2010 Ford Fiesta, 65mpg that we wont get :(

[Sport1.3]

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by David Kiley



This Issue

September 15, 2008



If ever there was a car made for the times, this would seem to be it: a sporty subcompact that seats five, offers a navigation system, and gets a whopping 65 miles to the gallon. Oh yes, and the car is made by Ford Motor (F), known widely for lumbering gas hogs.



Ford's 2009 Fiesta ECOnetic goes on sale in November. But here's the catch: Despite the car's potential to transform Ford's image and help it compete with Toyota Motor (TM) and Honda Motor (HMC) in its home market, the company will sell the little fuel sipper only in Europe. "We know it's an awesome vehicle," says Ford America President Mark Fields. "But there are business reasons why we can't sell it in the U.S." The main one: The Fiesta ECOnetic runs on diesel.



Automakers such as Volkswagen (VLKAY) and Mercedes-Benz (DAI) have predicted for years that a technology called "clean diesel" would overcome many Americans' antipathy to a fuel still often thought of as the smelly stuff that powers tractor trailers. Diesel vehicles now hitting the market with pollution-fighting technology are as clean or cleaner than gasoline and at least 30% more fuel-efficient.



Yet while half of all cars sold in Europe last year ran on diesel, the U.S. market remains relatively unfriendly to the fuel. Taxes aimed at commercial trucks mean diesel costs anywhere from 40 cents to $1 more per gallon than gasoline. Add to this the success of the Toyota Prius, and you can see why only 3% of cars in the U.S. use diesel. "Americans see hybrids as the darling," says Global Insight auto analyst Philip Gott, "and diesel as old-tech."



None of this is stopping European and Japanese automakers, which are betting they can jump-start the U.S. market with new diesel models. Mercedes-Benz by next year will have three cars it markets as "BlueTec." Even Nissan (NSANY) and Honda, which long opposed building diesel cars in Europe, plan to introduce them in the U.S. in 2010. But Ford, whose Fiesta ECOnetic compares favorably with European diesels, can't make a business case for bringing the car to the U.S.



TOO PRICEY TO IMPORT



First of all, the engines are built in Britain, so labor costs are high. Plus the pound remains stronger than the greenback. At prevailing exchange rates, the Fiesta ECOnetic would sell for about $25,700 in the U.S. By contrast, the Prius typically goes for about $24,000. A $1,300 tax deduction available to buyers of new diesel cars could bring the price of the Fiesta to around $24,400. But Ford doesn't believe it could charge enough to make money on an imported ECOnetic.



Ford plans to make a gas-powered version of the Fiesta in Mexico for the U.S. So why not manufacture diesel engines there, too? Building a plant would cost at least $350 million at a time when Ford has been burning through more than $1 billion a month in cash reserves. Besides, the automaker would have to produce at least 350,000 engines a year to make such a venture profitable. "We just don't think North and South America would buy that many diesel cars," says Fields.



The question, of course, is whether the U.S. ever will embrace diesel fuel and allow automakers to achieve sufficient scale to make money on such vehicles. California certified VW and Mercedes diesel cars earlier this year, after a four-year ban. James N. Hall, of auto researcher 293 Analysts, says that bellwether state and the Northeast remain "hostile to diesel." But the risk to Ford is that the fuel takes off, and the carmaker finds itself playing catch-up—despite having a serious diesel contender in its arsenal.

[Sport1.3]

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[mocha latte cupcake]

sad to say but thats a pretty sharp lookin lil hatch :D

[EJ25RUN]

sad to say but thats a pretty sharp lookin lil hatch :D

why? Cause it's a Ford?

[Ran]

I don't care if it is a Fiesta, I'd drive the sh*t out of that car. :yes:

[Sport1.3]

I agree, i've actually thought about possibly getting one when they come out oct 2009. We however will not be getting the turbo diesel, more likely the 1.6 liter ti-VCT gasoline powered version.....i'm hoping still in the 35-40 mpg range :D

[Ran]

I'm sure it'll do just as well with a gasoline engine. That car is f*cking sharp as hell though. If they keep the pricetag down around the same area as the Yaris and Fit, it could do VERY well.

[Sport1.3]

why? Cause it's a Ford?


There is nothing wrong with it being a ford. the Fiesta, KA, Mondeo etc are all some of the best selling cars of all time in Europe. Ford gets a bad rap here because most american do not know how to properly maintain their cars

[EJ25RUN]

European & Aussie Ford owners laugh at us every day.

