Text & Photos edited by F. de Leeuw van Weenen
Source: Ford Motor Company
09-22-2006

Overview of Ford at Paris

All-new Ford Mondeo previewed in near final production form ahead of launch in early 2007
Sporty and stylish wagon derivative is revealed first
Dynamic and individual styling takes 'kinetic design' form language to a new level
New model will be technologically advanced with many new features to assist and pamper its driver
High quality materials feature in spacious interior
New Mondeo benefits from Ford's Shared Technology initiative and will join new S-MAX and Galaxy on the production lines at Genk
Range will be critical to Ford of Europe's business and sit at the head of an expanding product portfolio

The all-new Ford Mondeo makes its world debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show between September 30 and October 15. Ford of Europe's stylish new flagship model is being previewed in its wagon bodystyle in near production specification, with launch scheduled across Europe from the second quarter of 2007.

"The new Mondeo is critical to the Ford of Europe business," said John Fleming, President and CEO of Ford of Europe. "The Ford Mondeo has always been a major player in the European CD segment, and with over four million owners looking for us to deliver something special, we have every intention of meeting their significant expectations with this all-new model."

New Mondeo will follow and build on the success of the new Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy models, both of which have been launched to media and customer acclaim during 2006.

To meet customer needs and wants, the 2007 Mondeo will deliver more comfort, more space, and more premium quality features, while remaining affordable. Benefiting from Ford's 'Shared Technologies' initiative, new Mondeo shares much of its architecture and technology with S-MAX and Galaxy, as well as a production line.

New Mondeo completes a € 715 million investment that has modernised Ford's Genk plant in Belgium and transformed it into a world-class, flexible manufacturing facility. From early 2007, new Mondeo bodystyles will join S-MAX and new Galaxy on the same assembly lines using common architectures and technologies. This gives the company tremendous flexibility and manufacturing efficiency to respond to market demands and fluctuations.

Genk also plays an increasingly important role in the global Ford business. Ford of Europe continues to strengthen its role as the developer of high quality vehicles like the new Mondeo which are targeted not just at Europe, but also at the Asia Pacific and African markets.

New Mondeo has also been developed in line with Ford's Product Sustainability Index. PSI provides a basis for permanent evaluation and improved sustainability performance for new generations of vehicles across environmental, social and economic areas. This holistic approach to product development is an industry first, with the new S-MAX and Galaxy being the pioneer vehicles created with PSI.

New Mondeo Design – Energy in Motion

The new Mondeo is striking and unmistakably a member of the Ford family. It takes the company's 'kinetic design' form language to a new level. A comprehensive range of core bodystyles will be launched concurrently in the new range, but the Ford of Europe design team has chosen the new wagon as its Paris hero.

"The wagon bodystyle is very important in the CD segment so it is appropriate that we show this derivative in Paris first," said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Design Director. The new Mondeo's wagon bodystyle really emphasizes the sporty, dynamic and premium appearance of the new range," added Smith. "Above all, we've managed to achieve this kinetic look without compromising luggage capacity. I believe new Mondeo will challenge everyone's perceptions of a big Ford car, and prove that we can once again deliver style with substance in a desirable form."

The new Mondeo clearly demonstrates how Ford of Europe's 'kinetic design' language is shaping the company's new models. This form language will be progressively applied to future Ford vehicles in an appropriate way, depending on individual vehicle or market segment tastes.

The new Mondeo range will incorporate all of the key 'kinetic design' elements:

Dynamic lines
Three-plane plan front-end view
Full surfaces
Strong shoulders
Bold wheel lips
A rising belt line
A distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar
"With the purest expression of 'kinetic design' revealed in the Ford iosis Concept at Frankfurt 2005, we then introduced the first elements into volume production on the new S-MAX and Galaxy," Smith added. "Now, the new Mondeo takes the next major step along our journey towards a more expressive and emotional Ford range."

Immediately evident in the new model's appearance is the distinctive front end, with its chamfered corners and the deep offset between the top of the bonnet and the front wings. Seen from above, the three-plane plan view of the frontal area is immediately obvious, and a key visual link between the new Mondeo and the 2005 iosis Concept vehicle, emphasizing their proportional relationship.

The new family face of Ford is further represented at the front end by a premium-feel, large upper grille opening, and an inverted trapezoidal lower grille. Large and distinctive headlamps and lower foglamps are a key design element, and draw the eye around the chamfered corners, neatly disguising the volume required to meet the latest pedestrian protection requirements.

