Are you an American that has been lusting for some European vehicle models lately? Because of the traditionally high fuel prices in Europe, cars there are traditionally more compact and sip less fuel than their American counterparts (the BMW M3 is another story, though). Some of these models belong to American automakers Ford and GM. We already know some European GM models are sold stateside, but what about Ford?

According to Automotive News, Ford is calling its young dealers to improve operations and prepare for a wave of new small vehicles coming to Ford's lineup within three years. Those cars most likely will be the new European Focus four-door, five-door and coupé-convertible (pictured); the new Fiesta (old new); and the C-Max minivan and Kuga crossover. Compact in size and, at least in my opinion, featuring really good design, these Euro models could provide Ford with a sales boost. In fact, Ford is expecting to sell 700,000 or 800,000 of them per year in the U.S., but probably not all of them at $25,000, though.

[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd)]

Ford Germany has announced that its LPG and CNG-powered cars' performance has been improved. According to the press release, gas-powered Fords have improved their consumption up to 1 liter/100 km, which allows the cars to have 50km (30 miles) more range, that is, about 450 km on gas and 750 additional km on unleaded.

Not only that, thanks to a new facility in Saarlouis, Ford has improved its production capabilities. All LPG variants will be made in the new facility in Saarlouis, which allows a global production of 2,000 units of Focus and Focus C-MAX models, while the existing facility in Mainz will be producing CNG variants exclusively (300 Focus, 250 Focus C-MAX) as well as the Ford Transit Van LPG variant (150 units).

Prices for factory-guaranteed conversions are €3,275 and €2,500 (CNG/LPG respectively) for the Ford Focus or C-MAX and €3,950 or €2,920 for the for the Ford Transit van (CNG/LPG respectively).

[Source: Ford]

British environmental site Whatgreencar has decided that nary a hybrid nor a tiny car should win their Car of the Year award. Instead, they chose the Econetic version of the Ford Focus. The Focus Econetic sports improved aerodynamics, engine lubrication and low rolling resistance tires to reduce fuel consumption. Whatgreencar's ratings range from 0 for the greenest vehicles to 100 for the most polluting and the Focus won with 33 points. Why? The 1.6-liter diesel, co-developed with PSA, produces 110 HP and still manages to make 65.6 mpg IMP (that's 4.3 l/100 km or 55 mpg U.S.), which leads to emissions of just 115 g/km of CO₂. Those emissions place the car between the Toyota Prius and the Peugeot 107/Citroën C1/Toyota Aygo 1.0-liter gasoline triplets. Find the complete press release after the jump.

[Source: Whatgreencar?]

Ford of Italy has announced a new LPG-option for the Focus and the C-Max. The option comes from a kit sourced from BRC Equipment and can be installed by M.T.M. s.r.l. (owned by BRC). The kit allows the vehicles to use either unleaded gasoline or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). The kit is installed to the 2.0-liter 145 HP gasoline engine. The new gas reservoir is installed into the gap usually reserved for the spare tire, holds up to 48 liters of LPG (enough for up to 400 kilometers of driving). The system is electronically managed and uses software that switches from gasoline to LPG automatically depending on engine conditions. While there are plenty of conversion kits available in Italy, it is only recently that automakers have started to offer them in new vehicles and under standard warranties.

[Source: Ford Italia]

Click the S-Max for a high-res gallery

Ford has already sold 3000 Euro-market Focus ECOnetic models prior to the vehicle's official on-sale date. Many of these units are headed to businesses interested in lowering their fleets' carbon footprints. Because of the low added cost, the vehicles are proving to be more popular than expected; popular enough that Ford is rethinking how many ECOnetic Mondeos that they need to make. The Focus ECOnetic emits just 114 g/km of CO₂, and the new Mondeo is rated at less than 140g/km.

In other related news, Roelant de Waard, head of Ford U.K., says that an ECOnetic S-Max is a possibility, but don't expect any hybrids from Ford's outpost in Blighty. Instead, the EurOval is looking at stop/start technology and low-emission diesels, which have a proven track record of selling well in Europe.

[Source: Business Car]

Ford of Europe is already selling the Euro-spec Focus 2008 and adding new models to the line up. In this case, an LPG-powered version. LPG stands for Liquefied Petroleum Gas and is also known as Autogas. While it's still a fossil fuel, it's also claimed that burns "cleaner" hence reducing pollutants in city airs. LPG conversions are very popular in certain European countries so most marques are already offering an LPG option direct from the factory. The same engine is also being offered in the C-Max.

For the Focus, Ford chose the venerable 2.0 Duratec engine which, running on LPG, gets 140 HP (145 when running on unleaded). This car makes 400km (280 mi) with a single tank of LPG. One interesting feature is that these cars get an additional tank for LPG while keeping the gasoline one, reaching a 1,100 km (700 mi) range on both tanks. Average consumption (EU combined cycle) is 7.1 l/100 km (33mpg) when running on gasoline and 10.4 (22 mpg) when running on LPG. CO₂ emissions rise to 171 g/km and 169 g/km, respectively.

