From the same reports that announced the Ford Mustang will enter the European market, Ford promises 15 new vehicles will be brought to Europe over the next few years as well.
Its most aggressive European market product acceleration yet, the "One Ford" global portfolio objective is now targeting Europe for growth in large car, SUV, and commercial categories.
According to Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, "Even with the near-term business environment, Europe presents a significant opportunity for profitable growth. Today, we are accelerating the introduction of our new products in Europe, leveraging our One Ford plan - with a full family of vehicles offering the very best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value - just like we did when we transformed our business in North America."
Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO, adds, "The European market holds potential for profitable growth that's clouded at the moment by the economic crisis. The total European car and CV market, including Russia, is expected to grow 20 percent in the next five years to 23 million vehicles. While others are backing off or cutting product investments, we at Ford are accelerating the introduction of new products, leveraging our One Ford global strengths."
Vehicles in the pipeline include the facelifted Ford Fiesta and its new range of powerplants, which we reported yesterday. The refreshed Fiesta is expected to enter the market in January 2013 while the Fiesta ST hot-hatch enters sometime in March.
Next, the midsize sedan Fusion/Mondeo will be equipped with a segment first 1.0 liter Ecoboost engine that delivers best-in-class fuel economy ratings. This powerplant will not be offered in North America.
Moving on to the growing SUV category, Europe receives the all-new Escape/Kuga crossover as well as the EcoSport, a smaller SUV that will release within 18 months. Finally, Ford will bring its next-generation Ford Edge crossover to Europe as well. The Edge already has a proven record of popular reception after it found success in other regions.
Tending to Europes commercial and fleet market as well, Ford will be introducing a completely redesigned Transit, Transit Custom, Transit Connect, Transit Courier as well as a new Tourneo commercial people carrier over the span of the next two years.
Beyond the Mustang, the Fiesta, the Mondeo, and the crossover and vans, Ford will be pursuing industry-leading technologies as well. Ford's latest 1.0 liter Ecoboost engine will be one of the most efficient petrol engines on the market and Ford expects the miniature powerplant to propel nearly two-thirds of all Ford vehicles to the top in fuel efficiency of their segment. What's more, Ford is slated to release its zero-emission Ford Focus Electric for Europe early this year. Finally, offering a diversified selection of alternative energy fuel efficient vehicles, Ford will also release its Ford Mondeo Hybrid and Ford C-MAX Energi in Europe soon.
