Source: Ford - Press releases (4) after the jump.
An SUV for the Urban World – Ford Reveals Fuel-Efficient, All-new Ford EcoSport in China
- Created for the urban environment, the all-new Ford EcoSport offers contemporary design, smart technologies and a high driving position – all in a compact, agile, fuel-efficient shape
- Powered by an array of powertrains, including an all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine, the aerodynamically honed Ford EcoSport is designed to be a benchmark in fuel economy while giving customers the performance feel of a larger engine
- Packed with aspirational appeal, craftsmanship and sophistication – including the Ford SYNC driver connect system with voice control – the all-new EcoSport offers a compelling alternative to the small car in big cities
Ford revealed the
production version of the all-new Ford EcoSport and announced plans to
build the compact, fuel-efficient urban SUV in China, in addition to
India, Thailand and South America.
EcoSport’s global debut at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing means
customers in China will soon be able to choose an aspirational sports
utility vehicle alternative to a small car. The Ford EcoSport offers a
confident stance, a high driving position and robust character on top of
the agility, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency that comes with a
compact footprint. It’s the perfect combination for the city – ready for
work and ready for play.
Within a contemporary design aerodynamically honed for fuel
economy, the EcoSport is full of smart technologies, features and
craftsmanship that offer customers more than they would expect in this
segment.
With a number of powertrain solutions, including Ford's newest,
most advanced engine the 1.0-litre EcoBoost™, EcoSport is designed to be
a benchmark in fuel efficiency. It also offers the Ford SYNC driver
connect system with voice control and many other innovative features in a
spacious and comfortable interior with new levels of craftsmanship as
well as outstanding quietness and refinement.
“The Ford EcoSport reflects our commitment to serve our Ford
customers in China and around the world with the cars, utilities and
trucks they want and value,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia
Pacific and Africa. “EcoSport delivers outstanding quality, great fuel
efficiency with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, superior safety and
really smart design with SYNC.”
The production reveal of EcoSport follows rapidly after the
vehicle’s global preview in January at the Delhi Auto Expo as well as in
Brazil, where Ford EcoSport was developed by a global Ford development
team. In addition to production in Chongqing, the EcoSport will be
manufactured in Camaçari, Brazil, Rayong, Thailand, and Chennai, India,
and will be offered in nearly 100 markets globally.
EcoSport joins Ford’s family of small global vehicles, which will
reach an annual production capacity of 2 million units by 2015.
“The all-new EcoSport is designed and engineered specifically for
customers in global growth markets using Ford’s global SUV engineering
expertise and reflecting our commitments for quality, leading fuel
economy, safety and smart technology,” said Raj Nair, group vice
president, Global Product Development. “We’re delivering innovative
products like this to drive our global growth.”
EcoSport Titanium
Ford is showcasing its top-of-the-line model, the EcoSport
Titanium, on stage in Beijing, painted in distinctive Mars Red. A
similar model is being revealed today in Salvador, Brazil, as EcoSport’s
global launch momentum builds.
EcoSport Titanium has 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and a chrome grille.
Inside, EcoSport offers a stylish, modern and well-equipped
interior delivering new standards of craftsmanship and quality. The
cabin – spacious for five people and their gear – has been engineered to
deliver outstanding levels of comfort and quiet operation for
customers.
In addition to Ford SYNC with voice control, among EcoSport’s
available innovative technologies are Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power
Start, and a cooled bin in the glovebox.
EcoSport offers advanced safety items, such as dual front airbags
and side curtain airbags, as well as Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and
Electronic Stability Program.
To take the stress out of driving, the EcoSport comes with an array
of driver-assist features including Hill Launch Assist and rear parking
sensors.
Its agile, manoeuvrable chassis features electric power-assisted
steering (EPAS) for outstanding steering response and improved fuel
efficiency.
Beautiful, agile, modern
The new EcoSport is an affordable compact SUV that is ready for work and ready for play.
It targets benchmark performance in fuel economy, driveability and
performance to redefine expectations in the compact SUV segment.
The new Ford SUV’s main characteristics were defined by consumers
in all of the regions in which it will be sold. The design and flexible
use are part of the new vehicle’s differentiated plan, which besides the
agility and practicality for urban use, offers power and robustness for
more adverse terrain.
The elevated stance and purposeful posture give the new EcoSport
the appearance of a higher class vehicle. Its agile and contemporary
lines convey confidence, refinement and an adventurous spirit, within a
modern and smart package. All this contributes to EcoSport’s
aspirational appeal.
