Ford’s next-gen Fiesta could be badged Verve

Posted Mon Aug 27 2007 12:30 PM by Siddharth Raja

To emphasize its global ambitions for the next-gen Fiesta compact, Ford is considering dropping the longstanding nameplate in favor of the new Verve label. Due to hit the streets towards the end of next year, Ford’s replacement for the Fiesta will be displayed in concept form at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The new concept, also called the Verve, is in fact the first of three new concept cars previewing a future hatch that’ll be sold in Europe, Asia and North America.

Ford execs in Europe are believed to be backing the name change, reports BuinessCar. However, Blue Oval CEO Alan Mulally has publicly denounced dropping recognized labels. He most recently reinstated the Taurus badge in North America after it was dropped despite the name dating back more than 20 years.

Some of the other names under consideration for the Fiesta’s replacement include Genesis, Isis and Phoenix. Debuting alongside the new Verve concept at Frankfurt will be Ford’s Kuga compact crossover concept as well as Europe’s updated Focus.

Reader Comments

Mon Aug 27 2007 9:25 PM
NaBUru38 says

They want to change the model's name so they can sell both of them at the same time. Not a bad idea, though the Fiesta badge is easily recognised in many places.
Tue Aug 28 2007 3:24 AM
1980Fiesta says

Verve, Genesis, Isis, Phoenix??? Are you serious? These names are lame. How about FIESTA! I cannot believe Ford would want to throw away over 30 Years of good will the Fiesta names carries not to mention the world wide cult status of the car itself. I have been waiting for Ford to bring the fiesta to the US for a long time and now while we are promised a "B" segment car of European origin we will not get a fiesta but instead...the verve. Might as well call it the contour. I think I'll just keep my 1980 decor and pass on the verve. So disappointing.
Tue Aug 28 2007 9:05 AM
neil@carpricecentre says

I am not sure how popular the Fiesta name is abroad but in the UK I'd imagine that most would rather it still be called Fiesta. When they changed the Escort to the Focus atleast the new name was pretty good. The Verve isnt.

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