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More details on Ford's global future

 
3 1,611 views Aug 27, 2007
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More details on Ford's global future

More details on Ford's global future

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Ford’s future involves a reduction in the current number of vehicle platforms it uses across the globe and a rise in the number of common models sold in different markets. The move is part of Alan Mulally's plan to streamline the development process within the Ford Empire in an effort to reduce costs by cutting back on the number of overlapping processes.

Fewer platforms will also mean fewer engines, which at the end of the day means “more investment per vehicle,” Mulally told Automotive News.

The first car to get the global treatment is the next-gen Fiesta compact, which will draw its styling from the new Verve Concept and be sold in Europe, North America and Asia. Following the Verve will be new global versions of the Focus and mid-sized Fusion, the latter to be based on Europe’s Mondeo sedan. Other planned models include a family of new crossovers and compact SUVs based on future updates of current models sold in Europe such as the S-Max and upcoming Kuga crossover.

By 2012, Ford is expected to be utilizing just ten core platforms for 70% of its global lineup. The list will include the B2E B-segment architecture (Mazda2), the current C1 (Mazda3, Volvo S40, Ford Focus) and EUCD (Mondeo, S-Max) platforms and two new RWD platforms being developed in Australia including a small pickup design and a large sedan.

Using information sourced from suppliers, analysts and Ford insiders, Automotive News managed to compile a list of release dates we can expect for important Blue Oval models. Some of the highlights include the new Flex CUV (pictured) in 2009, an updated Mustang in 2010 and an all-new sedan that same year.



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Comments (3)

  1. By James Posted: 8/27/2007 2:40pm PDT

    Alan Mulally is the best thing to happen to the Ford Motor Company in years. The question is, why were his predecessors unwilling/unable to recognize this company's problems? Now that Chrysler has an outsider to run things, perhaps it's GM's time to find someone who can make things happen.
     
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  2. By HECTOR Posted: 8/27/2007 6:36pm PDT

    The words in this article are utterly meaningless. The real story here is the picture. Yep, that's what comes out of the Ford design studios in NORAM.

    That.

    A picture is indeed worth a thousand words.
     
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  3. By Peter Posted: 9/9/2007 1:37am PDT

    Just like in the later article 'End of the road for Mercury', I again agree with you James. Alan Mulally is probably the best thing that has happened to Ford Motor Company in many years. His predecessors were sometimes unwilling, but usually unable to change the culture at Ford. Too many fiefdoms fighting turf wars. Everybody wanted a piece of the limelight, and were willing sabotage and canabalize each other for it. Fortunately Bill Ford Jr. was able to realize that he was too close to, and inter-twined with the problem to fix it. So he wisely made the decision to bring in a hammer from the outside to shake things up. Yep, Chrysler has done it to, and you're right, GM needs to make the same move.

    Once again Hector, just like in the 'End of the road for Mercury' article, I disagree with you. The words in the article are not 'meaningless', but rather meaningful. The words in fact are very insightful. It help shed light on Ford's direction and gives hope to all those who are pulling for Ford to come thru the storm and succeed. But I do agree with you, the new Ford Flex is a beautiful car. In this case you're right, that picture is indeed worth a thousand words, maybe even a couple thousand words. Ford just needs more of the same. I'm sure Mulally had a whole lot to do with the Flex even coming to market. He's just the Rx for what's been ailing Ford recently, a bunch of tepid, meally-mouthed, girly-men, who were afraid to take a chance. Afraid to roll the dice and create some excitement. A bunch of fruit, content to just hang on the tree and wait to wilt and die. Finally! Some life! Let's go get 'em boys attitude. Just what's needed.
     
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