A muscular shoulder line runs through the side of the car to a high point at the rear. This produces a dynamic window graphic when the so-called "daylight opening" (DLO) is viewed in profile, and an upward kick at the rear of the DLO further emphasizes the feeling of motion. Distinctive rear lamps also feature carefully designed graphics that enhance the overall feeling of premium quality.

A strong undercut line runs from the bold front wing wheel lips through the side of the car. Under this, full surfacing extends down to strong rocker panels to ensure the vehicle maintains a dynamic road presence. The undercut and full surfaces are key graphic elements of 'kinetic design' and are already becoming familiar as new S-MAX and Galaxy become more visible on European roads.

'Kinetic design' themes are carried through to the all-new interior, which features high quality surfaces, materials and finishes. Here, dynamic lines and full surfaces are again evident, and the low profile instrument panel provides very generous cabin space for front seat occupants. The flow-through centre console allows the gear shifter to be located high and within easy ergonomic reach of the driver.

The design team has also paid great attention to interior detailing, and examples of this include new generation infotainment systems, plus the next generation of Ford's Human Machine Interface (HMI). This easy to use system features the same steering-wheel toggle switches seen on new Galaxy and S-MAX, but introduces the availability of a large central LCD screen with full colour graphics situated between the main analogue instruments in front of the driver.

Rear seat headroom and legroom have also come in for scrutiny by the Mondeo development team, and these have been maximized for occupant comfort and safety.

"New Mondeo will deliver premium levels of comfort in a class-leading package," says Steve Adams, Ford's Vehicle Line Director for Large Cars. "You can also expect innovative and top-of-the-range new technology features, particularly those aimed at assisting and pampering the driver."

New Technology Combined with Driving Quality

The 2007 Mondeo range will feature many of the new technologies seen on Ford S-MAX and Galaxy, and also introduce some new features unique to the new model. The Ford team is also determined to ensure that new Mondeo will maintain its position as the best CD car for driving quality, with superior driving dynamics, and targeting best-in-class steering, ride and handling.

A wide range of dependable Ford powertrains will be offered, from the powerful and well-proven Ford Duratorq 2.0-litre TDCi diesel and a high-performance 2.5-litre turbocharged Duratec petrol engine derived from that fitted to the new S-MAX, to efficient 1.6-litre Duratec petrol and 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines with outstanding fuel economy.

Full series information, technical specifications and data for the new Mondeo range will be revealed early in 2007.

"The new Mondeo Wagon we are previewing at Paris is aimed at preparing our customers for the most exciting and high quality Ford CD car we have ever delivered," concluded Joe Bakaj, Ford of Europe's Vice President of Product Development. "The finer technical details will be kept secret for a few more months, but we believe that the Paris showcar's dynamic and kinetic exterior design and stylish, spacious new interior will give a clear indication of how different the new Mondeo range will be. We can't wait to launch it!"

COUPÉ-CABRIOLET BOOSTS FORD'S BEST SELLING FOCUS RANGE

Ford of Europe's first power-operated hardtop model joins best-selling Focus range
Open-air motoring combines with Ford PrecisionDrive characteristics
Year-round practicality with best-in-class luggage capacity
Elegant Italian design combined with durability and outstanding rigidity
Available with choice of one Duratorq TDCi engine and two Duratec HE engines
Designed and developed in partnership with Pininfarina S.p.A
Goes on sale Europe-wide from late autumn 2006
Focus Coupé-Cabriolet, Ford of Europe's first power-operated hardtop production model makes its debut in left-hand-drive configuration at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. The new hero model for the popular Ford Focus range adds the emotion of open-air motoring to the already established and highly acclaimed core characteristics of the company's best selling model in Europe.

Focus now offers three-door and five-door hatchbacks, a four-door sedan and a spacious wagon, plus the new Coupé-Cabriolet and the versatile Ford Focus
C-MAX. The range offers a vehicle for every driver need, including the exciting Focus ST for those seeking high performance.

This stylish Coupé, which is also the first Ford of Europe production vehicle to carry the unique "Pininfarina" design badge, reveals its second personality in just 29 seconds. At the touch of a button, it transforms quietly and quickly into a dynamic Cabriolet.