Focus............................................. .. Vs................................................ ......................Focus
http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/2009_ford_focus_rs_press_image_main.jpghttp://www.autounleashed.com/images/2008_ford_focus_adjusted.jpg

Mondeo............................................ .Vs............................................... ...............................Fusion
http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/12/06/06FordMondeo1_m_m.jpghttp://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2007_Ford_Fusion_ext_1.jpg

Falcon............................................ .Vs............................................... ......................Taurus
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/car-photos/hsv-gts-fpv-gt-p-review-7.jpghttp://blog.vehiclevoice.com/Ford%20Taurus%202008%20F34%20blog.jpg

Fiesta............................................ ..Vs..........................................????
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/01_fiesta-dsc_1250_opt.jpghttp://bp3.blogger.com/_snwXwJaA-RM/SDotslCpkqI/AAAAAAAAFSY/l9oj4KRWGzc/s400/neonnothing.jpg

[Sport1.3]

the european model will look identical to the US production model......they just havent released the specifics on the powerplant yet

[EJ25RUN]

There is nothing wrong with it being a ford. the Fiesta, KA, Mondeo etc are all some of the best selling cars of all time in Europe. Ford gets a bad rap here because most american do not know how to properly maintain their cars

hommie, i have been preaching that longer than anyone else here. :rolleyes:

[Sport1.3]

i do agree though, the focus would have been a much more popular car had we recieved the same version they did. the Cosworth ST's are sick!! one day

[Sport1.3]

hommie, i have been preaching that longer than anyone else here. :rolleyes:


i guess i saw your statement as if you were saying there was something wrong with owning a ford :D

[EJ25RUN]

i guess i saw your statement as if you were saying there was something wrong with owning a ford :D

i was setting up a trap for JDM boy.

[cactusEG]

Damn i cant belive im saying this. But i really like it. Kinda reminds me of a focus hatch..

[Nerdsrock22]

I believe that we are getting the new Fiesta, so hopefully we won't have to deal with another subpar product.


This thing looks a lot better than than the 09 Fit (GE8 btw) and the Yaris...def a sharp looking hatch.

[Ran]

Since it's built on the Mazda 2 platform, do you think we'll see the Mazda 2 anytime soon?

[Sport1.3]

I believe that we are getting the new Fiesta, so hopefully we won't have to deal with another subpar product.


This thing looks a lot better than than the 09 Fit (GE8 btw) and the Yaris...def a sharp looking hatch.


we definitely ARE getting the fiesta. They will be released oct of next year as 2010 model years. We will not however be recieving the ECOnetic powertrain. 90hp/165ft lbs 1.6TDci and 65 mpg

[Nerdsrock22]

we definitely ARE getting the fiesta. They will be released oct of next year as 2010 model years. We will not however be recieving the ECOnetic powertrain. 90hp/165ft lbs 1.6TDci and 65 mpg

Do we have confirmation that the appearance will be the same? I know that JDM>USDM import of subcompacts is usually followed by an unwelcome lengthening of bumpers and such.

[Ran]

Do we have confirmation that the appearance will be the same? I know that JDM>USDM import of subcompacts is usually followed by an unwelcome lengthening of bumpers and such.Well that's due to the difference in safety regulations. I don't think the looks of the Focus are going to suffer much. Then again, I'm not very familiar with the difference between European and American safety standards.

[Sport1.3]

Do we have confirmation that the appearance will be the same? I know that JDM>USDM import of subcompacts is usually followed by an unwelcome lengthening of bumpers and such.


there might be small differences, but to stay competitive they would have to be very careful not to ruin the styling

[Nerdsrock22]

Well that's due to the difference in safety regulations. I don't think the looks of the Focus are going to suffer much. Then again, I'm not very familiar with the difference between European and American safety standards.

Did the SMART car get changed when it came over?

brb research time...

[Sport1.3]

Did the SMART car get changed when it came over?

brb research time...


yes, they recieved 1.0 liter mitsubishi powerplants as opposed to the 700cc CDi Mercedes Benz power plants recieved in europe. they also severely reduced the MPG from the high 60's to low 40's hwy. The estimate MPG of the US released SMART is 33/41

[Sport1.3]

ALso the Smart car passed US safety regulation with 4/5 stars without any addition equipment

[c0l7hy]

looks like a party

[Sport1.3]

Ford Fiesta for North American customers will be produced at Ford's Cuautitlán Assembly Plant beginning in early 2010

Sporty European hatchback model added for North America, alongside popular sedan

Cuautitlán Assembly Plant transformed from large-truck to small-car production as part of Ford's manufacturing realignment and investment in smaller, fuel efficient vehicles

New diesel engine line at Chihuahua Engine Plant and a new joint venture transmission plant with Getrag in Guanajuato also planned


MEXICO CITY, May 30, 2008 – Ford Motor Company today announced the new Ford Fiesta small car for North America will be produced at the company's transformed Cuautitlán Assembly Plant beginning in early 2010 and a sporty European hatchback model is being added to the North American lineup alongside the popular sedan.

