Petition for C1 Focus

A frequent commentor ThatDudeMike, sent me the link above for an online petition urging FoMoCo to bring the C1 "Euro" Focus to the US market.

Focus (Euro C1) and Mazda3 selling like hot cakes in China! Why can't Ford sell this in US??

Here's an article discussing how well the new Focus and Mazda3 are selling in China. Every time I read an article like this, I want to smack whoever at FoMoCo made the decision not to bring the new Focus here. Again, the world gets new improved, and in the US we get warmed over mediocre. Igor a new commenter here, from the Foculjet forums says that a new Focus is due in 2008. I believe it's long overdue and by 2008 I'll be writing a new blog called "I remember when Ford built cars, do you?"

Ford Focus C-Max 4x4? over at Jalopnik

Europe seems to be the land of mini vans, although they avoid that label, preferring MPV or People Mover. And Ford seems to have a full spread for the market. Here is the Ford Focus C-Max. I've already posted photos this week of the Galaxy and S-Max, so you can see the family resemblance among them. Based on the C1 Euro Focus platform, this is a neat little package. And Jalopnik points to spyphotos of a possible 4x4 version.
If you want a Focus C-Max in the United States, buy a Mazda5, they're both C1 based. I believe the Focus version came first, as I know the C-max has been out for a few years.
Again with a glass roof. Ford can't seem to deliver a decent mini van in the US, but boy they've got some nice options in Europe.
This is the Fusion MPV, based on Fiesta mechanicals. So this would be the smallest, then the C-Max, S-Max and finally the Galaxy. These are their car based MPVs.
And this Ford EcoSport is a 4x4 version of the UK Fusion, sold in Latin America and possibly headed to the US.
And if the Galaxy is too small how about the Toureno ? This I believe is based on the Transit commercial van from Ford's European line.
No glass roof or sporty styling, I'm not sure if this is still offered.

But it's interesting that Ford can make not 1 but 4 interesting MPV/Mini Vans in Europe and we got the FreeStar??????

Are these nails in Ford's coffin?