Its two-piece, fully retractable hardtop not only guarantees comfort, stability, durability, and a high degree of year-round, everyday practicality but it also lends the vehicle two exciting personalities. Together with sporty Ford Focus ST, the
all-new Coupé-Cabriolet sits at the very top of the Focus family.

Four-seater with Emotional Appeal

Creating a true four-seater that combines strong emotional appeal with complete practicality for everyday use was a top priority for Ford designers and engineers. With the roof closed, new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet offers a best-in-class luggage capacity of 534 litres. Even with the retractable hardtop stowed in the boot, the new Ford still provides 248 litres of luggage space under the folded roof. No direct competitor in this market segment offers more.

Because of its construction, the two-piece retractable hardtop delivers excellent customer advantages in terms of durability and rigidity. Yet it also provides the vehicle with seamless, flowing and elegant lines.

Ford Quality Combined with Italian Elegance

Ford of Europe and Pininfarina designers started with a set of parameters that described the new vehicle's characteristics precisely: It had to be a true and recognisable Ford Focus, yet with an Italian-style and tailor-made body "suit". It also had to exude elegance, harmony, and dynamism from every angle, regardless of whether the hardtop is closed or stowed in the boot.

In this respect, the slender profile of the rear roof pillars is of particular significance for the vehicle's body design. They flow elegantly into the boot lid, which gently arches towards the rear of the car. This lends new Focus Coupé-Cabriolet an unusually elegant yet dynamic stance – with the roof open or closed.

A Focus on Driving Quality

In order to bring highly acclaimed Ford Focus driving quality into the segment of compact retractable hardtop coupes, great care was taken in tuning the chassis. Based on a very stiff body shell, well known Focus proven chassis components have been adjusted carefully to provide the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet with the same Ford PrecisionDrive that has earned the Focus family its reputation.

To match the dynamic performance of the chassis, the Focus Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a choice of three engines: Ford's 1.6-litre Duratec petrol unit with 100PS (74 kW), the 2.0-litre Duratec HE with 145PS (107 kW) and the acclaimed 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel with 136PS (100 kW) and standard DPF.

International Success

The Ford Focus is one of the most successful model ranges in Europe with more than 4 million units built, plus 370,000 Focus C-MAX models built since its launch in 2003. The Focus, which boasts European sales of 442, 000 units in 2005, is produced at European assembly plants in Saarlouis in Germany, Valencia in Spain and St Petersburg in Russia.

But the Focus story isn't confined to Ford of Europe. Production sites for the Ford Focus outside of Europe include the US, China, Taiwan, Philippines and South Africa. More than five million Focus cars have been sold worldwide, with major sales highlights in 2000 and 2001, when the Focus achieved the status of being the best-selling car in the world. The previous Focus model was also the first vehicle in automotive history to win the 'Car of the Year' title both Europe and America.


EARLY SUCCESS FOR NEW FORD S-MAX

Early sales success for new S-MAX and Galaxy with 50,000 produced
Stylish and sporty S-MAX brings thousands of new customers to Ford brand
Euro NCAP awards the new Ford S-MAX 36 points and 5 stars for adult occupant protection – the highest score in its class
S-MAX achieves a 4-star rating for child protection
New technologies now available to Ford customers for the first time include Human Machine Interface, Adaptive Cruise Control, Interactive Vehicle Dynamics and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Ford S-MAX combines style, space, and design, i ntroducing elements of Ford 'kinetic design' language
S-MAX features Ford's unique FoldFlatSystem for occupant seating
Developed and built in-house by Ford alongside new Galaxy and Mondeo
Ford of Europe's all-new people movers have achieved significant success in a few short months, and already more than 50,000 units have been built at Ford's Genk plant in Belgium.

S-MAX Customers new to Ford

More significantly, according to market research, over half of the new S-MAX vehicles built have been delivered to customers who are new to Ford. Three months after the S-MAX went on sale in selected markets across Europe, more than 35,000 orders for the vehicle have been taken.

"We are delighted with the response to the new S-MAX from customers and the media," said Stephen Odell, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "This confirms our belief that customers want innovative solutions to their driving needs. With 5+2 seats, a wide choice of engines and expressive styling, the S-MAX offers motorists a fresh approach that is proving hugely popular.

"The fact the S-MAX is drawing new customers also demonstrates the broad appeal of the Ford brand," Odell said. " Ford delivers great-looking, well-engineered cars and driving enjoyment without compromises. That's what the S-MAX is all about."