Transformation of the facility near Mexico City begins this year, as the plant is converted from its current production of F-Series pickups for the Mexican market to small cars for all of North America. The Chihuahua Engine Plant, which builds I-4 engines, also will assemble diesel engines for light- and medium-duty trucks in a variety of global markets. In addition, through a joint venture with Getrag (GFT), Ford will establish a new transmission plant in Guanajuato to support various Ford products. Company officials announced the trio of investments jointly with Mexico President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa.

The new multi-plant development effort represents a $3 billion U.S. investment, including the support of local suppliers. It is Mexico's largest ever automotive investment. The moves are expected to create approximately 4,500 Ford jobs. Together with all direct and indirect employment at suppliers, the moves affect 30,000 jobs in Mexico.

"Ford is absolutely committed to leveraging our global assets to accelerate the shift to more fuel-efficient small cars and powertrain technologies that people really want and value," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, who was in Mexico for the announcement. "Our investments in these facilities in Mexico are part of our plan to further realign our manufacturing capacity in line with the introduction of more small cars and crossovers."

A small car concept called the Verve showcased the design direction for the new Fiesta when it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Both sedan and hatchback models were displayed – with high praise from customers and the news media.

"Customers responded very positively after seeing both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Verve small car concept," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "We know the market is headed toward more small cars and crossovers. With our product and manufacturing flexibility, we will be able to offer both models and add production capacity."

When it goes on sale in North America in 2010, the new Fiesta will be bold and sophisticated – to help it clearly stand out from other small cars on the road. Ford is building on decades of small car leadership in Europe as it develops the new Fiesta for North America to appeal to increasingly savvy customers who value technology, design and fuel efficiency.

Momentum in small-car sales is outpacing overall industry growth worldwide. Globally, small car sales have grown from 23 million units in 2002 to an estimated 38 million in 2012.

Driving the growth in the North American market is a group of young people aged 13 to 28 years – dubbed "Millennials." Today, this group stands 1.7 billion strong worldwide and will represent 28 percent of the total U.S. population by 2010.

The Fiesta is the first of Ford's new global family of small cars set to debut in Europe and Asia later this year and next year – and in North America early in 2010.

"We're looking at every aspect of what's defined Ford as a small-car leader in Europe and working to build on this expertise in driving dynamics and design across a global family of Ford cars that are as exciting to drive as they are to look at," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president, Global Product Development. "The Fiesta is designed to set a new world standard for quality, design, fuel economy and comfort in the small car segment."

Ford in Mexico

With this investment, Ford – the first automaker to establish operations in Mexico – is building on a manufacturing presence of more than 80 years and an equally long tradition of supporting local communities.

"This opportunity to strengthen our business and the local industry has been made possible through support from the federal and state governments," said Louise Goeser, president and CEO, Ford of Mexico. "We look forward to working together to drive continued success in the future."

Ford officials made the announcements in a joint event featuring President Calderón as well as Governors Enrique Peña Nieto, José Reyes Baeza and Juan Manuel Oliva Ramírez.

The total investment is expected to increase Ford of Mexico's annual production to nearly 500,000 vehicles and 330,000 engines by 2012, with nearly 80 percent of the vehicles and most of the engines slated for the North American market.

Today, Cuautitlán Assembly Plant makes trucks for the Mexican market, ranging from the Ford F-150 to the F-550. To meet future demand, trucks for Mexico will be imported from the U.S., making room for a new generation of small cars that are stylish and fun to drive.

Ford also has stamping and assembly plants in Hermosillo, Sonora, where the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ sedans are built. These mid-size cars are sold throughout North America as well as Venezuela and Brazil and have won numerous quality awards.

"Our workers at the Hermosillo plant have been a key part in boosting Ford's overall quality," Fields said. "Ford vehicles are among the best in the business in terms of initial quality, and we intend to keep raising the bar with each new product we bring to market, including Fiesta."

[Sport1.3]

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[Killer]

European & Aussie Ford owners laugh at us every day.

