The problem with the new Ford Mondeo
Ford of Europe is telling anyone who will listen that the new Mondeo is "Ford of Europe's most technologically-advanced car ever." All right, I won't argue with that, but it seems the technological advancements don't mean Ford worked a lot on the engine or emissions.
The Mondeo is not exactly a clean car (never has been). It is good that, as expected, there are diesel engine options for the new Casino Royale-mobile, but if Ford wants to make a big to-do about the technological advancements in the Mondeo (and they do), why not ask where are the advancements for the environment?
Take, for example, how the new Mondeo's interior was designed: "In order to optimise the interior package and visibility, Ford's engineers developed and first used on Mondeo a new Computer Aided Virtual Engineering (CAVE) system. CAVE uses a combination of computers and projectors to create a virtual life-sized interior of a car. Using a specially designed rig, a real car seat is fixed into the appropriate position for the 'driver' who can then evaluate all-round visibility as well as comfort levels for reaching the steering wheel and operating major controls. "
Cool, it's like a car holodeck. Make the car comfortable and fun to drive, then get back to work on lowering CO2 emissions.
After the jump, I've excerpted a short bit of Ford of Europe's press release on the Mondeo that mentions the eco-friendly aspects the car, but compared to the full release (available at Autoblog), the eco part seems like an afterthought.
I know Ford is making strides to be more eco-friendly with their other vehicles and in other areas (see here, here and here for some recent examples). It's just when I saw "technologically-advanced" hyped so prominently, I assumed the greenest. I was wrong.
Ford of Europe's Commitment to Sustainability
The new Mondeo has been developed from the outset with Ford's Product Sustainability Index ( PSI) initiative behind it. This incorporates the whole product life cycle; from raw material construction through to production, vehicle operation, right through to the end-of-life operations.
The reflected indicators include life cycle global warming, life cycle air quality, use of sustainable material, restricted substances – including allergy-tested interior – and drive-by exterior noise as well as social and economic aspects, which include pedestrian and occupant safety, mobility capability and cost-of-ownership.
Using the PSI, Ford can target continuous improvement from one vehicle generation to the next.
Sustainability plays a key role in Ford Motor Company's policies. The development and integration of a sustainability management system encompasses the pursuit of improved air quality and fuel efficiency during the vehicles' life cycles, together with built-in recoverability at the time they have completed their useable life.
Ford Motor Company is committed to socially and environmentally responsible manufacturing and since 2000 Ford facilities worldwide, including Genk, have improved energy efficiency by over 16 per cent. Ford is targeting a further year on year 1 per cent improvement.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-16-2007 @ 11:34AM
ksmith said...
Want some cheese with that whine?
Reply
12-21-2007 @ 10:40AM
DJDonaldson said...
"the new Mondeo is "Ford of Europe's most technologically-advanced car ever" . NOT !!
I have a New Ford Mondeo (5 Door - Titanium X - 2.0 Duratec 145ps - Durashift 5-Speed Manual) and can say it is not a patch on my old Vectra. The Fuel cosumption is a good 25% less than the 2.0L Vectra . At a push I get 36mpg. Ford in Aberdeen tell me the FORD oficial figures are always exagerated (47mpg for mixed driving) and that it should improve with the weather !! In the meantime I have to accept 20% less mileage because "Ford always exagerate the miles per gallon figures"
So if you are considering a new mondeo be prepared to shell out an extra 20% on Fuel costs plus £21K for the privelage.
Has anyone else had fuel consumpion problems with the new Diesel Mondeos ?
DJD
Reply
1-16-2008 @ 11:01AM
T W Hewitt said...
I bought a new Mondeo 1.6 125bhp Zetec, have had nothing but trouble since Sept 1st 07, electrical problems, new clutch at 2500 miles, alarm system trouble so can not open boot with the remote or the doors, now I have a problem with the brakes, every time I use the foot brake and the take my foot off when I have stopped I get like a metalic knock under the car and the Ford garage can not find the problem, condensation on the rear window is very bad.
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1-17-2008 @ 7:03PM
dan1664 said...
I bought a new Mondeo in Sept 07, Ghia 5 door saloon 2.0 145ps.
