Ford shifts to small cars, Mercury plays role

[Flandry]

The New York Times is reporting that Ford has announced it's drastically changing its focus to build more small cars and that Mercury will play a significant new role:

Among the changes, Ford is expected to announce that it will convert three of its North American assembly plants from trucks to cars, according to people familiar with the plans.

And as part of the huge bet it is placing on the future direction of the troubled American auto industry, Ford will realign factories to manufacture more fuel-efficient engines and produce six of its next European car models for the United States market.

The company will also end speculation about its Mercury division by making the brand an integral part of its new small-car strategy, according to these people, who spoke on the condition that they not be quoted by name because of the timing of the official announcement on Thursday.

The story goes on to state that some analysts believe Ford may abandon Mercury as it streamlines its overall operations. As for specific changes:

Ford is expected to convert three of its big assembly plants from truck-based products to cars, including its so-called Michigan Truck plant in Wayne, Mich., that builds Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator S.U.V.’s.

The company plans to use the plant to increase its output of the Ford Focus, a compact car that has become one of its best sellers this year. Ford also plans to retool two of its V-8 engine plants to add production of more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder and V-6 engines.

A large part of its future car lineup will be based on vehicles currently under development for the European market. By 2010, Ford plans to begin assembling six of its upcoming European car models in North America, starting with the Ford Fiesta subcompact.

However, production of the Navigator and Expedition won't end:

The plans will begin to take effect later this year when production of the Expedition and Navigator is moved from the Michigan Truck plant to another factory in Kentucky.

Full story

 

[IZwack]

Ouu I cant wait for the Fiesta and its 1.2L engine .

 

[Flandry]

Ouu I cant wait for the Fiesta and its 1.2L engine .

Gallery at Mototrend

It's actually 1.6L. Putting out 90hp, the efficiency-tuned turbodiesel gets about 64 mpg. Ford could be sell the heck out of it here.

Here's the press release:

Bringing style and new levels of low-CO2 efficiency, Ford of Europe's most frugal car ever - the new Fiesta ECOnetic - makes its world premiere today at the British International Motor Show in London.

Powered by a specially-calibrated version of the 90 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi, combined with coated Diesel Particulate Filter, Ford's most economical Fiesta can travel 100 kilometres using just 3.7 litres of fuel, on the EC Combined Cycle. This impressive fuel economy is matched with a class-leading CO2 output of 98 grams per kilometre - making Fiesta ECOnetic the lowest CO2 vehicle in both its segment and Ford's European range.

Compared to previous-generation Fiesta 1.6-litre TDCi, Fiesta ECOnetic will use 160 litres less fuel over 20.000 km, offering genuine savings in daily driving, at a time when saving fuel means saving even more money.

Extra-urban highway fuel economy is even better - Fiesta ECOnetic requires just 3.2 litres to cover 100 kilometres. Yet this efficiency is not at the expense of driving quality or performance, with Fiesta ECOnetic reaching 0-100 km/h in 12,3 seconds and a top speed of 178 kph.

This is because Fiesta boasts the same attention to detail as earlier ECOnetic models, with improved aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and enhanced lubrication to achieve best possible CO2 and fuel consumption. Lowered ride height and aerodynamic details such as wheel covers and wheel deflectors build on Fiesta's already streamlined drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.33.

At the same time, low rolling resistance tyres in an economical 175/65 R14 profile, a longer final drive gear ratio and special lubricants drive efficient powertrain performance, especially in highway cruising. In conjunction with energy partner BP, Ford has developed low-viscosity transmission and low-friction engine oils for ECOnetic models.

Such modifications create Fiesta ECOnetic's class-leading efficiency, without sacrificing the driving quality, style or practicality of the core Fiesta range.

Fiesta ECOnetic's London debut is no coincidence - its ultra-low CO2 rating will also exempt it from UK road taxes.

It is not just the ECOnetic version of new Fiesta that benefits from Ford of Europe's sustainability efforts - all new Fiestas feature Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), using far less fuel and engine power than a standard hydraulic power assist system, without compromising driving dynamics or steering feedback.

Extensive use of high strength steels and a focus on weight saving has also reduced the mass of new Fiesta by 40 kilogrammes versus the previous model, despite improved safety equipment and sound insulation.

Sustainability has influenced not only new Fiesta's development, but also the facilities behind its manufacture. Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre in Britain produces Duratorq TDCi engines for new Fiesta and derives all its electricity from renewable sources, with two dedicated wind turbines and plans for a third.

Ford is also sourcing renewable electricity to cover the full electric power demand of its Fiesta manufacturing and engineering facilities in Cologne, Germany. Through this initiative, the company will reduce its CO2 emissions by 190.000 tonnes per year.

Dr Wolfgang Schneider, Ford of Europe Vice President, Legal, Governmental and Environmental Affairs said: "The new Fiesta is the strongest example yet of Ford of Europe's commitment to and investment in sustainable mobility. Fiesta ECOnetic is a compelling, stylish yet no-compromise choice for customers, offering class-leading low CO2 and genuine savings, while also benefitting from our investment in efficient production facilities."

New Fiesta ECOnetic will be on sale across Europe later this year and completes an initial trilogy of models in the company's European vehicle range that also includes a 139 g/km Ford Mondeo ECOnetic and a 115 g/km Ford Focus ECOnetic.

 

[Bwana Bob]

Well, its a gamble, but Ford probably feels that they have no other choice. It certainly makes sense to use European Ford designs rather than try to invent something new. However, I'm not sure that the shift to small cars will be permanent, or just a knee-jerk reaction to gas prices. I really don't see anything smaller than the Focus becoming popular in the US. Historically, whenever there's been a fuel shortage or price spike, Americans went to small cars for a time, until the situation stabilized, then they went back to bigger cars. Americans like horsepower, leg room and cargo space, enough comfort for a long trip, and safety. It will take a major cultural change to get us to embrace Euro-style econo-cars.

Bob