So far, the most popular S-MAX series is the "Titanium" model, with more than 50 per cent of customers ordering this top-of-range model. Where it is an option, around half of the buyers are specifying the seven-seat configuration. More than 30 percent of customers are also opting for new features such as the panoramic roof and Bluetooth® connectivity.

S-MAX Scores Five Stars for Safety

The new Ford S-MAX has also achieved a class-leading five star rating for adult occupant protection under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol. Together with the latest Focus model, Ford now offers two vehicles that achieved a maximum 5-star rating in Euro NCAP. With 2 stars and 13 points, Ford S-MAX also achieved a competitive result for pedestrian protection

"Through our comprehensive safety approach we are continually improving the active and passive safety of our vehicles," says Gisbert Gäb, Manager Vehicle Safety, Ford of Europe. "With the new S-MAX, we have further enhanced our Intelligent Protection System (IPS) by introducing a driver's knee airbag in combination with the advanced horizontal stroking steering column and an ultra stiff body structure. This 5-star performance in the Euro NCAP tests clearly underlines our no-compromise strategy to safety."

Ford's Intelligent Protection System (IPS) is a holistic approach towards safety. It combines a body structure optimised for strength and crashworthiness with
state-of-the-art restraint equipment and driver aids that help avoid an accident plus features that lessen the likelihood of injuries in an impact.

Ford S-MAX safety includes the latest-technology front air bags and a new driver's knee air bag as well as side-mounted thorax air bags for the front seats plus first- and second-row window curtain air bags.

In 2003, the Ford Focus C-MAX was the first car ever to be awarded four stars for child protection. The new Ford Focus flowed suit in 2004 and the S-MAX, with its three-anchor ISOFIX system for the outer seats of the second row, also achieves
this rating.

An advanced neck injury protection system is also standard on the all-new Ford
S-MAX. Combined with 3-point seat belts, optimised pre-tensioners and load limiters, anti-submarining seat subframes , a horizontal stroking steering system and safety pedals, these features provide the occupants with a highly comprehensive safety system.

Ford S-MAX (left hand drive) Euro NCAP results:

Test Ratings
Points/Stars

Adult occupant protection
5 stars

- Front impact
16 points

- Side impact
16 points

- Pole impact
2 points

- Belt reminder
2 points

- Total
36 points (best in class)

Child occupant protection
4 stars

Pedestrian protection
2 stars


New S-MAX Technologies

The new Ford S-MAX, along with its sister vehicle the new Ford Galaxy, have opened a new chapter for Ford of Europe in delivery of exciting driver-focused technology.

Now available on all S-MAX models are new active safety technologies targeted at providing new levels of control and accident avoidance. These supplement the standard Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and the optional enhanced Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system,

New technologies include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA), Collision Mitigation by Braking (CMbB) and a new Interactive Vehicle Dynamics active suspension system with continuously controlled damping.

S-MAX and Ford Galaxy are also the first production Ford models to offer premium driver information systems. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) fitted to all
S-MAX and Galaxy models is the first generation of a system that will soon become familiar to Ford customers, with the all-new Mondeo also set to benefit.

HMI provides drivers with comprehensive information on the vehicle through a series of configurable menus. Easy to control toggle switches on the steering wheel allow the driver to review key data including in-car entertainment and navigation systems. Also available is a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Additional model

The all-new S-MAX is an additional model in the Ford of Europe product portfolio. It shares many new convenience, dynamic and safety features with its sister car, the new Ford Galaxy. However, its 5+2 seating, distinctive styling, and the availability of the 220PS Duratec 5-cylinder turbo engine from the Focus ST, signals its sporty character.

The all-new Ford S-MAX and Galaxy are born from an entirely new vehicle architecture driven by Ford Motor Company's Global Shared Technologies initiative. With this unique approach to product development, Ford has been able to design and engineer two vehicles in S-MAX and Galaxy which, while sharing many of their core technologies, present themselves as individual products with unique appeal, starting with their design.

The S-MAX, along with the new Ford Galaxy, feature elements of Ford's "kinetic design" language, expressing energy in motion and emphasizing Ford's dynamic driving capabilities in an emotional way. With an emphasis on people carrying capacity and flexibility, both models also feature Ford's unique FoldFlatSystem (FFS) for the rear passenger seats.

The new Ford S-MAX was fully developed in-house at Ford and is built exclusively at Ford's Genk plant in Belgium. Production of the S-MAX, together with the new Ford Galaxy, began in April 2006.

