Auto BHP » Ford

Ford Ikon: A Sedan Version of the Ford Fiesta Mark V

ed — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 06:58:08 +0000

The Ford Ikon is a sedan version of the Ford Fiesta Mark V on the Ford B3 platform and is manufactured and sold in India. Compared to the Mexican and South African Lkon (based closely on the European Mark IV and V Fiesta), the India Ikon has a cheaper suspension, interior and front end structure. In Mexico, Brazil and China, the Ikon was marketed as a Fiesta sedan. In Brazil, this was replaced by a new 4-door model based on the South American Fiesta. In South Africa, the Ikon was replaced by a different 4-door model based on the European Fiesta Mark and manufactured in India.

Press Release: New Ford Fiesta Launched

ed — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 09:27:20 +0000

DELHI, India, 14 July, 2011 - Ford India launched its global sedan, the All-New Fiesta, in the city today. The premium sedan, since its reveal earlier this year, has grabbed the attention of car buyers in India with its engaging and intuitive passenger communication technology. The globally evolved product brings to its segment a new meaning to passenger safety, delivers class-leading fuel efficiency and comes with first-in-segment smart features such as cruise control, electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control. Ford India today also introduced its first-ever 1.5-litre powertrains – 1.5 L Ti-VCT and 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi engines that will drive the premium sedan. The engines are designed and tuned to deliver an uncompromising razor-sharp performance, addictive drivability and best-in-class fuel efficiency. Both powertrains will be manufactured in Ford India’s state-of-the-art engine plant at Maraimalai Nagar.

The All-New Fiesta is available in four premium trims, across eight variants – Style, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Plus, with both petrol and diesel powertrain options in manual transmission. The 1.5 L Ti-VCT Style is priced at Rs. 823,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi Titanium Plus at Rs. 10,42,200 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Ford India is offering Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), airbags and steering wheel audio controls as standard features among others, across all eight variants in both petrol and diesel options. “We are excited to launch the All-New Fiesta to India and reiterate our One Ford vision by bringing you the first of the eight new global vehicles to be launched here by 2015. This premium sedan, with its many first-in-segment and innovative features, brings to its segment class-leading passenger safety, precision engineering and in-cabin technology and elevates the customer experience to a new level of engagement and connectivity while on the move,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director of Ford India.

“Ford India is proud to be the sixth manufacturing location in the world to produce the All-New Fiesta,” he added.

Bold new exterior and interiors - At first sight, the kinetic design and bold and sexy exteriors of Fiesta appear international and flamboyant, aerodynamic and sporty – and make a style statement. The All-New Fiesta’s seductive and aesthetic interiors reveal an advanced technological cockpit which is intuitive and impressively modern. The car comes equipped with exciting new features like an intuitive human-machine interface, first-in-segment Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control that allow for hands-free control over six functions such as phone, radio, CD, USB, iPod and electronic climate control.

The first-in-segment EPAS with Pull Drift Compensation technology adapts to changing road conditions leading to increased safety and control. Dual front air bags with ABS and EBD (standard across all variants) as well as an ultra-high strength body reinforced with aluminized boron steel in the All-New Fiesta make for an engaging and safe drive. The All-New Fiesta is being launched in seven exciting colours – Diamond White, Moondust Silver, Sea Grey, Chill, Panther Black, Squeeze and Kinetic Blue.

An engaging drive, unmatched safety - Powered by all-new fuel-efficient 1.5 L Ti-VCT and 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi powertrains developed for India and built in Chennai, the new sedan delivers excellent handling in city as well as highway conditions, without sacrificing its essentially sporty character. Both engines offer best-in-class fuel economy: 1.5 L Ti-VCT delivers 17 km/L and the 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi, 23.5 km/L1.

“Our extensive research revealed customers’ inclination and aspiration towards technology and we have the right product in the All-New Fiesta which addresses that requirement giving serious consideration to safety on the move. While adding dynamism and diversity to our showrooms across the country, this premium and engaging sedan brings in Ford’s global essence to the Indian market,” said Nigel Wark, executive director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India.