Is Mark Fields going to be the Grim Reaper at Ford Motor Company? Is he the one to drive the nail in Ford's North American Coffin? It seems that some fo the rumors and anouncements around Ford would indicate so. Or in the least, the death of anything remotely interesting.
Latest is the decision to eliminate SVT's operations and with the exception of the Shelby GT500 Mustang, models. This on it's own is not enough to kill Ford. It's more a culmination of decisions and indecision that will result in the slow agonzing death of Ford Motor Company. SVT was a great operation, that inspired Chrysler's SRT line. But it's not the exclusivity of dealers, which now may result in lawsuits against Ford, that is the problem. It's more the appearance that Ford is giving up on one more aspect of business. Retreating from Special Vehicles. While GM sells SS badged versions of their Chevy brand, and Chrysler spreads SRT around all of their brands, Ford cuts the lifeline. It's just one sign of weakness and lack of vision.
Here's another sign of impending doom. I've been complaining for months that Ford has a great new Chassis for the Focus and yet in the US we get a facelifted last generation model. The excuses I'd read online and in the press were related to cost of production and price point. The new C1 Focus would cost more to produce and therefore the price would have to go up. But I've said it before, I don't buy that excuse. The Focus C1 is offered for sale in every market Ford sells in, with the exception of Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is built and sold in China and Russia and marketed in South America, Asia, The Middle East, Africa and Europe. That same chassis underpins the Mazda3, which is a competitor for the US Ford Focus. So how can it be too expensive for Ford, but not Mazda? How can it make sense in Russia and China and not the US? I've heard arguments that in these other markets, a Focus is not an entry level vehicle, while in the US it is. Bullsh*t, a Focus shouldn't be an entry level car in the US either, there should be a model below the Focus in price and size, like the Fiesta. Not just for price point, but for economy. The Japanese and Korean competitors are about to bring new B segment models like the Honda Fit here to compete with the anticipated flood of cheap Chinese imports.
Ford has been rumored to be letting the Ranger die, just as they unviel a new and improved Ranger for the rest of the world. Another stupid decision if it's true. The Ford Ranger was the best selling Compact/MidSize pickup in the US for over 15 years. When every other manufacturer made improvements to their trucks, Ford sat there and let the Ranger become stale. As every other manufacturer introduced a crew cab version of their compact pickup, Ford left the Ranger/Mazda twins out of that growing new segment, even though they sell one of the most popular crew cab compact pickups in the world, the Ranger. Was this just to save sales of the Explorer Sport Trac? That model that was passed over when the Explorer was redesigned, and is only now being freshened? Not that the Sport Trac isn't a decent model, but it's small useless cargo area can't compete with the likes of Toyota and Nissan or even GM's triplets. So why let one of the most sucessful compact trucks die? I wish I knew. The new Ranger has sharp styling and with it's 2 Diesels could position Ford to take advantage of a possible resurgance of Diesel powered vehicles in the US. As they push for alternative energy with their "Drive for Innovation" don't they recognize the benefits of having 2 diesel powertrains available for a totally redesigned Ranger?
The Panther platform triplets, once very proffitable for Ford, are now slowly being killed off. While Chrysler, GM and even Hyundai recognize the market for rear wheel drive, Ford plans to replace these cars with versions of the Ford 500. The new Dodge Charger and Magnum will see service as police and taxi fleets. Why would Ford leave a platfrom from 1979 in service for so long without any plan for a replacement? Why when they have a great rear wheel drive platform in Australia, wouldn't they tap that asset for it's replacement? There are rumors now of a Mustang based sedan that could be out in the next decade. But why the delay.
So as Mark Fields counts his Million Dollar bonus for staying through the tough times, I wonder if there will ever be good times for Ford again? I keep hearing stupid decisions, and surrender from different models segments. I almost forgot the mini van, I mean "people mover." It seems Ford realizes their mini van is crap, so they want to bring out the new Fairlane people mover and distance themselves from stink.

No more excuses!!

One of Ford's biggest excuses for not bringing the new C-1 or Euro Focus to the North American market has been a combination of cost and price point. The cost of retooling the plants and the higher price that a new Focus would have to command. Well I see it this way, and I'm not alone. If you bring the new Focus here now, the increased interest will bring sales back up, and pay for the overhaul of the plants.

And if the price of the average Focus needs to rise, go right ahead. Remember this isn't the first time Ford's smallest car outgrew it's "Entry Level" position. In 1960 the Falcon was Ford's "Economy" car, but by 1970 it had grown in size and price, eventually becoming the Torino and being replaced at the bottom by the Maverick and eventually the Pinto. Even the Escort outgrew it's "Entry" position and Ford had to introduce the Fiesta/Aspire to fill in at the lower end of the market. So isn't it time that the Fiesta move into the Entry level slot? After all, that's what Honda and company are doing. The Fit, Yaris and others are bolstering their parent company's entry level position. So if the Focus is not longer the entry level car, then the price point can be raise slightly to reflect the shift. Not only that, but if it's not the bottom rung, you can bring the SVT and Cabrio models eventually as well.

Hell, as in the last post about B segments, use flexible production facilities to produce other models off the C-1 platform, such as the SAV and future crossovers. It's not rocket science, bring interesting product to market and people will buy it, use flexible production plants and you can respond to market changes quicker.

As I see it, Ford no longer has any valid excuse to not bring the C-1 Focus to the North American Market, and if Mazda variants are built on the same flexible assembly lines, the cost can be spread out. Nothing is impossible if Ford is determined. This wouldn't be the first time this company pulled itself out of a funk, it seems to happen every decade or so, and each time they pull some daring move, like the Falcon in 1960, the Mustang in 1964, the Maverick in 1969, the Escort in 1981, the T-Bird and Cougar Aero coupes in 1983, the Taurus in 1985 and Explorer in 1991. Ford is due for the next big idea, and they already have it. Part of being "inovative" is taking chances, and the right risks can pay off. You get nowhere by slashing costs and closing plants alone, new interesting quality product is what is going to save Ford Motor Company, nothing short of that will work.

