NickF1011 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Ford announced the return of the 5-Door Focus in 2010 today.... I think people are reading things a bit too literally in the memo. I really don't see any way that if the 5-door Fiesta and Focus are sold here than the 3-door variants WON'T be. I mean really, they are the exact same vehicles minus a different side stamping and doors. Not exactly an expensive thing to offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old_fairmont_wagon Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 All new 4 banger? Hmm, well, they just introduced the 2.5L for the Escape (and soon for the Fusion as well). If they aren't referring to that engine, then ,they could be referring to a needed US emissions specced 1.4-1.8L I4 for the Fiesta and/or base Focus. Other than that, the only other possibility I can think of is maybe a 1.6-2.0L engine instead to replace the existing Focus base engine and still work in the Fiesta. I thought there were plenty of suitable engine in Europe already, though, so I don't understand the need for new development here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P71_CrownVic Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I think it is interesting that the Party hits in 2010 and Mercury gets a "small car" in 2010. I would bet anything that Mercury will get a version of the Party or Focus (and my guess is thatr it will be very similar to the Cobalt/G5 setup we see at GM). I still think that the biggest mistake they are making is not working night and day to get the Party here ASAP. That should be the most critical program to get moved up...and yet, it still is coming in 2010. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardmayo Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 (edited) I'm guessing: New whitespace vehicle = C-Max New Mercury small car in 2010 = Convertible Focus variant (Capri?) Sable is dead, since no mention of it along w/ new 2009 Taurus Edited July 24, 2008 by richardmayo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 BNN reported that 3 of the 6 new vehicles are: Fiesta Focus S-Max Can anyone confirm the S-Max. BNN is a business network that knows nothing about the Auto industry. But they must have read it somewhere. I expect they confused the S & C Max. The S-Max offers no real economy gains over the Edge. In fact it's rather underpowered for the segment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I still think that the biggest mistake they are making is not working night and day to get the Party here ASAP. How do you know they're not? How would you know what it takes to get it here? They've already said it's the #1 priority so they're obviously getting it here as fast as they can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Issue with the Fiesta is Cuautitlan. It will take a while to revamp that plant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Also, I suspect that the Taurus is going to move up in price at the top end a couple thousand, and that's the reason why the Sable ain't getting upgraded. Right now there's a cushion between it and the MKS. But if you add a couple thousand to its top end price, that cushion disappears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unknown25 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 This is just an idea, but maybe for is making Mercury a luxury small-midsize car maker and Lincoln a midsize to large luxury car maker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battyr Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 (edited) I expect they confused the S & C Max. The S-Max offers no real economy gains over the Edge. In fact it's rather underpowered for the segment. I don't see any real value in bringing over the S-Max as is. I can't see it until EUCD2 version is developed. I am betting that we will be getting the C2 C-max, not S-max. I wonder if the S-Max could be imported for Mercury? Sounds like a bad idea. Edited July 24, 2008 by battyr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BORG Posted July 24, 2008 Author Share Posted July 24, 2008 Is the Kuga likely to make it here? It's the only Euro Ford that intrigues me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadge Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Production of the Expedition and Navigator at Michigan Truck Plant (MTP) has been suspended until late August 2008. The new plan states that MTP will begin retooling in December 2008 for the Focus. Production of Expeditions/Navigators will move to the Kentucky Truck Plant (KTP) in early 2009. Has Ford decided to extend the shutdown at MTP and end production of Expys and Navs for the remainder of the year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pms jones Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Wonder what the Mercury small car will be...maybe a rebadged Focus (someone have a photochop of that?) or maybe something from Ford EU, Ka Maybe/Cougar? Ore could it be the b- max witch is going to replace our fusion here in europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I still think that the biggest mistake they are making is not working night and day to get the Party here ASAP. And you know they are not because.....? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 So with MTP retooling to build the C2 Focus, whats going to happen with Wanye? Also, no word on RWD drive cars outside of the Mustang too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Also, no word on RWD drive cars outside of the Mustang too Well, anything related to GRWD or other RWD programs was always slated to be a bit further out than the scope of this announcement (2012 timeframe at the earliest by most accounts). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunebuster Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Skip reading the long-winded press release. The Plan: A few trucks, and everything else rebadged overseas products built by guys making $14 an hour. If you are a automobile platform engineer in North America, your services are no longer required. So Mustang design will be wholely Roush? Lincoln and Exploder will be completely handled by Volvo?? Just a lonely F-Series platform group huddled around Fairlane Town Center... Bldg's 1-5 can be rented out to whomever... Maybe Roush and Saleen?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 (edited) I still think that the biggest mistake they are making is not working night and day to get the Party here ASAP. That should be the most critical program to get moved up...and yet, it still is coming in 2010. In all seriousness, is the Fiesta going to make that big of a deal with the bottom line with Ford? I dont think so, Most B-cars don't even sell in the same numbers as a Mustang does! Then add in the lack of profitibitly they have..the only thing that the car will do is improve Ford's image (if they dont fuck it up) and help a little bit with marketshare. While it is important to a point, I dont think it will fix Fords problems it has now if we could buy one now. The heart of the market now is going to a Focus sized car IMO in North America...a B car is far too small for most Americans outside of a commuter car Edited July 24, 2008 by silvrsvt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Guess this also confirms that Chicago will make the next Gen Explorer also... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford-150 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 i don't understand 5-door, but no 3-door.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcsario Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 (edited) Ford is barely making only $100 per FuckUs in the US, according to some recent article. Surely the mexican built Fiesta (and its probable Mercury rebadge) will be significantly more profitable than that, unless you're like RJ and expect your 11k Fiesta, and your 14k new Focus in 2010. ... Anyway, the secret car is probably the B-Max, which going by stuff I've read, sounds like a bigger Fit, with S-Max styling and sliding doors. Anything Focus-based is not a "Small car", and plenty of C-Max competitors are already sold in the US to make it "unique". Edited July 24, 2008 by pcsario Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MKII Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 In all seriousness, is the Fiesta going to make that big of a deal with the bottom line with Ford? ..the only thing that the car will do is improve Ford's image (if they dont fuck it up) and help a little bit with marketshare. I think this (Fords image) is the most important issue needed to be fixed for Ford America. As long as the C and above segments are as inviting/exciting to the consumer whom purchases the Fiesta and wants to move up to the next segment. If I remember correctly the Focus had one of the youngest demographics, but when these consumers moved up to the next segment Ford did not have a car that kept these buyers in the Ford family of cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford-150 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 I think this (Fords image) is the most important issue needed to be fixed for Ford America.As long as the C and above segments are as inviting/exciting to the consumer whom purchases the Fiesta and wants to move up to the next segment. If I remember correctly the Focus had one of the youngest demographics, but when these consumers moved up to the next segment Ford did not have a car that kept these buyers in the Ford family of cars. exactly we need to get some "cool" looking cars to get younger generations into the showroom so they can see the other cars that have changed. right now young generations view Ford as POS because they are the most media central generation and we all know what most of the media thinks of Ford, let alone the Big 2.5 if Ford brings in small high tech nice looking cars they will get the younger generation's attention because, being one of them, we love little gadgets and such, even useless ones that raises the question: will sync be available on these new Euro cars? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLPRacing Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 Is the Kuga likely to make it here? It's the only Euro Ford that intrigues me. From what I understand, the Kuga & Escape will merge on their next generation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted July 24, 2008 Share Posted July 24, 2008 that raises the question: will sync be available on these new Euro cars? I don't see why not. The head units will more than likely have to be changed anyway. Keep in mind, it's not like Ford is shipping Euro Fords here next week exactly as they are sold in Europe. There will be some changes, albeit not too major, to "Americanize" them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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