"The new EcoSport is full of personality," said J Mays, group vice
president, Design, and chief creative officer, Ford Motor Company.
"Customers around the world immediately recognise its capability and SUV
robustness that is achieved with aggressiveness. It is friendly and
it’s a vehicle that really makes you smile.”
Powering growth in China
Reinforcing Ford’s commitment to offer a full portfolio of vehicles
in China, the all-new Ford EcoSport will be the second of 15 new
vehicles that Ford plans to introduce in the country by 2015. This is
part of a bigger plan to bring more than 50 new vehicles and powertrains
to the Asia Pacific and Africa region by mid-decade, underscoring the
unprecedented expansion in the region.
“With its superior fuel efficiency and a comprehensive suite of
smart technologies, the EcoSport is well-placed to power Ford into a new
segment not only in China but also in other growth markets in Asia,”
said Hinrichs.
Ford’s aggressive expansion plan in China is being supported by several new investments to increase production capacity.
It was announced earlier this month that Ford and its joint venture
Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) will invest approximately USD 600
million to expand capacity in Chongqing by 350,000 passenger vehicles,
raising total capacity in China to 950,000 units by 2014. The new
investment will increase Ford’s total investment in China to
approximately USD 4.1 billion.
CFMA already operates two assembly plants and an engine plant in
Chongqing. Additional facilities – a USD 500 million engine plant and a
USD 350 million transmission plant – are currently under construction.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com.
Release:
Creative, Connected and Compact: EcoSport is Ford’s New Small SUV with Smart, Innovative Technologies
- The new EcoSport offers an unexpected level of connectivity, safety and convenience in its segment, including Ford SYNC driver connect system with voice control, electronic air-conditioning, Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start and a cooled bin in the glovebox
- The new global product is also an innovator in safety, with dual front airbags and side curtain airbags. Features that make driving safer and easier include Anti-Lock Brake system, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Launch Assist and rear parking sensors
- Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) contributes to EcoSport’s target of class-leading fuel economy, and EcoSport offers a wide range of efficient engines to meet the needs and preferences of consumers in every region
Compact and agile, the all-new Ford EcoSport is also full of innovative technologies and features.
Bringing together features not normally found in this segment,
EcoSport offers a driving experience with a superior standard of
on-board connectivity, safety and convenience.
One of the highlights is the award-winning SYNC driver connect
system with voice control. More than 4 million vehicles are currently on
the road with SYNC technology. Ford forecasts 9 million additional
vehicles will be equipped with SYNC by 2015 globally as it deploys the
Ford-exclusive system in products such as the new EcoSport.
SYNC sets the trend for a hands-free, voice-activated future. It
helps drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road as they
choose their favorite music and make calls using voice commands.
EcoSport’s digital audio system features a CD/MP3 player, USB and
auxiliary slots, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth connection, and a 3.5-inch
LCD screen. SYNC will be available in both Mandarin and English in
China.
The EcoSport also comes with a range of key features such as
electric power assisted steering, power windows, remote control locks,
dual power side mirrors, Passive Anti-Theft System, Smart Keyless Entry,
and Ford Power Start, and rear parking sensors.
Climate control and comfort
The all-new EcoSport offers an advanced climate control system,
providing efficiency and comfort, including air-conditioning with pollen
filter as standard and optional electronic air-conditioning.
The all-new small SUV features improved versions of creative
solutions, such as the cooled bin inside the glovebox which can chill
six 350ml cans when the air conditioning is activated, as well as a
storage drawer underneath the passenger seat.
Green and efficient
Energy efficiency is one of the highlights of the all-new EcoSport.
The goal set by Ford in the EcoSport’s development was to become the
segment leader in fuel-efficiency with the all-new 1.0-litre,
three-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine as well as the new 1.5L Ti-VCT petrol
engine.
The EcoSport’s fuel economy is further enhanced by the availability
of the innovative six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch automatic
transmission which combines the efficiency and driving dynamics of a
manual gearbox with the convenience of a conventional automatic
transmission.
Efficiency is also present in every aspect of the vehicle’s design.
The SUV’s body was specially developed, including the use of
high-strength steel and new designs to optimize weight and fuel
efficiency.
Advanced Safety
The all-new EcoSport was designed to meet the strictest safety
standards in the markets in which it will be sold. Its body was
developed with design tools and advanced software to reduce weight,
combining programmed energy impact absorption zones with an extremely
rigid protection cage to protect occupants.
