Ford UK pinning a lot on new Econetic models, including the Fiesta
We're fully aware that Ford will be bringing the 62mpg, 98g/km CO2 Fiesta Econetic to the British Motor Show. What was less noticeable was just how much faith Ford is putting into how this fuel-efficient little ride and the others in the Econetic lineup. As the release pasted after the jump makes clear, Econetic models and other eco-friendly rides are responsible for a 38 percent sales "surge" in the UK, and Ford says the upcoming Fiesta Econetic will - it is hoped - continue this success. Any good sales data much we music to the ears of Ford execs these days. You will find more details from Ford after the jump. For people who want a little more racing style with their Fiesta, Ford will also be bringing the Zetec S Red to the UK in a limited edition.
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE
NEW FORD FIESTA SET TO LIFT FORD ECO SALES
* New Ford Fiesta debut at British International Motor Show answers demand for clean green cars
* Latest Ford model line-up drives retail sales increase up to 7.6 per cent
* Ford enters British motor show month as country's top selling vehicle brand
BRENTWOOD, Essex, 7 July, 2008 – The arrival of market leader Ford's new small car in the UK this month coincides with accelerated sales of the brand's low emission cars.
Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) report a 38 per cent surge for these Ford models – to be joined by the new Ford Fiesta at motor show.
The dramatic swing has buoyed Ford's range of cars emitting under 120g CO2/km and achieving over 65mpg.
All Focus, Fiesta and Fusion models equipped with the Dagenham-built 1.6-litre TDCi engine achieve CO2 emissions of under 120g/km. Sales of the new Ford Focus ECOnetic, at 114g/km, and Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi are also included in this segment, which grew by 38 per cent in the first six months of the year.
At the British International Motor Show Ford will unveil a new addition to its ECOnetic range, the Ford Fiesta, which is set to offer best CO2, fuel economy and value of all four-cylinder, four-seat cars on the market.
"The British motor show is scheduled to bring half a million car enthusiasts to Ford's East London heartland," said Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director. "They will see new Fiesta, with sporty Zetec-S and frugal ECOnetic variants on the stand. Many will pass our wind-powered Dagenham plant on the way, where annual production will top 1,000,000 engines this year in response to the shift to eco friendly models."
The SMMT's data shows that Ford cars and commercial vehicles took an increased share of June's market compared with a year ago. Last month 15.3 per cent of registrations were for Ford vehicles – up 0.2 percentage points over June 2007 in an overall reduced market. For the first six months of this year, Ford's share is 16.2 per cent compared with 16.5 per cent for the same period last year.
Ford cars sold to retail, or private purchasers, last month rose by 7.6 per cent versus June 2007. They were mainly drawn to Ford by new Focus, Kuga and S-MAX, the SMMT said.
Ford cars' total retail share this year to date, at 13.1 per cent, is 1.1 per cent higher than the first half of 2007 as Ford rebalances its mix in favour of retail sales and forgoes some short cycle fleet business.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave 5:01PM (7/07/2008)
This looks like it's going to compete directly with the Chevrolet Beat. I think the Beat styling is a little more attractive. There's going to be a lot of competition in the mini car market starting in 2010, that's good for us, the consumer. I will buy one of these during that time frame. Primary criteria will be gas mileage, price, styling and projected reliability.
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Tim 5:03PM (7/07/2008)
Wow, this looks a LOT like the Chevy Beat. Some day all cars will look alike. We may as well all be wearing blue uniforms.
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Rick 11:32AM (7/08/2008)
Other than being green, this car looks absolutely nothing like the Chevy Beat. Completely diffierent design direction.
Either way, I need 4 doors so maybe one day the cool small efficient cars will come a foot or so bigger with 2 more doors.
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CMiller 11:41AM (7/08/2008)
Wishing they would bring that one to USA ...sigh... Well it sounds like we are going to get one of them, but not the TDCi
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