FIESTA FOREVER: FORD'S NEW-GENERATION GLOBAL SMALL CAR

Ford of Europe is reinventing its small car range for a new generation of customers in 2008, starting with a stylish and exciting all-new Fiesta. The car makes its global debut in both three- and five-door hatchback bodystyles at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

Designed and developed in Europe for sale in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford’s new global product development process. Its stylish and dynamic flair combines with all the traditional Ford small car strengths to create a confident, contemporary introduction to the next chapter of the Fiesta success story.

The new Fiesta opens another chapter in the story of the popular Ford small car that has sold more than 12 million units since its introduction in 1976. Charismatic and individual, the new model makes major strides in craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent Fiesta’s traditional strengths of practicality, value for money, agility and safety. It also brings a host of big-car features to the small-car segment for the first time.

New Fiesta clearly embodies the hallmarks of 'kinetic design', which has so convincingly infused emotion into the core of the Ford range in Europe. The Geneva debut confirms that new Fiesta will bring the most appealing elements of Verve, a trio of concept cars shown recently around the world, to production reality.



It also ends speculation surrounding the name of Ford’s new-generation small car for global markets.

“This new car embodies the very essence of Fiesta – fun, vitality and emotion,” said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. “We know there isn't a better name for the new model, and we have over thirty years of investment in the Fiesta brand to consider.

"We’re confident that the combination of dynamic new 'kinetic design' exterior, great interior design and craftsmanship, and a host of new technologies and features will provide compelling reasons for a new generation of customers around the world to take a fresh look at the Ford Fiesta. I know they will be both surprised and delighted with what they see and feel," Fleming added.

• Next generation, all-new global small car signals fresh chapter in Ford Fiesta success story
• The worldwide name is confirmed – Ford Fiesta
• Stylish 'kinetic design' and dynamic flair combines with traditional Ford strengths to deliver confident, contemporary, fun-to-drive package
• Fiesta brings a host of big-car features to the small car segment for the first time
• Fiesta stays compact but is lighter and stronger. Ultra high-strength steels and a comprehensive safety package that includes a driver's knee airbag
• Exciting three-door body remains true to Verve Concept; five-door brings new energy to small family hatchback market
• Futuristic interior from Verve Concept becomes production reality, including integrated HMI centre stack inspired by mobile phones
• 115 PS Duratec 1.6-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine joins Fiesta range; one of five fuel efficient and clean engines
• Fiesta will expand Ford ECOnetic ultra-low CO2 range, delivering less than 100g/km emissions
• New Fiesta is the first product of Ford’s new global product development process, with versions due for launch also in Asia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010
• European production of new Fiesta begins in autumn 2008