The chassis’ stability and robustly built body with high torsional
rigidness for occupant protection, 20% better than the previous model
sold in South America, are part of the features which give the EcoSport
the confidence of a true SUV.
The vehicle offers a comprehensive package of safety features
including standard dual front airbags (for driver and passenger) and
optional side curtain airbags to protect rear-seat passengers in
rollover-type accidents. The pelvis bolster provides pelvic protection
while the energy-absorbing side door trim provides thoracic and
abdominal protection during side impact accidents.
The EcoSport is also equipped with advanced active safety
technologies such as Anti-Lock Brake System, Electronic Stability
Program, and Hill Launch Assist.
All-New 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost Engine Further Extends Advanced EcoBoost Technology in China
- The all-new engine will debut in China in the all-new Ford EcoSport – offering the performance of a conventional 1.6-litre engine with less than 140g/km CO2 emissions
- The fuel-efficient three-cylinder broadens the range of EcoBoost™ engines in China – the new Mondeo is currently available with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder while the all-new Ford Kuga will feature 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines
- This newest and smallest member of the global family of EcoBoost engines features advanced turbo-charging technology, improved twin independent variable camshaft timing and intelligent ancillaries to deliver performance that belies its small size
Ford is expanding its advanced
EcoBoost™ powertrain technology in China with the addition of its newest
and smallest-ever EcoBoost engine. With only three cylinders and 1.0
litre of displacement, the latest EcoBoost engine will provide
fuel-efficient power for the all-new Ford EcoSport.
Despite its smaller capacity and proportions, the engine delivers
power and performance that will rival a traditional 1.6-litre petrol
engine while emitting less than 140g/km CO2. It will have 88
kW of power (118 hp) and 170 Nm of torque (125 lb-ft). Mated to a five-speed manual
transmission, it will give the Ford EcoSport a footprint that is small
enough for urban driving yet robust enough for a trip out of the city.
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost uses turbocharging and direct fuel injection
to extract impressive levels of power and fuel efficiency from its
three-cylinder engine block, which is so small that it can fit on a
sheet of A4 paper. This combination of power and low CO2 emissions is unmatched by competitors in its segment.
Ultimately, this all-new engine will be made available in Ford models in Asia, Europe, North America and other regions.
The 1.0-litre three-cylinder is the latest addition to Ford’s
family of EcoBoost engines in China. The new Mondeo currently features a
2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder while the all-new Ford Kuga will
launch with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine as well as the 2.0-litre
EcoBoost engine.
Downsized EcoBoost engines feature turbocharging, direct injection
and other technologies and replace larger engines with no loss of
performance and with lower fuel consumption.
“China was one of the first markets in Asia to enjoy the
progressive EcoBoost technology,” said Kumar Galhotra, vice president,
Product Development, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “The introduction of
the small-but-potent 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine demonstrates Ford’s
continued commitment to bring the latest powertrains that deliver
superior fuel economy and reduced carbon dioxide emissions to China.”
Compact and responsive
Developed at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in the U.K., the
1.0-litre EcoBoost engine features a new compact, high performance
turbocharger design. The extremely fast response of the turbocharger and
its ability to reach nearly 250,000 rpm results in virtually no turbo
lag and peak torque of 170 Nm from 1,300-4,500 rpm. This high torque
supports a fuel-efficient driving style and delivers a good performance
feel and diesel-like torque experience.
The all-new EcoBoost engine also features an exhaust manifold cast
into the cylinder head, which lowers the temperature of the exhaust
gases and in turn enables the engine to run with the optimum fuel-to-air
ratio across a wider rev band.
An advanced “split cooling” system reduces fuel consumption by warming the engine more quickly and – unique
to the 1.0 engine –cast iron has been selected for the block, reducing
the amount of energy needed for warm-up by up to 50 per cent compared
with aluminium.
Intelligent ancillaries such as a variable air-conditioning
compressor and oil pump also reduce demand on the engine – improving
economy and emissions – while special coatings for engine components and
intricate development of engine geometry result in minimal frictional
losses.
Like its larger-capacity siblings, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine
will use twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to further
improve performance and economy. Ford has also employed an all-new
camshaft actuator to speed up response times without sacrificing
durability.
“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost delivers great low-speed responsiveness,
power, torque and smoothness,” said Galhotra. “To produce an engine with
such impressive performance and fuel economy clearly reflects our
commitment to be class-leading in fuel economy around the world."
