GENEVA, March 4, 2014 – Ford Motor Company today delivers European auto show debuts for new vehicles that highlight the progress already achieved in the company’s product-led transformation.
The new Ford Focus that goes on sale in the second half of 2014; new Ford Mustang that arrives in Europe in 2015; and new Ford Edge Concept that gives a strong indication of the technology, design and craftsmanship direction of the company’s new large SUV for Europe; are among the more than 25 new vehicles Ford is launching over five years.
Ford also is showcasing in Geneva for the first time in Europe the C-MAX Solar Energi Concept – a first-of-its-kind sun-powered vehicle – and the Dakar Rally Ford Ranger; as well as new-to-Europe SYNC 2 technology, which allows drivers to control their in-car systems using simple, natural voice commands and a high-resolution eight-inch colour touch screen.
“In September 2012, we promised to transform our business in Europe through the power of our One Ford strategy,” said Stephen Odell, president of Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Our commitment was to accelerate product development and bring more vehicles and technologies to customers – rather than hunker down and wait for the recession to lift. We promised to launch at least 25 new vehicles during a five year period. So far, we’ve introduced 11 – with at least 10 more to come in 2014 alone.”
New Focus delivers emotive new design
The new Ford Focus with its bolder, more emotive exterior design and finely crafted new interior is the first Ford to offer Perpendicular Parking, a new hands-free parking technology that helps drivers reverse into spaces alongside other cars; Cross Traffic Alert, which warns drivers reversing out of a parking space of vehicles that may soon be crossing behind them; and Park-Out Assist, which helps drivers as they exit a parallel parking space.
Sporty character and driving appeal are reinforced with a horizontal grille design and a cockpit-inspired interior. The new Focus also marks the European debut of SYNC 2, Ford’s advanced in-car connectivity system, as well as the new 1.5 litre EcoBoost petrol and TDCi diesel engines and a 99 g/km CO2 1.0-litre EcoBoost model.*
The new Focus also will be the first Ford in Europe to offer an improved version of the Active City Stop collision avoidance system, enhanced to operate at speeds of up to 50 km/h; and Pre-Collision Assist, which works in a similar way to Active City Stop but with a much greater vehicle detection range to support the driver at higher speeds. Ford’s MyKey technology also is introduced to the new Focus for the first time.
Unmistakably Mustang
The new Ford Mustang is confirmed to go on sale in Europe for the first time after almost 50 years of production, promising world-class levels of performance while embracing the Mustang’s heritage and status as a nine million-selling global icon.
Featuring powerful new 2.3-litre EcoBoost and 5.0 litre V8 engine options, the new Mustang also offers advanced driver convenience and driver aid technologies including SYNC 2 and Selectable Drive Modes for adjustable steering effort, engine response, transmission and electronic stability control settings.
New Mustang fastback and convertible models will be available in Europe, both delivering clean-sheet design that retains key design elements of the classic Mustangs recognisable to car fans across Europe and the world.
Sleek design defines Ford Edge Concept
The new Ford Edge Concept gives a strong indication of the technology, design and craftsmanship direction of the company’s new large SUV for Europe.
Advanced, automated driving technologies include a prototype remote-operated parking feature that could be operated from inside or outside the vehicle and obstacle avoidance systems currently under development by Ford.
Carefully sculpted, fluid exterior design communicates athleticism, confidence and capability, while an interior finish with premium materials and craftsmanship indicates that Ford’s first large upscale SUV for Europe will surpass segment expectations.
C-MAX Solar Energi Concept
Ford’s C-MAX Solar Energi Concept is a first-of-its-kind sun-powered vehicle that uses a special concentrator that acts like a magnifying glass, directing intense rays to solar panels on the vehicle roof and delivering the same performance as the conventional C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid from a day’s worth of sunlight.
Ford estimates that 75 per cent of all trips made by an average driver could be powered by the sun, and that the C-MAX Solar Energi Concept could reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions of a typical owner by four metric tonnes. The vehicle could deliver more than 30 kilometres (18 miles)** driving range from a single day’s solar charge, saving more than €1,000 per year in fuel for an average European customer.***
Also on display in Europe for the first time is the Ford Dakar Ranger, fresh from completing the Dakar Rally in its debut outing. Based on the road-going 4x4 double-cab Ford Ranger and modified by Neil Woolridge Motorsport with input from Ford’s Global Product Development Team, the Ford Dakar Ranger features full composite bodywork, advanced lightweight components and a 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering 350 PS.
Touch screen and voice control with SYNC 2
Ford’s SYNC 2 technology enables voice-control of navigation, climate, phone and entertainment using natural voice commands and a new high-resolution eight-inch colour touch screen in Europe for the first time.
Simply pushing the voice control button and saying “I’m hungry” will bring up a list of local restaurants, while navigation destinations can be entered by saying the full address at once.
Debuting in Europe on the new Focus, SYNC 2 offers multiple connectivity options including two USB ports. Its split-screen navigation system shows landmarks and major junctions on screen in 3D and features the MICHELIN guide and MICHELIN Green Guide.
“We are already a different company in Europe than we were 18 months ago,” Odell said. “And 18 months from now, our showroom transformation will be even more dramatic. The result will be a more vibrant and exciting Ford in Europe.”
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* The declared fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Results in MPG also correspond to this European drive cycle and are stated in imperial gallons. The results may differ from fuel economy figures in other regions of the world due to the different drive cycles and regulations used in those markets.
** Estimates of fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and air quality are for guidance and issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Transportation and Air Quality.
*** Based on a fuel cost of €1.5 per litre
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 181,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual
markets and employs approximately 47,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 67,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturing facilities (13 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and nine unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was
founded. European production started in 1911.
