Mikey
05-21-2008, 09:36 PM
amazingly, Ford actually turned a profit ($100 million) in the first quarter of 2008. They still have a long way to go in terms of becoming a solid performing auto manufacturer, however, I think there are a few models on the horizon that will help them.
As you guys know, Ford Europe builds the best cars in the entire company and they are going to need fresh new small cars to combat higher gas prices. The following three cars will likely be in U.S. showrooms by 2010 or 2011 (and one that won't):
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/fiesta-1n_opt.jpg
Ford Fiesta
This Mk6 Fiesta would be a perfect competitor to the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Chevy Aveo, etc. What makes it a different is that it weighs less than 2400lbs yet at least in Europe can be had with a 2.0 liter four cylinder putting out a respectable 150hp.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/ford_kuga_1280_04_450-op.jpg
Ford Kuga
Based on the C1 platform that also is used for the Focus and Mondeo, there are rumors from Autoblog that Ford will bring it to the U.S. market, however, there are two big obstacles: one is the weak dollar and second is the worry of upsetting Ford Escape sales.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/ford-focus-2008-450-op.jpg
Ford Focus
This is the Mk2 Focus in Europe (we still have the Mk1 in the U.S.), they have the ST trim which comes with a 5 cylinder turbo at 225hp sourced from Volvo. By 2011 the U.S. will have the newer Mk3 just like the rest of the world, as it should be. Ford would be smart bringing back the SVT trim and using forced induction and a capable drivetrain.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/newmondeo_hires004_450.jpg
Mondeo
The Mk2 Mondeo (also built off the C1 chassis) is the exception in that it will likely NOT come to the U.S. because it will encroach on the Fusion, which is based off of the Mazda6 platform. This Mondeo has been called by Auto Express in the UK as the "finest car Ford has ever built".
As you guys know, Ford Europe builds the best cars in the entire company and they are going to need fresh new small cars to combat higher gas prices. The following three cars will likely be in U.S. showrooms by 2010 or 2011 (and one that won't):
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/fiesta-1n_opt.jpg
Ford Fiesta
This Mk6 Fiesta would be a perfect competitor to the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Chevy Aveo, etc. What makes it a different is that it weighs less than 2400lbs yet at least in Europe can be had with a 2.0 liter four cylinder putting out a respectable 150hp.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/ford_kuga_1280_04_450-op.jpg
Ford Kuga
Based on the C1 platform that also is used for the Focus and Mondeo, there are rumors from Autoblog that Ford will bring it to the U.S. market, however, there are two big obstacles: one is the weak dollar and second is the worry of upsetting Ford Escape sales.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/04/ford-focus-2008-450-op.jpg
Ford Focus
This is the Mk2 Focus in Europe (we still have the Mk1 in the U.S.), they have the ST trim which comes with a 5 cylinder turbo at 225hp sourced from Volvo. By 2011 the U.S. will have the newer Mk3 just like the rest of the world, as it should be. Ford would be smart bringing back the SVT trim and using forced induction and a capable drivetrain.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/newmondeo_hires004_450.jpg
Mondeo
The Mk2 Mondeo (also built off the C1 chassis) is the exception in that it will likely NOT come to the U.S. because it will encroach on the Fusion, which is based off of the Mazda6 platform. This Mondeo has been called by Auto Express in the UK as the "finest car Ford has ever built".