FORD'S NEW START
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Mon, Apr 26, 2010
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
Continuing the legacy of the Thomas/Mays Concept 1 and TT
In case you’ve been wondering if the design partnership of J Mays and Freeman Thomas could ever rekindle the magic of the Concept 1 (which led to the New Beetle) and the TT concept (which led to the Audi TT), it may have just arrived in Beijing.
With its largest display ever, Ford Motor Company has introduced the Start Concept at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. Ford is using the Start Concept to showcase its latest green technology: A 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine. However, the design kinship to the original Concept 1 and TT are unmistakable.
“The Ford Start Concept was inspired by the world’s fast-growing mega cities and the unique needs and mindset of their inhabitants,” says Ford’s Vice-President of Global Designs J Mays. “With heavy traffic, limited parking and fuel efficiency being key concerns among urban drivers, the Ford Start concept provides a vision into a future sporty, small-car package that meets a multitude of primary driving objectives, particularly among first-time buyers.”
The Ford Start concept previews the smallest engine in the Ford EcoBoost engine family: A 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine engineered to bring the promise of EcoBoost fuel efficiency to small cars with compact engine compartments. Ford has confirmed that this engine will reach production in the near future, with an aim to deliver CO2 emissions of less than 100 g/km but power and drivability comparable to larger petrol I4 powerplants.
The Ford Start Concept also has adopted smart phone technology to perform a multitude of in-car functions. This aspirational design concept uses lightweight material and efficient aerodynamics.
Ford in China
Ford arrives at the Beijing Auto Show riding on a wave of momentum from its best sales year in China and across the Asia Pacific and Africa region. Ford China scored record full-year sales in 2009, driven by record Focus sales and an outstanding launch of the new Ford Fiesta, the new global small car from Ford.
“The Asia Pacific and Africa region will account for the largest percentage of future growth of Ford Motor Company's global operations over the next 7-10 years,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford Motor Company group vice president and president, Asia Pacific and Africa. “We're aggressively and successfully restructuring the business to accommodate this expansion.”
About Ford Motor Company in China Ford’s wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and investment in China include Ford Motor (China) Limited, Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., Ford Automotive Finance (China) Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. Nanjing Company, Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., Ltd. and Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd.