Re-read Kevin Wilson's piece in AutoWeek on Ford

As I sit shaking in fear over what a certain pinhead Splogger may do to me, I've been re-reading Kevin Willson's piece on Ford from the Feb 6 issue of AutoWeek. I had commented on it earlier this month, saying jokingly that he must be reading my blog. He has 7 points in is "Seven Ways Forward" article, moves he believes Ford can regain market share. Most have been heard here and elsewhere before. But it's a nice day, and I felt like rehashing them here again. Now Point 1 was the C-1 Euro Focus. Kevin rightly points out, that with the market shift towards smaller cars, because of higher fuel prices, this should pay for itself. To remain competative in this once again growing segment, Ford needs to jump start Focus sales with the new platform and I would say with an SVT version based on either the ST from Europe or the MazdaSpeed3. In my opinion, this is a no brainer.
Kevin's 2nd point is "Rethink Minivan" and he points to the Fairlane Concept built on the 500/Freestyle platform and the Euro SAV built on the stretched C-1 platform. The Fairlance according to reports has been green lighted for 2008. I don't necessarilly agree on the SAV, but could see it as a Lincoln or Mercury, with it's plush interior and skylight roof. Sized just a little larger than a Mazda5 it's a wonderful vehicle. Ford's FreeStar is crap, pure and simple, even with it's larger 4.2 V6 and deep discounts. So maybe Kevin has a point.
Now Kevin's point 3 is something I've been saying for a long time, and it's obvious that Ford would have a winner with a new Bronco if it's done right. But Kevin's assertation that the Bronco be combined with a program to replace the Ranger is way off base. The Bronco concept would steal sales from the Toyota FJ Cruiser, that's certain, but does Kevin realize how small this really is? It was supposed to be based on B-segment Fiesta/EcoSport mechanicals with a 1.4 Diesel and Hybrid components. The same chassis would not serve well as a Ranger replacement. The new Ranger shown in Thailand is the right direction for the Ranger, not this Bronco. This would fit between the FJ Cruiser and vehicles like the Honda Element. It's unlikely to see production anytime soon.
Kevin's 4th point is a homerun in my book, but could be a grand slam. Kevin says bring the Ford of Australia Ute here as a Mercury or Lincoln branded Ranchero type of truck. He sees it replacing the Mark LT. Kevin, close but not a winner. Yes bring the Falcon Ute here, sell it as a Mercury not a Lincoln, in fact bring the entire Falcon range here, as replacements for the Panther platform (Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/TownCar) but don't kill the Mark LT. With the success of Cadilacs trucks, the LT is cheap insurance. Built on the same line as the F150, the LT can't cost much to produce, keep it until sales simply decline.
Kevin gets a little wide here with point 5. He simply says B-segment Subcompact and after listing competitors like the Kia Rio, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent, he mentions that crap SynUS concpet from Ford as being a failure (that's the turd that looked like a bank vault on wheels.) Then he mentions the EcoSport built on Fiesta Mechanicals.
Kevin goes a little farther afield when he mentions the Model U concept from 2002. This one you may recall was to be a "Recyclable" car, utilizing alternative materials. A sort of crossover for the Siera Club.
And then finally Kevin pulls this one out of his hat. The Ford Faction concept from 2003. Now with all of the B-segment Cubes headed our way, Kevin may be onto something here. Based on Fiesta/Mazda2 mechanicals, this is a sharp little vehicle. This is cool!!!
Kevin's 6th point, what he calls "Ameri-Ka" seeks a stylish B segment coupe, built off Ka/Fiesta mechanicals. I agree, although I'm not sure the Ka is the one.
But as if reading my mind Kevin points to the Reflex, my new favorite concept. Kevin sees it as a new Mercury, and I can live with that. I WANT THIS !!!!
Now point 7 "A True Compact Pickup" makes no sense at all. Again Kevin calls for the replacement of the Ranger with a new "Compact" truck, because he see the Ranger replacement moving up in size. But even if the Ranger moves up to "mid-size" like the competition, where does he see the market for smaller compact trucks? The Bantam/Courier mini trucklet seen here is again built on Fiesta mechanicals and front wheel drive. I see it as a niche vehicle, maybe competing with the likes of Scion Xb and Honda Element. Scion has shown concept trucklet based on the Xb mini mpv. But could it sell in large enough numbers?