"We are pleased with the response to the new Ford S-MAX from customers and the media," said Joe Bakaj, vice president, product development, Ford of Europe. "We are also very proud of the vehicle's safety performance and the class-leading Euro NCAP ratings. It shows that we are fully committed to continually improve the safety of our cars."

NEW FORD GALAXY – TRAVEL FIRST CLASS
Elegant silhouette features 'kinetic design' elements
Innovative Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS) allows 32 possible seating configurations
30 per cent more luggage space than the previous model
Flexibility, modularity and ample space for seven occupants
Three efficient and powerful engines, impressive fuel economy and clean emissions
Comfortable and dynamic suspension including continuously-controlled damping, for car-like driving
Latest occupant and child protection technology – including new driver's knee airbag and ISOFIX mounts
Available new technologies for driver assistance include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Human Machine Interface (HMI)
Fully developed and built in-house by Ford, unlike the previous model
The new generation Ford Galaxy takes the attributes of flexibility, spaciousness, and safe and comfortable driving to new levels, enhancing its 'Travel First Class' reputation.

New Galaxy has been designed and developed in-house by Ford of Europe, and is being built at the company’s Genk Assembly Plant in Belgium alongside its sibling, the new Ford S-MAX, and the all-new 2007 Ford Mondeo. This marks a major departure from the previous joint-venture model.

New Galaxy joins the S-MAX in introducing key elements of Ford's 'kinetic design' styling. First seen last year in the striking Ford iosis concept car, this creative new form language expresses energy in motion, resulting in dynamic and distinctive shapes in the bold body forms of Ford Galaxy and Ford S-MAX.

The Ford family face of both vehicles shows their obvious relation, yet the only common parts in the external body panels are the head lights and the bonnet. They really are two distinctly different vehicles – the Ford S-MAX roof height is about one hand width lower than the Galaxy’s (1607mm v 1676mm). All other body panels, as well as doors and glass, are individual. Thus, each vehicle’s distinguished design style expresses its particular character.

Galaxy Innovation
New Galaxy features a wide array of intelligent innovations, many of them new to Ford, and many designed to provide superior levels of passive and active safety.

These include a new Active Suspension System with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert. An
all-new driver's knee airbag also debuts, along with a permanent Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Also, in keeping with Ford’s no-compromise approach to safety and the evolving EU legislative requirements, measures have been taken to deliver an increased level of pedestrian protection.

Standard on Galaxy is Ford's latest-generation HMI (Human Machine Interface), the premium driver information system. Also available are the advanced Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC), a DVD entertainment system with headrest-integrated LCD screens, Bluetooth® connectivity, and voice control.

Galaxy Space
New Ford Galaxy takes functionality and flexibility to new heights. Both new Galaxy and the S-MAX feature the innovative Ford FoldFlatSystem (FFS). Easily moving and individually folding second and third row seats bring new levels of flexibility and modularity to the class.

In total, 32 seating configurations are possible with all seats remaining on board. The second and third rows can be quickly folded down to form a flat and even load floor almost as big – 2.0 metres by 1.15 metres – as a comfortable bed. Even with all of the rear seats in use, Galaxy still offers up to 435 litres of luggage space. Galaxy can be specified with a large panorama glass roof and an overhead storage console to enhance the "Travel First Class" experience.

Galaxy Driving Experience
Ford created the new Galaxy with recognisable Ford dynamics. This signature expertise in ride and handling is now expressed by the new title Ford PrecisionDrive. Galaxy’s suspension, offering more than 200mm of spring travel, is tuned for a relaxed ride, yet is still surprisingly dynamic and controllable.

Galaxy can now be specified with Ford’s optional new active suspension system with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD). Ford’s new CCD technology effectively provides adaptive damping by rapid damper valve control. This means that each damper valve can be adjusted almost every two tenths of a second to guarantee the best interaction between comfort and road contact. Heave, pitch and roll of the vehicle are controlled by the system, improving handling and stability.

Galaxy Safety
Ford has equipped both the new Galaxy and S-MAX with a no-compromise array of active and passive safety features. While the S-MAX joins the latest Ford Focus model in receiving a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP for adult occupant protection, it is anticipated that the new Galaxy will achieve a similar result.