Specially tuned front struts, bushings, damper stabiliser bars and a rear twist-beam axle provide sure-footed performance and comfort. The reinforced construction provides the necessary safety on the roads. Fiesta’s ability to hug the road and cruise quietly is made possible by its rigid body structure, which Ford engineers have strengthened in many critical areas. More than 55 percent of the structure uses high-strength steel with ultra-strong boron steel reinforcing several key points. The result is best-in-class occupant safety: passengers are better protected in the event of a side impact. Safety is also enhanced by standard front driver and passenger airbags on all models.

Lower cost of ownership and reliability - Ford India is offering a 2-year warranty/ 100,000 km to ensure the peace of mind that comes with owning the latest Ford. The years of research, superior materials and the best of engineering also bring to the customer a lower cost of ownership. “With a comprehensive mix of technology, safety and comfort features, the dynamic New Ford Fiesta packs in a peaceful and enduring ownership experience,” Wark added. Ford India offers a hassle-free service and ownership experience with the All-New Fiesta through its 189 3S grade sales and service outlets in 107 Indian cities.

The all-new Fiesta at a glance

- Best-in-class fuel efficiency and low-emissions: 17 km/L (petrol) and 23.5 km/L (diesel) as per ARAI; BS-IV compliant engines1

- First-in-segment Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control: Hands-free control over mobile phone, radio, CD, USB, iPod and electronic climate control

- First-in-segment electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) with Pull Drift Compensation technology adapts to changing road conditions

- First-in-segment cruise control: Fiesta’s cruise control allows the driver to set and maintain speeds while driving on highways

- Best-in-class Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH): A super quiet cabin and rattle-free ride

- Class-leading climate control: Superior air-conditioning with faster cooling and electronic climate control

- Class-leading safety: Front dual airbags, construction with high strength and boron steel provide better protection, Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)

- Rear Parking Sensors: Better control while reversing

- Eye-catching Kinetic Design: Sweeping bold lines, sculpted, clamshell bonnet and prominent wheel arches drive its attractiveness

Press Release – Fiesta Classic Launched

ed — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:11:39 +0000

Chennai, India, 7 April, 2011 – Legends are known to reinvent themselves for a new innings. After establishing a strong foothold in the Indian market by winning over 100,000 customers, Fiesta – the legendary sedan from Ford is set to better its success story in the B segment with the new `Fiesta Classic’. The Fiesta Classic will address a much broader customer base with two new trims – LXI and CLXI. With this the Classic becomes more attractive and affordable with the petrol variants starting at Rs. 549,030 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and diesel variants at Rs. 648,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). In its new form, the much acclaimed sedan will be available to more customers who now can experience the Fiesta Classic’s superior drivability, aesthetic styling and best-in-class fuel efficiency with an all new interior package.

“With a proud and loyal customer base, the Fiesta has been one of the main stays of our product brand portfolio in India. With the elegant Fiesta Classic’s thrilling on-road dynamics, refreshingly classy new interiors and proven frugality we invite more customers to experience and benefit from the additional new variants we are offering with our classy product.” said Michael Boneham, managing director and president, Ford India.

Spirited performance and proven drivability - The new Fiesta Classic retains its core characteristics of surefooted balance on the road, responsive steering and compliant suspension. Its reputation as a driver’s car is enhanced by its refined, trusty and proven 1.6 Duratec and 1.4 Duratorq powertrains, which deliver on the optimum mix of gripping performance and frugal fuel consumption.

Class and style within customers’ reach - The elegant new Fiesta Classic gets a refreshingly classy new interior with Ebony and Jasper Blue coloured instrument panel, a new centre and floor console finished in Graphic Metallic, new seats with soft feel fabric and enhanced dual-tone door trims. In addition, all the product variants will display the ‘Classic’ moniker and will be available in a striking new body colour – Colorado Red. It is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options across three variants – LXI, CLXI and SXI to suit growing customer requirements.