The only way I see many of Kevins points working, is if Ford builds a new plant with flexible capability making several of these models based on the new Fiesta/Mazda2 platform. Not that it's impossible, actually I'd love to see it. One new plant building The various models on the same platform, with engine and drivetrain options including all wheel drive and Diesel engines. If you can build several versions of the 500/Montego/FreeStyle/MKS/Fairlane at the same plant, why can't you build the Bronco/EcoSport/Faction/Reflex/Courier or others at a different new plant? Building the cars in North America protects you from curency fluctuations, and allows you to change product mix from the plant in accordance with demand quicker.

So I don't really see 7 points, but 4. First bring (build) the C-1 Focus here, second re-energize minivan or people mover sales with new more interesting product, third bring the Falcon Ute (entire line actually) here for Mercury and fourth utilize Fiesta/Mazda2 platform to create several new niche models that would invigorate Ford's lineup and defray costs by common components and flexible production.

Nice work Kevin, your plan with my changes could go a long way to the "Way Forward." Let's hope that someone from Ford reads your magazine and even better my blog.

New MazdaSpeed3 may be some relief for those of us that want the Euro Focus ST but....

The new MazdaSpeed3 which is making it's debut in Europe, will eventually come to our shores with 250 hp through the front wheels and a sub $30k pricetag. Unlike the MazdaSpeed6, it won't have the all wheel drive and it will be shy 24hp, but with it's lower weight, acceleration should be on par with big brother, and price should be lower. Built on the Ford/Mazda family platform, that underpins the Euro Focus, this could help ease the pain for some. I know that despite it's being a 5 door and my preference for the Ford's smoother styling, that I would consider it for my garage.
But it still gets my blood boiling when I know that most of the world can have this stylish fast Ford, even if it is powered by the Volvo S40's Turbo I5. You can't tell me that this car can't come to the US for less than $30k, but the Mazda and Volvo can. Enough is enough, when is Ford going to bring their better platforms here to the US?
And don't even get me started about the Euro Focus Cabrio, production version of the Vignale concept I've posted on many times. The only way we'll see this beauty is at Volvo dealers as the C70.


Ford has some amazing products they sell globally, and if they want to improve their image here in the US, they need to bring some of them here. Start with the Euro Focus, then bring us the Fiesta, Falcon and Territory. Bring some of them as Mercury or Lincoln if you must, but bring them to the US soon.

Short Rant, sorry

While Ford quietly rolls out the new Expedition SUV, where is the new Focus? It's not as if the Focus is a bad car, it's not. But while the rest of the world got a new Focus and many platform-mates, we got a "freshened" last generation Focus. This is not inovation, it's not even good business. GM brings out a new Cobalt to replace the Cavlier, Honda brings out a totally re-designed Civic and Ford puts more chrome and a spoiler on the Focus. To add insult to injury they drop the SVT version with it's 170 hp and leave the ST sedan as the top performer with 150 hp. You can't even get the 150 hp in the hatchback.
And while we suffer this situation, everywhere else around the globe (Except Canada and Mexico) Get this! A new C1 platform Focus. The performance version making over 200 hp and styling that is smoother and more graceful. They even build and sell them in Russia and China! You can get the new Focus in India, South Africa, All of Europe, Australia, Asia and South America! Ford's excuse is that it had been too expensive for the US market. But you can get this same platform from Mazda as the Mazda3, or Volvo as the S40/V50 and soon C30.