For child protection, the Ford Focus C-MAX set the standard as the first vehicle to be awarded a 4-star rating by Euro NCAP, and Ford Focus and S-MAX have maintained this, while new Galaxy is designed to replicate this important achievement. Both S-MAX and Galaxy feature a three-anchor ISOFIX system, with Ford dealers now offering appropriate and specially selected child seats for children of all sizes and ages.

Galaxy's safety story begins with a solid foundation – an ultra-stiff body structure that reduces the deformation of the passenger safety cell. Ford's Intelligent Protection System has been enhanced for the new Galaxy to include latest-technology front air bags and a new driver's knee air bag as well as side mounted thorax air bags for the front seats plus window curtain air bags which protect all seat rows.

Also available now on new Galaxy is Ford's Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC), and an all-new active suspension system which integrates:

Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) to improve suspension performance and comfort in all road conditions and interact with the vehicle’s ESP for better dynamic vehicle behaviour
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Forward Alert (FA) and Collision Mitigation by Braking – driver aids based on radar distance control
Hill-Launch-Assist (HLA), which allows the driver to release the brake pedal and to step on the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling backwards
Ford’s new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Galaxy Engines:
2.0-litre Duratec HE petrol engine

This 16-valve, four-cylinder powerplant offers 145PS and peak torque of 190Nm. The powerful Duratec HE petrol 16-valve engine is lightweight and compact, matched with Ford’s proven MTX-75 Durashift five-speed manual transmission.

Duratorq TDCi 1.8-litre diesel engine

This proven turbo-charged Ford common-rail diesel engine offers 125PS and a steady state peak torque of 320Nm (340Nm under transient overboost). Also available in Galaxy is a power-reduced 100PS version of the Duratorq TDCi diesel to suit the cost-of-ownership parameters driven by insurance and tax rates in certain markets. Two transmissions will be available on Galaxy, the Durashift MTX75 five-speed manual or the Durashift six-speed manual.

Duratorq TDCi 2.0-litre diesel engine

This high-performance, 2.0-litre TDCi diesel offers 140PS and a peak torque of 320Nm (340Nm under transient overboost). It comes with Ford’s Durashift
six-speed manual transmission as standard.

Galaxy's place in the Ford family

The all-new Galaxy sits at the top of Ford's European product portfolio. New Galaxy’s striking body design, derived from Ford’s kinetic design language, displays the same futuristic modernism as its sporty sibling, the Ford S-MAX. Yet it makes a statement more geared towards comfort and quality, building on the
first-class credentials of its predecessor.

Both the all-new Ford Galaxy and the S-MAX are born from an entirely new vehicle architecture driven by Ford Motor Company's Global Shared Technologies initiative. With this unique approach to product development, Ford has been able to design and engineer two vehicles which, while sharing many of their core technologies, present themselves as individual products with unique appeal, starting with their design.

Since its original launch in 1995, the Ford Galaxy has grown from strength to strength, achieving a strong second position within an increasingly aggressive segment of the market. Following a major refresh in 2000, Galaxy introduced new levels of craftsmanship to the Ford range, and continued to grow its segment share in Europe. While the first generation Galaxy was a joint-venture model, the all-new model has been developed entirely inside Ford of Europe, and is being built exclusively by the company at its Genk plant in Belgium.

More than 50,000 units of new Galaxy and S-MAX have been built at Genk since production started earlier in 2006.

FORD FLEXIFUEL VEHICLES LEAD THE MARKET

Ford extends European leading market position for bio-ethanol vehicles
More than 22,000 Ford flexifuel vehicles sold in Sweden since 2001
Ford flexifuel vehicles now available in ten European countries
Other European markets to follow
More than 1,5 million bio-ethanol vehicles built by Ford in past decade
Ford Motor Company to invest £1 billion in development of environmental technologies
Ford continues to set the pace for ethanol-powered vehicles in Europe. With more than 22,000 Ford flexifuel vehicles sold in Sweden since 2001, it proves to be a resounding success – 40 percent of all Ford sales in this country are flexifuel vehicles.

These figures indicate the market potential for bio-ethanol powered vehicles. Ford Focus and Focus C-MAX flexifuel models are currently available in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Ireland, Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway – with other markets to come.

Ford aims to broaden the public knowledge of bio-ethanol powered vehicles and encourage more consumers to adopt this technology. Societal stakeholders have been invited to join this initiative for a concerted effort toward making mobility more sustainable. Governmental support such as tax incentives is fundamental to stimulating further customer interest and infrastructure development.