Reliable as well as frugal - Thrilling performance and fuel efficiency are signature attributes of the Fiesta Classic, which customers have been experiencing and enjoying throughout their ownership. This was proven once again by delivering 30 kmpl with the diesel and 20 kmpl with the petrol, as per a cross-country drive undertaken by a leading automotive magazine. Recently, Fiesta was ranked highest by TNS for Customer Satisfaction in the `Midsize Segment’, in their latest Automotive 2010 India Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS) study.

In addition to the new Colorado Red, customers can choose from the existing six colour options –Moondust Silver, Diamond White, Panther Black, Sea Grey, Morello, and Chill. Encouraged by the existing Fiesta Classic, Endeavour and The Figo’s remarkable success and popularity, Ford India plans to bring the all-new global premium sedan Fiesta into India later this year. This is part of its strategy to bolster Ford India’s portfolio with eight new models by middle of the decade.

Fiesta Wins Customer Satisfaction Award

ed — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 06:19:27 +0000

Fiesta is continually be on a peak spot in the customer satisfaction for a mid size segment, according to the latest TNS study. Ford Fiesta has bagged the best honor for the 2nd consecutive year. Previous year it victory the TNS study in a diesel midsize section. Commenting on accomplishment, Michael Boneham, Ford India & Managing Director alleged, "Fiesta is the winning brand in our collection as demonstrated via its leadership in midsize category in a TNS Automotive 2010 India TCS study for 2 consecutive years. We're proud to see the Ford Fiesta receive recognition & vibrate so well with our users."

Ford India will coming soon take a game ahead in a midsize segment alongwith the unveil of its next-generation Fiesta sedan. Slated to be unleashed via mid-2011, the latest Fiesta will be sold beside a current Fiesta that will be renamed as Ford Fiesta Classic. In relation to arrival of latest Fiesta, Boneham alleged, "We're delighted the new Ford Fiesta is upcoming to Indian market. It'll provide Indian consumers the premium saloon which reflects their personality in the terms of style, technology & performance, & will add a latest level of diversity & dynamism to our showrooms."

Ford India to Export Figo

ed — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 04:05:29 +0000

Ford Motor India will have another big year. The Ford Motor auxiliary plans Figo exports to approximately 48 countries or cities, including Africa, Middle East and South America. Last year saw Ford exports 7000 Figo cars to sell the South Africa. Now, Nepal also can option the Ford Figo. Ford cars India is concentrating on exporting to European countries. Ford Motors India hopes to sell 100000 cars in this year at the home front. The idea is to attain a 50% increase rate to consolidate its rank in the Indian market, after creating a record by selling around by 83,887 cars in last year. Kerala has been big markets as Ford sold 1500 Figo cars in hundred days from unveil. Thereafter, Ford managed to sell an entire number or cars approximately 4,000 in this year. If things as per their planning, the Indian market would have 8 latest vehicles to choose from the Ford Motors India stable.

Ford Figo Bags 20 Awards

ed — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Between December and January, Ford India and its popular sub-compact car Ford Figo, together lifted 20 Awards in 2010, making Figo the most awarded passenger car in the country. Ford topped up the three 'Car of the Year' titles with the impressive 'Manufacturer of the Year', from a leading, jointly held broadcast and print media house. The definitively popular compact car's laurel journey began with the Indian Cars of the Year 2011' award – measured the most revered car industry award in India. Ford Figo has the largest boot in its segment but is not proving huge enough to hold all the trophies that the car has recently won.

These precious honours have come from across the automotive media industry which runs across print, web-based and broadcast mediums. They soon became infectious and garnered tremendous fame for the brand, building serious recognition and acknowledgement of the Figo's class leading attributes such as space and aesthetic design, best-in-class technology features, fuel efficient powertrains and value for money substantial package - all incorporated to address discerning consumers practical as well as lifestyle needs. Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India said, We always believed that Ford Figo would be our game changer but this car has performed beyond expectations. We appreciate that our customers had a wide option in the market but they chose to buy the Ford Figo. It is they who have immensely contributed for us to win these awards. Figo attracted thousand of customers, 40% of them, were in fact, first time buyers.

