Europeans will be able to purchase the SUV-ish wagon sometime early next year, while we'll have to settle for the "bold designed" Edge and Escape. Despite not having a Mach 4 grille, the Kuga manages to look more muscular than any domestic crossover offering. [Hollywood Extra via WCF]

Press Release: FOCUS LAUNCHES UNIQUE FOCUS ST500

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 07 November, 2007 - Ford has announced the arrival of a new special edition of the high performance Focus ST. Called the Focus ST500, and priced from £20,495, it will be available to just 500 UK customers.

The Ford Focus ST500 is based on the top-of-the-range Focus ST3 with the addition of unique features. All models are finished in metallic black with classic silver bonnet, roof and side stripes which are designed to echo the livery of the winning GT40 in the 1-2-3 victory at Le Mans in 1966.

Power comes from the Focus ST's acclaimed 20-valve five-cylinder Duratec 2.5 engine, which develops 225PS at 6,100rpm and 320Nm of torque at just 1,600rpm. Since its introduction in 2005, the Focus ST has established itself as one of the finest "hot hatchbacks" ever made and received critical acclaim from the specialist media and enthusiast customers alike.

With sales of over 13,500, the Ford Focus ST is now firmly positioned as the most sought after performance hatchback in the UK, and reflects the motorsport success of the all-conquering Focus RS WRC, which saw Ford take the 2006 WRC manufacturer's title, and which currently heads the 2007 World Rally Championship.

Included in the Focus ST500's unique specification are scarlet leather Recaro sports seats and matching upholstery, special ST500 badging, automatic Xenon high-intensity headlamps, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and solar-reflect windscreen.

With Ford Europe's designs, products and profits soaring over FoMoCo's code-red balance sheet like a giant foam finger, CEO Alan Mulally was hot to set the division's halo atop the head of Lincoln. In particular, as Automotive News reports, he'd wanted to import a version of Ford Europe's new European crossover — based on the Iosis X concept shown in Paris last year — to be sold in the US as a Lincoln model. But according to AW, that plan is deader than Charles de'Gaulle's aunt Fanny. As we just learned during a trip to the old continent, where the US dollar is currently valued at a handful of paperclips, currency valuations can make or break a plan. The new crossover, which will be built at Ford's plant in Saarlouis, Germany for release in Europe next year, would have been too expensive to offer in North America. And we'll just have to buy our Italian shoes at Wal-Mart. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
More on Ford Europe's US Transplants: S-Max Could Be Coming; Paris Auto Show Reveal: Ford Iosis X Concept [internal]

Ford Europe is going after a yet-untapped market with a new class of vehicle, the sport commercial urban delivery vehicle (SCUD), and it's created a squarish missile to represent. Unfortunately that van's been retired. But no worries, the company's just launched its new Transit SportVan at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. It's just a reliable, old Transit spec'd up with 18" alloy wheels, dual exhaust (pipes), leather seats and an aero kit. It's powered by a TDCi Duratorq engine that gets all of 130 metric horsepower (128 hp). N rburgring frauline Sabine Schmitz reprised her "Top Gear" role of van pilot for the kickoff ceremonies. Ford also showed off a similar, though sportier Transit Connect minivan concept that may get a similar wide release. (Sorry, it's not the Transit with the Focus RS engine.) – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

NEW FORD TRANSIT SPORTVAN REVEALED AT CV SHOW

* Unique Performance Blue paintwork, wide bonnet stripes, 18" alloy wheels, twin exhaust pipes, leather seats and spoilers. Powered by a 130PS TDCi Duratorq engine

* A limited edition of 500 will go on sale in June. On-the-road price 18,750

BIRMINGHAM, NEC, 24 April, 2007 - The covers came off the unique new Ford Transit SportVan today at the Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham. Famous for her televised 'race' around the N rburgring in a Ford Transit, professional driver, Sabine Scmidtz, was the first to test the new Transit Sportvan and joined Ford's commercial vehicles director, Steve Kimber, for the unveiling.

Steve Kimber said: "I think this stunning new van will appeal to a part of the British market we've not seriously courted before - the single or small operator. Transit SportVan is all about style and individuality. It's for people who love Transit and want to be a bit different - and there's plenty of our customers who feel that way!"