Whilst you cannot doubt that the car is fantastic to look at and a pleasure to drive, it feels like Ford put it together on a very tight budget.
1. Upon delivery, the centre arm rest broke.
2. Again upon delivery, the height adjusting mechanism on the passenger seat belt didn't work.
3. The clutch pedal squeaks when depressed.
4. Heavy condensation build up on the rear window.
5. Appauling fuel ecomony, i drive 2500 miles per month mainly motorway, it's done 10000 miles yet still binge drinking it's way to 28 miles per gallon. I know many of the service station attendants personally in my local area and i'm sure i paid for most of their Christmas bonuses this year.
6. Low battery warning light comes on intermittantly
7. Alarm fault warning
8. I also think that there is a problem with the trottle control electrics as sometimes it will not decrease revs once you take your foot off the accelerator, and only today it was revving at 3000 rpm whilst sat stationary in a car park.
9. I had a new 55 reg focus and did 80000 miles in it in 2 years, during that time i got through 7 windscreens, they don't seem to have solved the problem with the quick clear windscreen and the weakness the thin wires in the windscreen create, as i've cracked this one already as well.
They didn't mention most of this in the glossy brochure! And i'm glad i'm not the only one suffering from the over hype
Reply
2-06-2008 @ 12:03PM
PAUL said...
I took delivery of new model Mondeo ghia 2.0 TDCi [ 140 PS ]in December and almost since first day i have had an intermittent fault when car will with no warning cut out leaving me going along with no power, steering or brakes! a fun experience NOT.
It usually happens when braking and moving down gears [ 2nd is the fav. ]car will start right away again with no problem which is a blessing as this allows me to steer and brake again which is in the best intrests of both me and other users of the road,anyway garage claim that they can't find fault and car is perfect [ it must be in my mind the dozen or so times it has happened ]so if any other owners of new Mondeo is having this or similar problem can you let me know.
Reply
4-23-2008 @ 7:44AM
patrick Killeen said...
Got 1.6 petrol zetec in late August 2007.
Central armrest fell off within a month - repaired under warranty
On two occasions the oil pressure and battery light came on simultaneously - first time it 'went away' - second time garage called in car for software update.
Three weeks ago the info warning light came on with a big warning triangle with exclamation mark - Text on display said 'Engine Malfunction' - the accelerator did not respond and the engine tone was increasing and decreasing uncontrollably. I called the AA and they cancelled the fault only to suggest that they thought it was an intake sensor (of which there are four apparently)
No definitive answer basically.
TODAY... the best bit... arrived out to my car to find all four windows wide open!!! For God's sake... what is it with this car?
Phoned garage - they maintain a problem exists with the Global opening / closing module... If you own one of these cars and don't know what that is... go find out or you will arrive back to your car with everything inside stolen!!!
So, in 8 months - four faults... I thought I was getting a good car - I want rid of it. It is proving extremely unreliable. And, that is with 1 year and 4 months of the warranty still to go!!!
Reply
5-17-2008 @ 10:39AM
goky said...
I'm looking the command for activating voice systems in the German language (new ford modeo)
Thanks
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5-22-2008 @ 5:15PM
David Smith said...
Paul, My son in law has very recently taken delivery of a brand new 2.0 tci mondeo and just like yours it keeps losing power. Ford say their computer doesn't show any fault and have returned the car to him. Whats the position with your vehicle now?
Dave
Reply
6-07-2008 @ 1:43PM
Andy said...
Paul
Back in february I took delivery of a New Mondeo 2.0 TDCI 140 Ghia. I to have been having problems a couple of months ago on a roundabout it cut with an Audi nearly hitting me up the backside. This week funny enough I have had it happen 4 times 2 of those being in the same day and as you say its when you are slowing down and maybe changing in to second gear. It is currently at the local Ford dealers but judging by what you and other people have said I don't hold out a lot of hope of them finding anything wrong keep me posted with yours
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6-09-2008 @ 3:23PM
Andy said...
Apparently my car is fixed it just needed a sofware upgrade for the ECU only time will tell if this has cured the problem.
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