Smooth and refined
In the all-new 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, the emphasis in
development has been on delivering both smooth and refined performance.
Engine refinement is improved thanks to an innovative design that
immerses the two main engine drive belts in oil – resulting in quieter
and more efficient running but with the durability of a chain. Careful
attention has also been paid to mitigating the natural vibrations of the
three-cylinder design.
Rather than employ the traditional method of adding energy-draining
balancer shafts, Ford engineers have deliberately “unbalanced” the
flywheel and pulley to offset the engine configuration. Ford believes
these innovations combined with optimised engine mounts will deliver a
truly refined performance feel perfected during 720,000 kilometres of
tests – including 360,000 kilometres of durability trials and 10,000
kilometres of environmental testing.
“Fitted with a long list of innovative technologies, the 1.0-litre
EcoBoost is one of the most technically advanced and efficient engines
Ford has ever designed and produced,” said Galhotra.
“This new engine demonstrates Ford’s laser focus on improving fuel
economy without compromising performance. It will be an engine that not
only surprises and delights our customers but also offers them great
value in the lower cost of ownership.”
Ford Takes China by Storm with Complete Family of Four New Global SUVs
- The all-new Ford EcoSport, the all-new Ford Kuga, the Ford Edge and the Ford Explorer make up Ford’s comprehensive offering of sport utility vehicles to Chinese customers
- The EcoSport, Kuga, Edge and Explorer deliver SUV versatility, practicality and safety with superior levels of fuel economy and passenger car-like comfort
- The EcoSport, Kuga, Edge and Explorer reflect Ford’s strong heritage and reputation in SUVs that are recognised and trusted worldwide
Ford strides boldly into the
heart of the rapidly expanding sport utility vehicle (SUV) market in
China with a complete family of four new global SUVs that deliver
superior fuel efficiency, class-leading safety and cutting edge
technologies.
Unveiled and on display at 2012 Auto China, the all-new Ford
EcoSport, the all-new Ford Kuga, the Ford Edge, and the Ford Explorer
showcase the breadth of the line-up – from a small SUV that is just the
right size for city-driving to a full-size seven-passenger SUV. All four
SUVs offer passenger car-like comfort and SUV versatility.
These new SUVs are part of Ford’s promise to bring 15 global
vehicles to China by mid-decade as Ford accelerates its expansion plan
in one of the world’s fastest-growing auto market. China’s SUV sector is
also quickly developing – the China Association of Automobile
Manufacturers reported that 1.59 million SUVs were sold in the country
last year, a jump of more than 20 per cent from the previous year, far
outstripping industry growth.
Ford aims to capture this burgeoning segment with four members of
its extended family of SUVs, which interestingly dates back to the
“first SUV” or camper derived from a modified Model T by Henry Ford.
With 62 years of designing SUVs and 46 years of building and selling
them, Ford today has a strong heritage in SUVs that is recognised and
trusted worldwide, making it a global leader in this area.
“Ford’s passion and ingenuity for designing and building SUVs have
won us proud customers for generations and we believe the EcoSport,
Kuga, Edge and Explorer will also win the hearts of customers in China
too,” said Dave Schoch, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor China.
“Staying a step ahead of customer aspirations, Ford has reinvented
its traditionally practical, versatile and muscular SUVs to become more
fuel-efficient, smart, agile and intuitive while preserving their core
personality.”
Powered on less fuel
Using the latest powertrain technologies such as EcoBoost™ and twin
independent camshaft variable timing (Ti-VCT), Ford has given its SUVs a
wide range of engines that are capable of high power and high torque
while consuming less fuel.
The global EcoBoost technology features turbocharging and direct
injection so that the downsized EcoBoost engines can rival the power and
performance of a larger engine – but at a fraction of the fuel
consumption.
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder engine in the all-new
EcoSport delivers 88 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque, boasting power
and performance comparable to a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine. The
two four-cylinder EcoBoost engines in the all-new Kuga also serve up
big power for their economical size. The 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine
delivers 132 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque while the 2.0-litre
EcoBoost engine produces 176 kW and 340 Nm of torque.
Ford has also employed Ti-VCT technology across the EcoSport, Kuga,
Edge and Explorer to deliver even better fuel efficiency and save
customers money. The technology allows for precise and variable control
over the valve timing for optimum performance which improves fuel
economy and reduces part-throttle emissions.