The limited edition Transit SportVan has been created for those who want to make a bold statement. The additions have been made to the popular 260, short wheelbase, front wheel drive, 130PS model.

The exterior comes to life with the unique performance blue paintwork, Le Mans style white bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18-in 'snowflake pattern' alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, body colour grille and front bumper, front and rear spoilers side skirts, extended wheel; arches and mudflaps all around.

Inside the cab the features are just as impressive: leather seats, air conditioning, six CD-player with remote steering column-mounted controls, cruise control, power windows, power and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass and leather gearshift knob.

Further standard features include: power door deadlocks with second key fob, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights, passenger airbag and load area protection kit.

Sabine Scmitdz, one of the N rburgring's official 'taxi' drivers, reached international fame when she challenged BBC Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson to a time race around the 'ring' in a Ford Transit.

Related:
Speedy Delivery: The Ford Transit Connect X-Press [internal]

Ford Europe released the latest on its redesigned Mondeo, which premiered in lights of lime during last year's Bond vehicle "Casino Real." It played an airport rental car, which won't necessarily different from the real European Mondeo. But the first manifestation of Ford Europe's "kinetic design" language is too well designed to be relegated to rental hell. It's debuting in Geneva in four-door, five-door and wagon models, ahead of sale this June. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

2008 Ford Mondeo

Full Mondeo range debuts at Geneva : 4-door, 5-door and Estate

Dramatic and striking: 'kinetic design' transforms Ford's new large car

Ground-breaking advanced technologies and premium quality

On sale June 2007

Prices to be announced closer to launch

Brentwood, February 14, 2007: Ford has released the first images of the all-new Mondeo ahead of its world debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. The dramatic all-new Mondeo is designed to raise customers' expectations for a car in this class through a combination of style, dynamics and technology.

During its life, the Mondeo has appeared every year in the nation's top 10 favourite cars. A total of over four million Mondeo models have been built at the Genk plant since launch in 1993 with more than 1.5 million of those being sold in the UK.

"The exciting new Mondeo is very important to us", said Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain's Chairman and Managing Director. "It's probably the most elegant car we've ever launched, and it's certainly the most technologically-advanced. Like the S-MAX, Car of the Year 2007, the new Mondeo will attract many new customers to our showrooms as well as delighting our loyal UK customer base," he said.

New Mondeo Design

The new Mondeo is striking and unmistakably a member of the Ford family. It is the latest and most advanced expression of Ford's 'kinetic design'.

The distinctive front end has chamfered corners and a deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear.

Distinctive rear lamps also feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality. A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence.

The spacious interior shares the same 'kinetic design' exterior language as the exterior. The driver will enjoy the 'cockpit' driving position as the higher beltline and flow-through centre console combine to enhance the cosseted feeling for front seat occupants.

New levels of craftsmanship are evident throughout. For example, careful use of 'piano black' interior styling accents creates interest and a pleasing feel to key touch areas. Soft-touch material and ambient lighting is used extensively throughout the cabin to emphasise its quality and refinement.

New Mondeo Choice

The Ford Mondeo range has always offered a wide choice for customers, and the new Mondeo is no exception. Standard equipment across the range includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Ford Easyfuel capless refuelling with fuel inhibitor to prevent misfuelling, Thatcham Cat. 1 alarm, air conditioning, 'follow-me-home' lights, trip computer and an MP3 connector socket.

Three distinct bodystyles - a classic four-door, a stylish and flexible five-door and the capacious Estate - will all be available from launch. For each body style, four distinct series are available: the Edge, which provides a high level of standard equipment essential for business and family needs; the contemporary Zetec series, and, at the top of the range, the Ghia and Titanium X models.

These flagship models offer a choice of premium quality details. While the Ghia represents classic luxury, with extensive use of chrome and wood ornamentation inside, the Titanium model will appeal to those customers favouring a more contemporary, technology flavour.

New Technologies for Driver Assistance

Advanced new driver-focused technologies are available, and include keyless entry and keyless start with "Ford Power" start button, new Ford "Convers+" Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument display, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control with Hill Launch Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Furthermore, this new Mondeo is the first production Ford to feature the company's award-winning Easyfuel system. This guards against either petrol or diesel misfuelling at the filling pump as the fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles. Ford has engineered its system only to allow the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type of the car to enter the filler neck.