Ford Figo saw support and gained fabulous popularity in social networks. Many well-known automotive blogs and sites conducted their independent polls and guests and customers voted Ford Figo as 'Car of the Year'. More than 60,000 Figos have been sold since March and Ford India recorded an impressive yearly sales increase of 184 percent as compared to 2009. Ford India saw a favourable enlargement across nameplates with the Fiesta, Ikon and the Endeavour faring well in their respective segments in the year 2010, the company sold 83,887 units and nearly tripled it sales volume against a sum of 29,488 cars sold in 2009. It gives us immense pleasure to imagine those who bought the Ford Figo would be proud to have made the purchase decision. With such a massive boost in morale, we are sure of crossing more significant milestones in 2011 – something that we are already known for, concluded Boneham

Ford India and Figo won the following awards:

* All magazine Editor Jury - Indian Car of the Year 2011
* CARS India - Readers Choice Car of the Year 2010
* 2010 ET Zig Wheels Car of the Year

* CNBC TV18-Overdrive – Compact Car of the Year
* CNBC TV18-Overdrive – Viewers Choice Award
* NDTV Car & Bike 2011 – Small Car of the Year
* NDTV Car & Bike 2011 – Design of the Year
* 2010 ET Zig Wheels Premium Hatchback of the Year
* 2010 ET Now Viewers Choice Award
* BBC Top Gear – Small Car of the Year

* Bloomberg UTV-Autocar India - Car of the Year 2010
* Bloomberg UTV-Autocar India – Value for Money Car 2011
* Bloomberg UTV-Autocar India – Premium Compact Car of the Year 2011
* Bloomberg UTV-Autocar India – Viewer's Choice - Car of the Year 2011
* Bloomberg UTV-Autocar India – Ford India - Manufacturer of the year 2011
* Business Standard Motoring – Special Jury Award 2011

* TeamBHP.com - Car of the Year 2010
* Motor Vikatan – Best Car of the Year
* Motor Vikatan – Manufacturer of the Year
* Motorbeam.com - 2010 Car of the Year

Ford planning to rename 2011 Fiesta

ed — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 04:50:32 +0000

Ford India is going to re-name the existing generation Fiesta the ‘Fiesta Classic’ when the all-new Fiesta (code: B299) is launched later this year. Instead of giving a completely different name to the B299, Ford wants to stick to the original Fiesta name for its hottest car. The new Fiesta saloon that employs Ford’s global kinetic design theme is attractive as well as instant eye-catcher. It is bigger than the current-generation Fiesta and will acquire a more strong 1.6-litre petrol motor producing 118bhp. The diesel gets 90bhp from its 1.6-litre motor, up from the existing 1.4’s 68bhp and it will have a very useful 20.7kgm of torque. There’s more – this cars interiors are something that’s completely different from what you acquire to see in this class. The funky looking dash and high-class plastics make it feel like a truly modern auto and Ford has tuned this Mazda stage to its own very prominent standards. This should mean it has a comfortable outing and agile handling. Also, this car could get the option of a DSG-like dual-clutch automated gearbox.

All-new Ford Focus comes to UK

ed — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:39:46 +0000

All-new Ford Focus comes to UK sellers within six weeks with two bodytype, a 5-door hatchback and 5-door estate. “We are very frantic about introducing the new Ford Focus to the European market given the solid heritage this model has here,” said Stephen T. Odell, Chairman and Cheif executive, Ford of Europe. “With its dynamic combination of outlook, superb driver plea, matchless levels of technology and impressive petroleum economy, we believe that the new car will not only relish our existing clients but also expand the appeal of the Focus brand to a whole new generation of Ford customers.” Developed in Europe, for sale in over 120 markets international with 80% parts commonality, the next-generation Focus is the hero model created from Ford Motor Company’s new global C segment platform.