Enough with the big trucks, bring the new Focus and some of the other small Fords here to the US. I'm sure that there is still a market for SUVs, but can't Ford recognize that there is a resurgance in the small car segment? And the current Focus is just not exciting enough to capture attention.

How to compete and how not to, in the sport compact market.

Right now, this is the sport compact that Ford will be selling in Europe with over 200 hp. The Focus ST, which is Europes equivalent of our Ford Focus SVT (currently not in production, and don't hold your breath.)
And this is the most powerful version of the Focus available from Ford in the US. At 150 hp the Focus ZX4 ST is not a slouch, but not really a superstar. At lest it's available with a manual transmission. And let's not forget that wing, ooh wow. Not exactly warming up my blood. Not just that it's a 4 door sedan, I could get over that. But 150 hp??? Come on. This "sport compact" version can be had for around $19k and blends in well at any mall or high school.
This is the media's new star, the 2006 Honda Civic Si, with 197 hp and priced around $20k. Now I'm going to be kind, 197 hp is adequate, but what about torque? Can you say limp? The Civic Si only makes 148 lb ft of Torque. And you better love to rev up near the limit to make that 197 hp. Cause down low, it's not there. I have to admit I like the exterior styling, but the new interior leaves me wondering why? Why have a huge tach and then in a binacle out of Star Trek, have a digital speedo? We have a new 2005 Civic EX in our driveway, and it's dash is one of it's greater assets. Nice clear gauges, that are backlit in blue, controls laid out well. So why do this to a decent car?
Even Chevy is in the game, with their 205 hp Cobalt SS Supercharged model, selling around $22k. I've driven this and it's a powerful little package, and a good value. If I was in the market for a sport compact coupe, this would be my first and possibly last stop. Even for a guy that doesn't like GM, this is a well done car. I've driven both the SS and the LS in auto and stick shift and the handling is good, brakes are actually great, transmission feel is very good. Why can't Ford do something like this??
The outgoing American champ in the sport compact segment, the Neon SRT4 had 230 hp from a Turbocharged motor and a 6spd manual. These sold, when you could find them for around $24k, and from what I've heard, they're rough but drivable little beasts. But it's too late to get one of these, the Neon is dead to be replaced by the Caliber. The closest you can get to this is a slightly detuned version in the PT Cruiser GT with I believe 205 hp. There will be an R/T version of the Caliber and possibly an SRT4 version. The Caliber's top engine will be a naturally aspirated 178 hp I4. Even the base engine will be a 148 hp 1.8 and next a 158 hp 2.0.
With 300 hp and all wheel drive, the Subaru WRX STI is one of the kings of the segment, but don't expect to buy one for less than $30k. But even the lesser Subaru WRX with 227 hp will cost you close to $28k. Not bargains prices, but still class leading performance.
Matching the Subaru's boy racer looks and with almost 300 hp and all wheel drive, is Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution VIII. Again not cheap at around $30k, this is a tie for class leader with the subaru. Get em while you can, as Mitsu's future looks shaky.
Now, the Mini Cooper in base trim is a bargain at around $18k ( actually closer to $22k on dealer lots, only because they are ordered loaded), but with only 160 hp going to the front wheels it's not the fastest of the group. But for a few grand (about $4k) more you can get the JCW package, including a supercharger and various handling pieces. This like the Mustang and Beetle is another Retro wagon, but unlike the Beetle this one's interesting and not just a rebodied Golf.
The Scion Tc at $18k and with 160 hp is a bargain when you consider that for that price you need to order no options. Standard are the wheels (17's) Moonroof, stereo, A/C and power windows and such. Now when you go into the dealer it's easy to get suckered into another $4k in accessories, but the basic car is available for $18k. There is even a TRD supercharger available, so like the Mini Cooper JCW it can achieve better power.
And what about the loyal Blue Oval fan? Well, he's screwed. Here is the Roush Focus, with it's body kit, big brakes and 18" wheels, but what do you get in the way of power? The same 150 hp available in the Factory ZX4 ST. That's right, it's a pimped out ZX3 with a price tag of $26k.
But wait, there's always the Saleen N2O Focus right?? It's advertised on Saleen's website as being a factory 250 hp!! Wrong!!!!!!! It's the same 150 hp ZX3 with an almost completely installed 100 hp nitrous system. I say almost installed, because they do everything, install and wire the system, including arming switch. Mount the empty cylinder in your hatch. Everything, almost everything. And for an amazingly low price of $26k. Wow what could be cooler? I want to sing up now, where can I get one?