Ford Precision Drive: New Mondeo Driving Quality

The Ford Mondeo has been acclaimed for its driving quality since its original introduction in 1993. The new Mondeo aims to extend this reputation even further, and from the outset was developed with superior driving dynamics as a core attribute, combining a refined ride with minimal noise, vibration and harshness.

The major modifications include:

Wider track

Optimised front suspension design

New rear suspension design

Isolated rear subframe

Optimised steering system

Refined Suspension System
Ford has specified the trusted MacPherson front suspension system for the new Mondeo incorporating features to enhance the Mondeo driving experience such as isolated subframes, control arm hydro bushings, S-shaped springs and dual path strut mounts.

At the rear a new version of the proven multi-link rear suspension design also benefits from an isolated subframe mounting system. This concept is already familiar in the Ford S-MAX "Control Blade" design and uses four links to control each wheel precisely.

Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness and Improved Sound Quality
New Mondeo promotes stress-free, relaxed driving through low noise levels which enables easy communication inside the vehicle and optimum use of the internal audio equipment even at high speeds.

The combined effect of all the engineering actions, in terms of noise, is a reduction of 3dB across the whole frequency range, compared with the current model. Wind noise, measured in Ford's state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel is the lowest in its class, and reinforces the quality ambience of the interior.

Powertrains
The new Mondeo is available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, including:

1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi 100PS or 125PS diesel with 5-speed manual transmission. The 125PS version can also be specified with a 6-speed manual transmission.

2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 140PS diesel with 6-speed manual transmission.

2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi 130ps diesel with a new Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission

1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT 110PS or 125PS petrol engines with 5-speed manual transmission.

2.0-litre Duratec HE 145PS petrol engine with Durashift 5-speed manual transmission.

A new 2.3-litre Duratec HE 161PS 4-cylinder petrol engine with Durashift
6-speed automatic transmission.

Range topping, performance-orientated 2.5 litre Duratec 5-cylinder 220PS petrol engine with Durashift 6-speed manual transmission.

Related:
More Images of the Ford Mondeo Non-Wagon; Paris Auto Show Reveal: Ford Mondeo X Concept [internal]

According to Automotive News Ford Europe's new influence on the US brand could include an exported S-Max minivan/MPV, the well-considered hauler that snagged the European "Car of the Year 2007." New chief bossman, Alan Mulally declined to offer details on which new models from FoMoCo's profitable on-continent division will wind up on US soil, though the European Transit Connect small commercial van has already been confirmed as an over-and-comer. No word yet on the Mondeo, the Ford Europe product many Jalopnik readers want to see imported (second to the Focus, ST, natch). But the books aren't closed quite yet. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Bouwvakkerslimousine! Stretch Ford Transit; Ford's S-Max Takes Car of the Year, Somewhere Else [internal]

If you weren't already aware, Ford Europe is a vastly different animal than its stateside sibling. As a purely European construct, it's largely similar to VW, a fact sometimes lost on us Yanks until we happen to spot the blue oval on some wacky diesel minicar with EU plates (on a web site, of course). In fact, the FoMoCo division is following V-dub into one of its most successful margin-boosting strategies, that is, "individualization." Just as VW Individual adds millions to VW's bottom line by way of custom interior fittings and features, Ford Individual will offer similar accessories and packages, ordered from dealerships as part of the sales process. It's something Ford Europe's been doing modestly since the '90s, but the recent push reflects the importance of squeezing every drop out of a car's wholesale value. That and absorbing the aftermarket into the, er, before market. Next stop, USA? – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

'FORD INDIVIDUAL' - THE NEW WAY FOR CUSTOMERS TO PERSONALISE THEIR CARS

Ford this month is launching 'Ford Individual,' a program that allows customers to personalise their new cars by selecting from an enhanced range of features and equipment that complement standard trim levels.
This initiative is introduced as consumers across Europe increasingly want new ways to express themselves through their cars.

