With fuel prices rising and SUV/truck sales plummeting, Ford is looking to its European division to bail it out of trouble. Fortunately, Ford of Europe has a slew of gas-sipping, affordable, stylish cars ready and waiting. And one of the most exciting new models is coming to America - the Ford Fiesta. Fortunately, this car bears no relation to the Fiesta sold to US customers many years ago - it's a completely new concept.
In environment-conscious Europe, where gas costs more than gold, Ford's sales are up 7.6%, with sales of low-emissions models are up a whopping 38%. And that's before they can get their hands on this dramatic new Fiesta model.
The sales increase has been driven by a range of cars from Ford of Europe that emit less than 120g CO2/km and achieve over 65mpg. All Focus, Fiesta and Fusion models equipped with the British-built 1.6-litre TDCi turbo-diesel engine in Europe can achieve CO2 emissions of under 120g/km. While the new Ford Focus ECOnetic delivers just 114g/km.
Ford of Europe is unveiling a new addition to its ECOnetic range, the Ford Fiesta, which is set to offer best CO2, fuel economy and value of all four-cylinder, four-seat cars on the market.
What's more, the Ford plant in Dagenham, England is now wind-powered, further reducing the carbon footprint of these cars.There's no word about whether US customers will see the Fiesta ECOnetic as its felt they still won't accept the sacrifice in speed and power. However, we will finally be able to choose from a variety of fuel-efficient premium small cars offered by a number of manufacturers. Whether it will be enough to save Ford from its shortsighted reliance on SUVs and pickups is another matter.
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