Related:

• Can natural gas and LPG help the cities? They're going to try that out
• Hyundai to produce LPG Hybrid Avante for Korea
• Renault to offer Dacia Logans converted to LPG for free in Italy

[Source: Ford]

The TÜV tests in Germany are like the British MOTs and some American State's inspections, although TÜV does plenty of certification in all kinds of fields. Nevertheless, TÜV Certifications are known for their "seriousness" and Ford is showing that the fuel-cell powered Focus is passing the tests just like any other car.

The four Focuses, which are currently being tested on roads, have passed a first 20,000 km (12,000 miles) / 1 year test at TÜV Rheinland's facilities in Cologne (Germany). Ford announced that all the delicate systems have survived perfectly. This includes the regenerative braking system, the hydrogen tanks (which store the gas at 350 bar), and the complete electrics of the car.

The only test the cars didn't take was the emissions test, since they produce only H₂O. No word on the emission test that looks at the method from which the H₂ is obtained.

[Source: Ford Europe]

While the sales of other domestic brand small cars like the Chevy Aveo and Cobalt, Pontiac Vibe and Dodge Caliber all had sales declines in June compared to 2006, one big exception is the Ford Focus. June sales of the Focus jumper by almost twenty percent. This all happened in spite of gas prices that were above $3 a gallon in much of the country.

While it is certainly probable that at least part of the reason for the sales jump is the $2,500 in cash that Ford is giving out to buyers, another reason may be that people have seen the styling of the upcoming 2008 Focus and want to grab one of the older ones while they still can. With those rebates, if you're in the market for a decent small car, the current Focus might be worth checking out.

[Source: AutoWeek]

As fuel prices rise and environmental awareness spreads, fuel economy - which has always been a priority to a consumer - has gradually risen to the top of the priority list like cream in old milk. Ford isn't pushing its popular F-150 or Mustang as much anymore. Instead, they're touting the facelifted Focus and Escape as competitive gas-misers. GM is shouting to the rooftops that its line of passenger cars are the greatest things since sliced cheese because of their fuel economy.

The thing is, are we buying it? The reason Ford had so many Mustang and F-150 ads is because they were their most popular models. Now that their sales numbers are dropping like loogies from an overpass, we go to the new Focus that looks like a duck after an accident? I don't know if that's going to work. And the Chevy Impala, whose 3.9L V6 shuts of half its cylinders once in a while, but won't make a lick of difference if you're a little heavy-footed. Yes, both companies are working really hard to turn their businesses around, but in the meantime, we're buying Hondas and Toyotas.

And Ford - you really should have put that new focus on the C-platform. When you're designing a car, think about what you would want to buy, not what a committee wants to sell. That way, when we see your commercials, we won't laugh quite as loud when you say, "Ford is helping you lead a fuller life."


[Source: AutoWeek]

I'm walking through the Ford booth at the Orange County Auto Show and spot this Focus with wild graphics announcing its PZEV status as well as its mileage potential of 37mpg.

"Yeah, we've had the PZEV Focus out since 2003 and never really promoted it," said a Ford official.

Now all California Ford Focus models with the 2.0-liter Duratec 20E engine will sport a new PZEV badge on the trunk lid. The idea of promoting the PZEV status comes as the public recognizes the benefits of hybrids but doesn't know much about partial zero emissions vehicles. Ford says not all hybrids meet PZEV standards, making the Ford Focus cleaner than a hybrid.



"PZEV-certified vehicles are the cleanest mass-produced vehicles available," said Jerry Martin of the California Air Resources Board.

Too bad we can order the side graphics as an option.

Looks like Ford's 'Way Forward' plans are not only accelerating in its home turf but also across the pond. Ford's European division, after unveiling bio-diesel versions of its popular Ford Focus at the British International Motor Show, has announced plans to cut prices of the production models to match petrol prices while providing insurance discounts for buyers. Ford's ethanol partner Morrisons is also cutting the price of ethanol as well. Many analysts cite the automaker's reaction in part due to the government's lack of support in supporting so-called "greener" initiatives. States Ford of Britain chairman Roelant de Waard, "Both Ford as vehicle manufacturer, and Morrisons as bio-ethanol retailer, have invested in the expansion of this new green technology. Now the Government needs to join us and make flexible fuel motoring an even more attractive option for UK customers."

Ford unveiled a flex-fuel version (FFV) of its Focus C-Max as well as a biofuel-powered Focus coupe cabriolet concept at the show. According to the automaker, its 1.8-litre FFV engine produces less greenhouse gases than hybrid engines.

[Source: icLiverpool]

It’s got a neat name, a bunch of well-educated college students and six years of quirky history. Last week, the 7th annual Cool Products Expo at Stanford also had a few green cars, including the Stanford Solar Car team’s solar powered car and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles from General Motors and Ford. Apparently, according to the Stanford Daily, GM’s hydrogen minivan (how cool is that?) cost over a million dollars to develop and build. Ford’s Focus Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electrical Vehicle has a 91 percent efficient motor. The companies know that their cars are cool, and somewhere out there in a college lab might be the answer to getting a sensible hydrogen economy rolling.

[Source: Stanford Daily via alt-fuels.org]