Ford flexifuel vehicles are capable of running on a blend of so-called E85 (85% bio-ethanol and 15% petrol), on petrol only or on any mix of both combined in one fuel tank. This system has clear advantages for customers and the environment.

For customers it means flexibility in terms of choice and availability of fuel, for the environment the use of bio-ethanol in combination with Ford FFV technology can lead to an 80 percent reduction of overall CO 2 emissions compared with a conventional petrol engine. The highly affordable flexifuel models are part of Ford's broad portfolio of environmentally advanced technologies.

Significant commitment to the environment

Ford Motor Company recently announced that it is going to invest at least £1 billion in the UK developing a range of globally applicable environmental technologies for its Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo brands. This engineering programme is part of a broad strategy designed to deliver an extensive list of technologies including lightweight, hybrid electric and bio-fuel vehicles.

Worldwide availability

Ford's commitment throughout its global operations to flexifuel vehicles also includes four new models for the North American market, a Focus model for Thailand capable of running on petrol and a specific bio-ethanol/petrol mix, and the long-established availability of Ford flexifuel vehicles and dedicated bio-ethanol technology in Brazil. In the past decade, Ford has built more than 1.5 million ethanol-powered vehicles worldwide.

ALL-NEW FORD RANGER: MORE POWER, DURABILITY AND STYLE
Tough and modern exterior design
Improved driving quality
Increased loading and towing capacity
More durability and more comfort
More power with all-new 2.5-litre 143PS common-rail diesel engine.
All-new interior
The all-new Ford Ranger promises to deliver more style, more practicality, more durability and more comfort. New Ranger features a tough and modern exterior design, a completely redesigned interior, increased loading and towing capacity, and an all-new common-rail diesel engine.

Phil Collareno, Commercial Vehicle Line Director, Product Development, Ford of Europe, said: "New Ranger is a very stylish yet durable vehicle. It really deserves its 'tough truck' label, and now offers even higher levels of comfort and practicality. Ranger is a rugged and professional vehicle, combining style and fun with a no-nonsense approach to getting the job done – just like its customers."

New Tough Exterior

Immediately noticeable is the imposing new bonnet and large wide grille opening which dominate the front, while prominent wheel arches help protect the bodywork and emphasize the Ranger's tough look.

The split front bumper and integrated fog lamps are designed to be protected during off-road driving, while the clean look of the front is emphasized by new clear lens reflector headlamps with jewel-like details. Other exterior details include new grip surfaces for the door handles that make them easier to open.

For those customers looking for the ultimate Ranger, the popular 'Thunder' package is available for the new model, offering a bright tubular sports bar, chrome side sill bar and rear chrome underbar which complement the Ranger's already sporty and tough look. Moving inside, buyers of the Thunder package can enjoy the comfort of leather seats.

The purposeful profile of the new Ranger is set off by attractive new 16-inch alloy wheels on 245/70R16 tyres (15-inch on some models). The new wheel/tyre combinations also provide better grip in all road conditions.

New Stylish Interior

The interior of the new Ranger has been completely redesigned. The seats boast a new sculpted seatback, wider shoulders, improved bolster and larger headrest. The fascia now features an information centre to include the driver's most important items. The angular centre stack is finished in an attractive shade of silver, and bright silver chrome detailing continues into the instrument cluster, ventilator grilles, gearshift, window switches and inner door handle.

There are numerous stowage areas in the new Ranger, including an industry-first instrument panel pull-out tray to keep paperwork in place. Additionally, a two-bin centre console has the capacity for storing up to ten CDs, two mobile phones and a variety of other items. All new Rangers feature an integrated radio with an in-dash CD player and MP3 compatibility; an in-dash six CD player and additional speakers is also available.

New Engine

The new Ford Ranger is equipped with an all-new 2.5-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine that features a new common-rail fuel injection system. The engine provides increased power (143PS) and torque (330 Nm at 1,800 rpm) as well as improved fuel economy.

The higher levels of refinement of the new TDCi engine deliver a significantly quieter cabin. A Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) is employed to provide an earlier and broader torque delivery as well as reduced turbo lag. The transmission is the proven Durashift 5-speed manual transmission.

Increased Load Area and Towing Capacity

For new Ranger, the pick-up box side wall height has been increased by 60mm to provide class leading storage capacity. In addition, cargo tie-downs have been moved to a lower position to give greater load security and an innovative new shelving facility has been built into the load area. Ranger is capable of carrying a one tonne payload and it has a substantial three tonne towing capacity.