These fuel-efficient engines are mated to advanced six-speed
automatic transmissions which optimise gearing to further shave off fuel
consumption. Complementing all these efforts, Ford designers gave the
SUVs a sleeker shape as well as added aerodynamic details which reduce
drag.
Advanced safety technologies
The EcoSport, Kuga, Edge and Explorer have all been designed to
exceed the strictest global safety standards. Their class-leading
protection for occupants begins in the stiff unibody structure that is
made up of high levels of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel.
In the event of a crash, the driver and passengers are protected inside a
safety cage of strength.
All four SUVs come with a full array of airbags – driver and front
passenger airbags, side front airbags and side curtain airbags for
front- and rear-seat occupants. The Kuga has an additional driver’s knee
airbag.
The advanced airbag restraint system incorporates new technologies
which are able to vary the pressure based on the size of the occupant,
hence lessening the impact of the airbags on the occupants during
deployment.
The Explorer also boasts the world’s first second-row inflatable
rear belts. These unique belts spread impact forces across more than
five times the area of conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the
chest while helping to control head and neck motion.
Additionally, the SUVs are equipped with state-of-the-art active
safety technologies which help the driver keep the vehicle in control at
all times. These features include the Electronic Stability Program
system that uses intelligent logic to monitor the SUV’s progress and
intervene effectively when required as well as Hill Launch Assist,
Emergency Brake Assist and Anti-Lock Brake System.
A smarter drive
The EcoSport, Kuga, Edge and Explorer all boast a long list of
smart technologies that make life easier on the road for the driver.
Common to all four SUVs is the award-winning Ford SYNC® in-car
connectivity system that allows drivers to make calls or play their
favourite music via voice commands while keeping their eyes on the road
and hands on the wheel throughout.
The Kuga, Edge and Explorer take it a step further with MyFord
Touch®, which combines the connectivity of SYNC with a full-colour
8-inch touch screen in the centre stack and two 4.2-inch LCD screens.
The driver can easily access vehicle functions, settings and information
easily through voice, the steering wheel controls or with a simple tap
of the centre stack touch screen.
Moreover, the SUVs are equipped with different driver-assist
technologies that take the stress out of everyday driving situations.
For example, the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) displays an
alert when a vehicle is detected entering the SUV’s blind spot while the
Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a safe distance from other vehicles
by decelerating or accelerating accordingly. Other smart technologies
can help the driver parallel park hands free (Active Park Assist) or
keep the SUV from drifting out of its lane (Lane Keeping Aid).
The Kuga has a particularly intelligent hands-free automatic
tailgate that can be unlocked and raised, and vice versa, just by a
gentle kicking motion under the centre of the rear bumper.
True SUV toughness and versatility
Making use of its proven manufacturing, design and technology
fundamentals, Ford has imbued the EcoSport, Kuga, Edge and Explorer with
essential SUV practicality and versatility within a cocoon of passenger
car-like comfort.
World-class craftsmanship and painstaking attention paid to every
detail have given the SUVs an outstanding level of quality that is
clearly evident both inside and out. The clean, modern exterior design
echoes the ingenious interior with its flexible seating, clever storage
spaces and generous cargo volume. Ford has also meticulously engineered
superior levels of quiet into the SUVs’ cabin, delivering class-leading
control over noise, vibration and harshness.
Fortified with Ford’s famed driving dynamics along with high ground
clearance and outstanding water-wading capability, the SUVs enable
customers to get to their destination easily and comfortably. For those
taking the SUV off the road, Ford has stretched the breadth of SUV
capability with smart four-wheel drive systems.
The Kuga’s new Intelligent 4WD System uses advanced software and
sensors to analyse data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed,
accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, assessing road
conditions and driver input 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.
The system uses all the sensor inputs to turn the SUV in the direction
the driver wants it to go.
The Explorer goes further with a new Terrain Management System that
takes the guesswork out of maximising 4WD by doing away with the
traditional SUV transfer case configuration with the four-high, four-low
and auto settings. Instead, the system is selectable by situation with
settings for normal, mud, sand and snow.
“Ford designed the EcoSport, Kuga, Edge and Explorer with the
customers in mind, ensuring that they will be able to select one that
fits their purpose or pocket,” said Schoch.
“Be it a small SUV or a full-size seven-seater, all four new SUVs
possess the winning combination of exceptional fuel efficiency,
world-class safety, powerful performance and practical versatility that
sets a Ford SUV a cut above the rest.”
