof feature.
Focus RS ? Inspired by the Ford Focus RS World Rally Championship contender, created by a dedicated team of performance engineers and to be built only in limited numbers, the ultimate road-going Focus will resurrect a legendary Ford performance brand.
The team's determination to create the most desirable, limited production Ford Focus model yet has meant that no effort has been spared in refining and fine-tuning the Focus RS before it takes to the streets.
?We have deliberately delayed this car,? said Martin Leach, Ford's vice president for Product Development. ?With this type of performance vehicle I was not prepared to risk disappointing our enthusiast customers by launching it before we were satisfied with the overall package. I can personally assure you that the car is coming in 2002, and that it will thrill everyone who drives it,? Leach added.
Targeted performance for Focus RS includes acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (zero to 100kph in 6.7 secs) and a top speed limited to 140 mph (225 kph).
It is powered by the intercooled-turbocharged 2.0-litre Duratec RS engine, delivering a target of 220 PS of peak power, with torque output exceeding 300 Nm.
Ford Focus -- Number One in Quality ? The Ford Focus is the German car industry leader in reliability. The German TÜV, an authoritative industry body controlling and approving quality standards of industrial and consumer products, declared the Focus the leader for cars between one and three years old, in their ?Auto Report 2002? published on January 29, 2002.
The Ford Focus is the first German-built car to secure this coveted No. 1 position since 1987. The exhaustive analysis carried out by the German TÜV organisation compares a total of 107 different models from all car makers represented in the German car market. Remarkably, 92.7 per cent of all Ford Focus cars examined had no fault whatsoever. This latest news gives added substance to a growing body of evidence that testifies to Focus' industry leading quality and durability standards.
Another indication of German customer satisfaction with the Ford Focus is demonstrated by ?Schwacke?s Automobile Index?, a listing of the residual value of cars. Three years after the Focus was launched in October 1998, the November 2001 Index showed that the Focus secured the number two position with a value of 67.06 per cent of its original sales price ? just four per cent behind the Volkswagen Golf.
This success is mirrored in the UK market where the Ford Focus has been named by Car Dealers as their favourite used car with one of the best residual values in its class. In the CAP Used Car Confidence Index, a majority of UK car dealers said it was their favourite used car to stock. In the UK, the Ford Focus has the best residual values for any Ford model, second only to the VW Golf in the family car segment, which the Focus outsells two to one.
In 2001, Ford Focus sales were 895,700 cars worldwide, which is likely to have made it once again the world's most popular car. In Europe a total of 568,000 Focus models were sold, an increase of 5.7 per cent on 2000. In the UK Focus sales in 2001 were 136,882, up 19.6 per cent on 2000 and in Germany sales of 99,571 were recorded, up 4.3 per cent on 2000. Total Focus production since the vehicle was launched in October 1998 is now over 2.5 million units.
TDCi ? Ford?s Contemporary Diesel Technology
The Ford Focus pioneered the latest, second-generation, high-pressure common-rail diesel technology with its Duratorq TDCi engine in 2001. This technology is now being adopted across the core of the Ford product range, and in 2002 the TDCi badge will be seen on the Ford Mondeo, the all-new Ford Fiesta, and, later in 2002, the Ford Transit, plus the all-new Ford Transit Connect small commercial.
These introductions represent Ford?s commitment to a wide spectrum of diesel engine developments, responding to growing consumer demand across Europe for the rapidly advancing, fuel-efficient technology. Ford?s Dagenham, England, engine plant was recently designated Ford Motor Company?s global centre of excellence for diesel technology, reflecting Ford?s aggressive push in diesel engine development.
Ford was among the first manufacturers to offer new second-generation common-rail diesel technology. Now, with the introduction of the new Fiesta, Ford?s common-rail engine family ranges in displacement from 1.4-litres to 2.0 litres.
A contemporary, new common-rail diesel, the 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCi was integral to the launch of the all-new Fiesta. Despite its compact size, the 68-PS engine delivers robust torque of 160 Nm. Yet Duratorq TDCi provides fuel economy levels among the best in the business with low fuel consumption levels of 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (65.7 mpg). Target CO2 emissions are just 114 grams per kilometre.