This platform will underpin at least 10 vehicles around the world and account for two million vehicles of annual production by 2012. At 1,484mm high (on 17-inch wheels), 4,358mm extended and 1,823mm broad (without mirrors), the new 5-Door model is 16mm lower, 21mm longer and 16mm narrower than the recent Focus. The new Focus has a modern, cockpit-style interior incorporating Ford’s newest generation Human Machine Interface (HMI) scheme with double five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel controlling the two main vehicle displays located in the tool cluster and high in the centre of the instrument panel. An advanced Torque Vectoring Control system fixed as typical enhances cornering stability and agility and Ford engineers have also retuned and enhanced the modern suspension concepts, developing optimised new designs for the ‘Control Blade’ multilink rear suspension and the semi-isolated front subframe.

The chassis model incorporates a completely new Electric Power Assist Steering system. In addition to the highly efficient petrol and diesel powertrain offering, the new Focus range integrates other features from the Ford ECOnetic Technologies programme to help minimise fuel consumption and carbondioxide emissions. The Focus is the first Ford style to standardise Auto-Start-Stop technology across a significant part of the range. All vehicles with the 1600cc Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and the 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine are ready with Auto-Start-Stop, with CO2 emissions starting at just 109g/km on the diesel model.

Ford unveils the all-new Focus Electric at CES

ed — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:59:36 +0000

All-new Ford Focus Electric is the first fuel-free, rechargeable passenger car from Ford and one of five new electrified vehicles Ford will deliver by 2013 in North America and Europe. The Focus Electric made its debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and will go on sale in North American end of 2011. A full recharge is expected to take three to four hours at home with the 240-volt charge station –half the charge time of the Nissan Leaf. Range from a full charge is 100 miles, just like on the Leaf. Top speed is 84 mph. “Focus Electric is the flagship of our new family of electrified vehicles, showcasing our commitment to offer consumers choice when it comes to fuel-efficient or fuel-free vehicles,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. “Its advanced powertrain will deliver significant energy efficiency advantages and zero CO2 emissions without compromising driving enjoyment. And its suite of smart driver information technologies will transform the way customers think about energy usage and their transportation needs.”

Focus Electric offers a host of standard safety and security features including six airbags and electronic traction control, along with hands-free SYNC telephone connectivity and MyKey® for North America. Extensive eco-friendly materials, such as bio-foam seat cushions and recycled fabrics also are featured in the vehicle. Other standard features on Ford Focus Electric for North American customers include a unique execution of MyFord Touch driver connect technology, 15-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, push button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3 Sony® Audio with nine speakers, Sirius® Satellite Radio with Travel Link, HD Radio™ and voice-activated Navigation System.

Ford Fiesta Gets 5 star Safety Rating in China NCAP

ed — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:29:29 +0000

Not that it matters an iota to Ford Fiesta fans and owners, but here’s more proof that the car is – besides being fun to drive – one safe bag of tricks. The car has obtained a maximum 5 star safety rating from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, which recently released its China New Car Assessment Program ratings. The Ford Fiesta 1.5 litre MT scored 12.32, 15.38 and 14.77 in the frontal 100 percent overlap rigid barrier, side impact and 40 percent offset impact respectively in the China New Car Assessment Program crash test, and received an additional 3 points for having other safety features such as 6 airbags, in this case driver and co-driver seat airbags, new side-chest airbags and inflatable air curtains for front and back seat occupants.

While this should make the car an even more convincing proposition for Chinese customers, the car already does not have a problem winning lots of new friends – introduced in China in 2009, over 75,000 new Fiestas were sold there previous year, a 59 percent increase compared to the year before.Program crash test, and received an additional 3 points for having other safety features such as 6 airbags, in this case driver and co-driver seat airbags, new side-chest airbags and inflatable air curtains for front and back seat occupants. While this should make the car an even more convincing proposition for Chinese customers, the car already does not have a problem winning lots of new friends – introduced in China in 2009, over 75,000 new Ford Fiestas were sold there previous year, a 59 percent increase compared to the year before.

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