What's The Best Place For Your Teen To Learn How...

Ford's new models will improve on platform sharing

 
1 1,557 views Nov 8, 2006
Follow Viknesh

Ford's new models will improve on platform sharing

Ford's new models will improve on platform sharing

Enlarge Photo
Ford has witnessed the success that vehicle platform sharing can bring when done correctly in the form of its C1 platform that was developed for its European delivered Focus. Unfortunately, it’s Ford’s North American division that needs to improve on platform sharing and model differentiation. The C1 architecture has spawned several models including budget hatchbacks, upmarket convertibles and crossovers, from the likes of Volvo and Mazda in addition to Ford and the program was able to save up to 30% in engineering costs.

The man behind the C1, engineer Derrick Kuzak, aims to repeat the success of the C1 for Ford of North America whose just completed his first year as the company’s product chief. The key, according to Kuzak, is to “have a very strong and capable platform on top of which you put very unique products that are unique not just in how they look but are very consistent with the individual brand DNA," as detailed in a report from AutoWeek.

Ford has been criticized for its bland design and slow development and since seen its market share drop significantly. Part of the problem was that vehicles sharing the same platform would be too similar; case in point is the Fusion and nearly identical Mercury Milan and the slightly revised Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ.

Kuzak’s aim is to design vehicles that could be instantly recognizable from up to 100m away, and that when you sit inside, you’ll be able to recognize the brand just from the touch and fell of the materials. Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing any vehicles developed by the man until at least 2008.

Follow the jump to see a list of the vehicles that are based on the C1 platform.

Ford Focus (Europe)

Ford Focus C-Max (Europe)

Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet (Europe)

Volvo S40

Volvo V50

Volvo C30

Volvo C70

Mazda3

Mazda5

Mazda CX-7



Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comment (1)

  1. By noub Posted: 11/8/2006 10:03am PST

    "Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing any vehicles developed by the man until at least 2008."

    I think it is not 2008 but 2010 when we are going to see some changes in the Ford production. At least, they seems to have the right man at the right place.

    Time will tell.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.