Ford's European commercial vehicle range will also benefit from TDCi technology in 2002. Europe's best-selling Medium Commercial Vehicle, the front-wheel-drive version of the Ford Transit, will receive a 125PS version of the Duratorq TDCi engine, while Ford's all-new small commercial, the Transit Connect will also feature a TDCi engine in its powertrain line-up.
Introducing Ford Duratec SCi engine range
Ford of Europe will start production of a new generation of engines featuring Direct-Injection Spark-Ignition (DISI) petrol engine technology before the end of 2003. The new range will be launched with the name Duratec SCi ? for 'Smart Charge injection?.
The new range of advanced petrol engines will incorporate diesel-inspired direct fuel injection and small engine displacements to deliver uncompromised performance and low fuel consumption. The range will include some turbocharged derivatives, including the 1.1-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit showcased at Geneva. This unit was also shown at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside the Fusion Concept vehicle as a hint of possible future applications.
For the busy urban motorist, the Duratec SCi engine is designed to provide the performance feel of a larger displacement engine without sacrificing fuel economy. Where fitted, the small turbocharger increases torque output and expands the usable range of the torque band. Variable cam timing helps to ensure the robustly low fuel consumption and efficient emissions levels.
"Our Duratec SCi range will transfer direct-injection principles first seen on diesel engines to a range of small, light petrol engines," said Martin Leach. "This is a prime example of how Ford's vision of incorporating practical and advanced engineering concepts in our new products is being realised through our transformation strategy", he added.
Further technical details of the Duratec SCi range of engines, and the individual vehicles they are to power, will be released closer to launch.
Ford's Tough Sport Utility Vehicles
Ford?s Sport Utility Vehicle range features the versatile Ford Maverick and the Ford Ranger.
The Ford Maverick appeals to younger buyers looking for a refined sporty appearance and tough, functional performance ? both on and off-road.
Maverick's unibody design offers refined driving quality within a strong body structure. Under normal urban conditions, the Maverick directs power to the front wheels to enhance fuel economy. If the front wheels begin to lose grip, Ford?s interactive 4WD system, ControlTrac IITM, diverts more torque to the rear wheels. A manually engaged ?4x4? lock is fitted to enhance off-road ability in extreme conditions. Maverick?s four-wheel independent suspension and fine-tuned rack-and-pinion steering makes it equally confident on and off-road.
The Maverick offers a choice of a 2.0-litre I-4 or a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that is one of the most powerful engines in the compact SUV segment. The V6 has a towing capacity of up to 1700kg ? the weight of a small boat.
Maverick's interior is the largest in its class, with room for five adults to sit in comfort (with 925mm legroom in the rear). The rear seat back offers a 60:40 split, while the cushions can be folded to provide an impressive 1830 litres of load space (loaded to the roof).
The rear-wheel-drive version of the Ford Ranger is now fitted with a more powerful, 2.5-litre Duratorq Turbodiesel engine. The new engine replaces the original, naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre diesel unit and delivers significant benefits for customers in all markets where Ranger is available in rear-wheel-drive configuration.
The intercooled, 12-valve Duratorq WLT Turbodiesel engine increases the maximum power for two-wheel-drive Ranger models from 78 PS (57 kW) at 4100 rpm to 84 PS (62 kW) at 4000 rpm. There is also a significant increase in maximum torque, from 168 Nm at 2500 rpm to 195 Nm at only 2000 rpm. With more torque available at lower revs, the engine is more responsive and overall ?driveability? is enhanced, while fuel economy remains highly competitive. Complete with exhaust gas recirculation, the new engine complies with the latest EC Stage 3 emissions regulations.
Four-wheel drive Ranger models retain their original 2.5-litre Duratorq WLT Turbodiesel engine, which has a maximum power of 109 PS (80 kW) at 3,500 rpm and peak torque of 266 Nm at 2000 rpm.
Since its launch in 1999, the Ford Ranger has proved popular with European pick-up buyers and was UK market leader in 2000. In 2001 the Ford Ranger sold in record numbers across Europe with sales of 10,734, boosting Ranger to fourth place in its market sector. This contributed to Ford?s share of the total light and medium commercial vehicle market rising by 0.9 points, to 8.6 per cent.
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EDIT: fixed the quote tags, wrcfan.
[ 03-05-2002: Message edited by: wrcfan ]</p>
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