Sustainability featured with the all-new Ka, Fiesta, Focus, Kuga and all-new Ranger.
Wayne Gerdes –
CleanMPG – Feb. 21, 2009
The softer side of the Geneva Auto Show shown in its logo.
The 79th Geneva International Motor Show will be fueled with emotions. The color red expresses passion in the world of automobiles and hands forming a heart represents the attraction visitors feel for the Geneva International Motor Show. In opting for this international symbol of affection, the Geneva Motor Show has chosen to use more emotion in its communications to promote the 2009 edition.
The Geneva International Motor Show is one of the 5 Majors Auto Shows in the world. It is the only motor show in Europe that takes place in early spring.
Rolf Studer, General Manager of the Show, is clear on his goal: “We know it is of key importance to offer automobile manufacturers an attractive platform which guarantees them an opportunity to efficiently present and communicate to the rest of the world. Every year we welcome some 10,000 media representatives and more than 700,000 visitors, of which 37% come from more than 110 countries”.
Ford’s Product Sustainability Index (PSI)
Ford of Europe's ground-breaking Product Sustainability Index (PSI) is the automotive industry's most comprehensive approach yet in assessing how the environmental, social and economic impact of vehicles can be addressed.
"Most of our current vehicles are already developed with PSI in mind, and all future Ford vehicles will also use this core approach. It shows that Ford is committed and will continue to share in its contribution to make mobility more sustainable," said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO Ford of Europe.
Ford's PSI tracks eight product attributes identified as key sustainability elements of a vehicle. These are:
- Life cycle global warming potential (mainly carbon dioxide emissions).
- Life cycle air quality potential (other air emissions).
- The use of sustainable materials (recycled and renewable materials).
- Substance management (including TάV allergy-tested interior certification).
- Exterior noise impact (drive-by noise).
- Safety (for occupants and pedestrians).
- Mobility capability (seat and luggage capacity relative to vehicle size).
- Life cycle ownership costs (full costs for the customer over the first three years)
These metrics echo the nature of sustainability. The PSI provides a basis for permanent evaluation and improved sustainability performance for new generations of vehicles. Consequently, the Ford Fiesta shows improved PSI performance versus its predecessor.
Ford’s Manufacturing CO2 footprint
Sustainability has influenced not only the new Fiesta’s development, but also the facilities behind its manufacture. Ford’s Dagenham Diesel Centre in Britain produces TDCi engines for the Fiesta and, with two dedicated wind turbines on site and a third planned, receives all its electricity from renewable sources.
Ford is also sourcing renewable electricity to cover the full electric power demand of its Fiesta manufacturing and engineering facilities in Cologne, Germany. Through this initiative, the company will reduce its CO2 emissions by 190,000 tons per year.
Ford Ka
In a global automotive market that is facing challenging times, Ford of Europe's all-new Ka based off the Fiat 500 is connecting with customers and proving that a small car can deliver the same technology, refinement and driving quality as larger vehicles. At the same time these models are offering low levels of fuel consumption, emissions and cost of ownership. Equipped with a 1.3L TDCi, the New Ka achieves 56.1 mpgUS combined on the New European Drive Cycle(s) (NEDC).
The new Ford Ka was introduced towards the end of 2008 and in the short period to year-end, Ka sales improved by more than 4,000 units versus 2007.
Where local incentives exist, including lower taxation through enhanced CO2 emissions or scrappage allowances, the new Ka is equally a good buy as it is desirable. Good fuel economy, low insurance ratings and strong residual values mean that many customers can drive away a new Ka with lower monthly payments than the outgoing model.
"The current Ford of Europe range of vehicles is probably our strongest product line-up ever. Our long-standing strengths of driving dynamics, safety and value, combined with the high level of style and emotional appeal that has been injected into the range mean that we are in a strong position to see us through these challenging times," said Ingvar Sviggum, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "The latest sales figures for Ka and Fiesta show that Ford continues to out-perform the industry with consistent market share growth as customers recognize that they don't have to sacrifice comfort or technology when choosing a cost efficient smaller car."
Selected models from the new Ford Ka ranges will take centre stage on the Ford stand at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic is powered by a specially-calibrated version of the 89 HP 1.6L TDCi turbo-diesel engine, combined with coated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), Ford’s most economical Fiesta achieves 63.6 mpgUS combined on the NEDC. This impressive fuel economy is matched with a class-leading CO2 output of 98 grams per kilometer.