Focus............................................. .. Vs................................................ ......................Focus
http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/2009_ford_focus_rs_press_image_main.jpghttp://www.autounleashed.com/images/2008_ford_focus_adjusted.jpg

Mondeo............................................ .Vs............................................... ...............................Fusion
http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/12/06/06FordMondeo1_m_m.jpghttp://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2007_Ford_Fusion_ext_1.jpg

Falcon............................................ .Vs............................................... ......................Taurus
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/car-photos/hsv-gts-fpv-gt-p-review-7.jpghttp://blog.vehiclevoice.com/Ford%20Taurus%202008%20F34%20blog.jpg

Fiesta............................................ ..Vs..........................................????
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/09/01_fiesta-dsc_1250_opt.jpghttp://bp3.blogger.com/_snwXwJaA-RM/SDotslCpkqI/AAAAAAAAFSY/l9oj4KRWGzc/s400/neonnothing.jpg


i really don't understand why they don't offer americans most of those cars.. they are just sick!!!

[Ran]

The only thing I got out of all that mess is that we'll be seeing the Fiesta as a 2010 model and that our generation has been dubbed the "Millenials".

[JITB]

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The fiesta has been on the plans, along with the MAzda2 in 2010..for a minute. We dont tget hose cars because of our mustang love... The mondeo is identical tot he mazda6 in every way next year so that should be some good news.

But the Falcon.. we will NEVER see..lol

[josh green]

I like how the news makes such a huge deal about it like its something new, when in fact its been going on for 15yrs or better....

The new RS/ST models are very nice cars. TopGear gave VERY good reviews on the new ST.

There is also a Cyclone?? Its the I6 turbo el camino that ford has had for a little while.

[Ran]

I like how the news makes such a huge deal about it like its something new, when in fact its been going on for 15yrs or better....What are you referrring to with that? :???:

[roscoe]

But the Falcon.. we will NEVER see..lol

that sux it looks freakin sexy in that pic especially

[OneSlow5pt0]

yea,ford really needs the falcon to compete with G8 and Charger..........i really dont understand why we dont have it.

also i really like that Mazda 2

[Sport1.3]

yea,ford really needs the falcon to compete with G8 and Charger..........i really dont understand why we dont have it.

also i really like that Mazda 2


well aussies dont have the mustang.....but i do agree about not having a 4 door v8 saloon

[Ran]

yea,ford really needs the falcon to compete with G8 and Charger..........i really dont understand why we dont have it.Because neither of those cars are selling worth a sh*t anymore due to gas prices. Ford would be wise to start dropping the V8's in favor of more gas-friendly powerplants that can put out similar numbers. The Fiesta with it's peppy 4-banger and sharp styling is going to do well. I may actually hang onto my Mustang long enough to trade it in on one of these.

[JITB]

yea,ford really needs the falcon to compete with G8 and Charger..........i really dont understand why we dont have it.

also i really like that Mazda 2


SHO Taurus is supposed to be on the horizon soon
Along with the Fusion GT AWD with the TT Ecoboost 3.5 v6

The issue with the Falcon, and the FPR vehicles is that none of the american fords use the same chassis. So the Falcon would have to be 100% import from australia. Which would cost a ton of money. Especially the 4.0dohc I6.. which is only made in Australia. you want a euro ford u get the Focus/Volvo C60/09 mazda 6, thats about as close as u will get.

And they do sell mustangs in Australia.. :goodjob: , and they sell very very well.

[OneSlow5pt0]

i thought the falcon was a V8

[JITB]

i thought the falcon was a V8


They come with both the G6E/XR6 falcon has a 4.0 I6, and the XR8 has the v8 which is also not made or sold in the US... they are made in canada... :cry:

XR8 5.4l v8
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/images/falcon-xr8-3.jpg
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G6E 4.0 I6
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2008/04/09/G6ETurbot_01_L_700.jpg
http://images.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0804_14z+2008_ford_falcon+inline_six_turbo_eng ine.jpg

[Sport1.3]

that light blue one is sick

[Sport1.3]

those I6 motors also handle retarded boost levels

[Kevykev]

A sporty Fiesta? Didn't think that was possible. Looks good for what it is and what it gets.

[NevrNufTorq]

sweet lil ride!!! be awesome if they ever made it n the diesel form here!! :D

drove a brand new diesel grand cherokee today...awd and it got 26mpg at 80mph for a lil over 150 miles....i was very impressed :2cents:

[Sport1.3]

A sporty Fiesta? Didn't think that was possible. Looks good for what it is and what it gets.


they have been making them for years in europe. The Last Fiesta ST was fackin sick!!