Improved Ride and Handling

True to Ford's passion for driving quality, the new Ranger has significantly improved driveability. To deliver improved ride quality, Ranger gets a larger suspension upper control arm and spring bushing, larger wheels and all-terrain tyres, a larger diameter shock absorber, and increased leaf spring length to optimise ride quality. There is also a new rear stabiliser, and an improved hydraulic braking system. The new Ranger provides safe and precise handling both laden and unladen thanks to its clever use of progressive damping and carefully tuned spring rates.

Vehicle approach and departure angles have been designed tackle the steepest of climbs, while electronic 'shift on-the-fly' allows for easy and quick 4x4 engagement when required. Combined with an extremely tractable engine offering high levels of available torque, the all-new Ranger is a true off-roader which is both rugged and capable in the harshest of environments.

Reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness

A key area of improvement is Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Immediately noticeable are the improved NVH characteristics of the new Ranger, and these have been achieved in a number of ways. The engine is quieter due to a new cooling fan system and very precise fuel injection patterns which are controlled by the advanced computer-managed high pressure common-rail system.

Idle vibration is reduced thanks to stiffer engine and body mounts and a stronger chassis frame. A new door seal system, carpet and panel insulations also help reduce engine and road noise.

Safety

As more and more customers use their Ranger for day-to-day and family transportation, Ford's no-compromise approach to safety ensures that all occupants are equally protected. The new Ranger is equipped with standard front airbags for driver and passenger, plus optional side impacts airbags for the front seats. Seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners to ensure maximum passenger protection in an accident. Child seat anchors are also available. Four wheel anti-lock braking is standard across the Ranger model range, helping to avoid a collision even when towing at full Gross Train Weight.

Extensive Tough Testing

The new Ranger has undergone one of the toughest testing regimes ever undertaken for a vehicle of this type. Proving grounds in Arizona, Japan, Australia, and South Africa were used, in temperatures ranging from -25 to 57 degrees Celsius.

Early production vehicles were put through their paces through mountain ranges in Northern Thailand and Laos, the Himalayas in Nepal, the jungles of Borneo, across the Australian Outback, through Kruger National Park in South Africa and across the searing deserts of the United Arab Emirates.

NEW FOCUS RS WRC LIFTS FORD'S RALLY PROGRAMME TO NEW HEIGHTS

With success in Finland, the all-new Focus RS World Rally Car claims four victories so far in its first year of competition
Ford enjoys most successful World Rally Championship season since 1993
Ford notches up half century of world rally wins
2006 success is "beyond what we had hoped for this season" says Ford TeamRS
Ford's all-new Focus RS World Rally Car has proved an instant success in its maiden year of competition by claiming four wins in the first eight months of the 2006 campaign. Victory over the legendary roller-coaster roads of Finland in August meant this was already the Blue Oval's most successful season since 1993.

Remarkably in a season marked out as a development year for the stunning new Focus RS WRC, four wins from Flying Finns Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen and a string of podium finishes for them and team-mates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen have put Ford in with a great chance of winning the manufacturers' title.

The priority for the first season of a three-year programme with the new car was to develop its speed and reliability over the 16-round WRC in readiness for a full championship challenge in 2007.

However, Grönholm astonished the sport by winning the opening round of the season, the famous Monte Carlo Rally, on his debut in the car. He then won the second round over ice-bound roads in Sweden - Ford's 50th WRC triumph.

The opening half of the season ended with a third win, on the rock-strewn roads of the Acropolis Rally in Greece. Grönholm then won his home event in Finland, the fastest of the championship, for the sixth time in seven years.

The rally car was developed and built by M-Sport, the British-based team which operates Ford's rallying programmes, together with Ford TeamRS. It is based on the Focus ST road car, a vehicle which is highly successful in its own right since its launch late last year.

"We have a strong and experienced team operating from world class facilities at M-Sport's Dovenby Hall," said Ford TeamRS director Jost Capito. "We have a fantastic driver line-up in Marcus Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen, blending one of rallying's great drivers with one of the sport's up-and-coming stars. And, of course, we have the car that is winning rallies and one that we fervently believe will power Ford to further successes in the future.

"Our success already is beyond what we had hoped for this season. But the crucial fact is that apart from winning rallies, we are developing the car and laying a solid platform for a world championship challenge in 2007 and 2008," added Capito.