"Ford is responding to a growing trend in the marketplace," said Bernhard Mattes, vice president Ford Customer Service Division. "Buying a new car is a major purchase, and people want to make the most of it by specifying their cars in ways that suit them best."

'Ford Individual' is starting with pilot market programmes in Germany and Switzerland. The first product to be featured will be the Ford S-MAX, Car of the Year 2007. Among the packages available will be one that features leather trim throughout the interior.

'Ford Individual' features three different themes, sporty, luxury or hitec. The 'sporty line' was designed with Ford's ST range of performance cars in mind. It features distinctive styles of alloy wheels and spoilers, as well as interior packages with alloy pedals and scuff plates.

High-quality leather and wood applications are available on the 'luxury line', one step above Ford's regular Ghia trim. Luxury line also gives customers a selection of special interior color and trim variations.

The 'hitec line' is aimed at customers who are interested in extra technical features - these include premium audio systems and rear-view cameras.

Vehicle personalization started modestly at Ford in the early 1990's, with less than 500 modified vehicles. Today, around 600,000 vehicles - roughly a third of all passenger cars and commercial vehicles from Ford of Europe - are ordered with special equipment or features. Bigger vehicles, like the new Ford S-MAX or Ford Galaxy already have an individualization take rate of close to 70 per cent.

"For 2007, 'Ford Individual' offers a greater selection of features and Ford has improved how the programs are marketed and delivered to customers. The ability to order a 'Ford Individual' package has been integrated into the regular ordering process at the dealership," explained Mattes.

'Ford Individual' features are fitted onto the vehicles at company modification centers, or in the respective production sites where the vehicles are manufactured.

"The increasing demand for accessory parts has opened up new ways for us to better serve customers," said Mattes. "We have been able to improve product quality and supply logistics - as well as lower costs -through the central purchasing of parts."

Responsible for the operation of the new 'Ford Individual' scheme is the vehicle individualization department, located within Ford's European customer service headquarters in Cologne, Germany. It maintains its own engineering, design, production and logistics functions.

The growth of vehicle personalization in other parts of the world has resulted in the European group working increasingly closely with counterparts at Ford's headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan and Ford's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand.

Related:
Volkswagen Individual Builds Touareg Pickup Show Truck [internal]

The new European Ford Mondeo may be the most well-designed mainstream midsize wagon ever produced (at least since the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser). Damnation by the faintest of praise? Maybe. But Ford's European boys deserve their propers for creating a compelling form from the most banal parameters. There's talk one of Ford's Euro cars will be ported for US use. While we all want the Focus ST (judging from this poll), we might settle for the Mondeo Wagon if it comes with AWD and a Cosworth-tuned six. Priorities. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Ford Mondeo Wagon [World Car Fans]

Related:
Jalopnik Poll: Which Ford Europe Product Should FoMoCo Bring to the US?; More Mondeo: Ford's Prototype Midsize Wagon Revealed [internal]

UK-based trade mag Just-Auto yesterday reported FoMoCo is considering bringing models from Ford Europe to the US market, a practice the company has employed in the past to fill holes in its stateside line. Among models it's considering are the Mondeo, Focus, S-Max, and Galaxy minivan, which many Jalopnik readers agree are more appealing than their counterparts (if any) in the US. So which ones should they bring? The much-coveted Euro Focus, which shares its underpinnings with the Volvo S40 and Mazda3? Maybe the S-Max, a higher-performance version of the Galaxy minivan? How about the Tourneo utility wagon (young, quirk-addicted parents call the front desk)? Maybe something else? Enough with the talk. Take our poll already.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

[via Motor Authority]

Related:
More on the Mondeo; When Dave Met Bruce: Ford Europe's C-Max Debuts in Bologna; Ford's Hottest Hatch: Euro-Only Ford Focus ST [internal]

The boys at the Motor most Authoritative somehow procured more pre-release imagery — shot on location in the Bahamas — of the new Ford Mondeo sedan. They say the photos convey a special 5-door version of the new Mondeo, which was created for the first scene in the upcoming Bond movie "Casino Royale." Ford introduced a Mondeo wagon concept at the Paris show last week, and we expect the production model to go live within the year. [Gallery]

First "official" Ford Mondeo concept images

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Ford Mondeo Sedan [internal]