This level of fuel efficiency demonstrates that very favorable fuel consumption levels can be achieved using affordable, conventional drive technology, coupled with a clever combination of individual, fuel-saving measures.
Dr Wolfgang Schneider, Ford of Europe Vice President for Legal, Governmental and Environmental Affairs said: “The new Fiesta is the strongest example yet of Ford of Europe’s commitment to, and investment in, sustainable mobility. Fiesta ECOnetic is a compelling, stylish yet no-compromise choice for customers, offering class-leading low CO2 and genuine savings, while also benefitting from our investment in efficient production facilities.”
Only two months after going on sale in 2008 more than 61,000 new Fiestas had been sold to retail customers. As soon as it went on sale in Britain, it became the best-selling car in November, December and January.
This performance has helped expand Ford's total market share in the Euro 19 markets. By the time 2008 drew to a close the all-new Fiesta contributed to an overall increase in European market share of 0.5 percentage points to 8.8 per cent, making Ford the second-best selling brand in Europe.
Ford Focus
Ford of Europe's bestselling car range, the compact Focus, continues to strengthen with the availability of new Ford Individual vehicle personalization packs, an optional rear view camera, and a Euro 5 compliant, 1.6-litre TDCi engine.
The Focus ECOnetic is the fuel efficient star of the lineup and offers 54.7 mpgUS combined on the NEDC with a CO2 output of 115 g/km. Stunning for a C-Class sized vehicle no matter what it is up against anywhere in the world.
To achieve the level of fuel efficiency it does, detailed engineering changes were required. New injectors were specified, while the intake system was revised and the exhaust system fitted with an oxygen sensor. The entire engine calibration was specially revised and a standard coated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) was adopted eliminating the need for fuel additive in both power options of the engine.
After the introduction of the Focus ECOnetic in February last year 5,647 customers across Europe opted for this version during 2008. In total 7,775 ECOnetic vehicles hit European roads in 2008 with Belgium, UK and France being the strongest markets. Together with the Mondeo and the Fiesta ECOnetic, both of which were launched in late 2008, Ford of Europe is confident that its environmentally advanced ECOnetic model range will continue to develop and attract an increasing number of customers in 2009.
The more powerful non-ECOnetic 1.6L TDCi is also Euro 5 compliant and achieves 52.3 mpgUS on the NEDC.
All-new Ford Kuga
At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Ford of Europe is launching new features, powertrains and luxurious 'Ford Individual' interior styling packs for the sleek, stylish and fuel efficient Ford Kuga crossover.
The FWD/AWD Ford Kuga equipped with a 134 HP, 2.0-litre TDCi is rated at 38.6 and 36.8 mpgUS respectively on the NEDC. A maximum torque capability of 236 Ft-Lb’s improves upon its acceleration markedly.
These Kuga variants actually meet some tax break points in various European markets.
To achieve these fuel economy figures, Ford engineers introduced detailed improvements to the vehicles including a 'sleep mode' for the electro-hydraulic EHPAS power steering.
As an additional aid to improve any drivers fuel economy, all Kuga TDCi models include a shift indicator lamp integrated into the tachometer and indicates the optimum time for gear changes to deliver best fuel economy, as well as reduce engine wear and aid smooth driving.
All-in, one of the best looking yet still reasonably fuel efficient Crossovers available on the planet.
Ford’s workhorse overseas
The new Ford Ranger makes its European debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, combining sleek and modern exterior design with genuine toughness and durability. Ford Ranger plays as hard as it works, both on and off-road.
"The Ford Ranger nameplate is already established in more than 100 markets around the world," said Henrik Nenzen, Ford of Europe's Director of Commercial Vehicle Marketing and Sales. "The new model delivers even more style, comfort and features, making it an ideal choice for a family activity weekend, or a working week."
"Minimizing NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) in all of our products is a key target for us," says Nenzen. "Ranger is no exception to this and the new model is more comfortable than ever."
Ranger Power and Capability: The new Ford Ranger continues to offer a comprehensive choice of engines, transmissions and drivetrain configurations to meet all customer needs.
Two versions of Ford’s TDCi turbo diesel engine lead the powertrain line-up. These responsive common-rail diesel engines are available in either 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre versions.
The diesel engines are available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations and can be paired with either a five-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
The 2.5L TDCi engine is rated at 141 HP and 243 Ft-Lb of torque while still offering 28.3 mpgUS combined on the NEDC.
Hopefully within a few years we will see a similar fuel efficient Ford lineup in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York.
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