Hold on there buckaroo, don't jump too fast. You see, if you fill the tank of nitrous and install that last little hose to make the system functional, you void your warranty !!! And Steve Saleen and his boys won't lift a finger to help you. Now I don't just mean your warranty from Saleen, I mean your warranty from Ford! And not just on the engine, but transmission and everything else!

So while GM and Chrysler take this segment seriously, Ford just pretends it doesn't exist and allows aftermarket tuners to pedal this crap at selected Ford dealers. I recently was at a local dealer test driving a Fusion and they had several Roush product on hand including a Mustang GT for $47,000!!! And what did you get for that kind of premium? A body kit, big wheels and brakes, some handling goodies and oh yeah the stock 300 hp GT engine.

What fool would piss away the money on this? The salesman told me, they sell well. I can't figure why. I mean next year you can get a Mustang SVT GT500 for about $45K, right? Oh no, that's right the dealers will charge premiums for them and generally fuck around.

So here's a question for you, if you had $25,000 and wanted to buy a sporty compact car, which one of these would you buy? Would you spend the entire budget at the dealer or keep some of it for aftermarket speed goodies? Could a tuner plaque on the car make you spend the extra $8,000 ?

If it was my money, the Chevy would be in the driveway, with the factory leather, moonroof and 6 CD stereo and with what's left over I'd go to the TireRack and buy an extra set of tires for autocrossing.

Jack Roush and Steve Saleen should hang their heads in shame for putting their names on this crap. Saleen in particular should have to apologize to each person who bought the N2O and lost their warranty.

Focus Turbo Diesel in Europe, why not here?

Over at Blue Oval News I found this link to an acrticle on Ford's new TDI Focus, that's Turbo Diesel Injected. And again I wonder why the "New" Focus didn't come here. I'm tired of hearing how it's too expensive and won't sell at the higher price point. The Euro Focus is a great car and yes it comes here as a Mazda 3 and a Volvo S40/V50/C70, but this could be a real turn around vehicle for Ford. In Europe the Focus is one of the best selling cars, winning awards everywhere. I read this morning somewhere, that it just won the Scotish Family Car of The Year award. There are more variations of Focus in Europe including the Vignale Convertible-Coupe, with it's retractable hard top, and the ST with it's 218 hp I5. Diesels are nothing new in Europe, unlike here in the US they never went out of fashion, and now Ford is bringing a new Turbo Diesel Focus out to compete with the "performance" Diesels from VW and others.

The new Focus looks so much better than the "freshened" version we have and with fuel prices a Diesel would be a wise move. Ford claims to be "Driving Inovation" well maybe with some new models, but not with the Focus. With Honda's new Civic and the other tough competition, it's time for the Euro Focus and it's many flavors to come here.

I'd seriously consider a TDI Focus if it looked like the ST above.

Volvo C30, or how many versions of the new European Focus can you buy in the US without a Ford badge?

Volvo is expected to take the wraps off the new C30 3 door soon, expect to see it in the automotive press next month or so. But if you want a preview, go over to your local Mazda dealer, because this fine little car will be built on the CD-1 chassis which is shared with a wide variety of Ford Partner vehicles including the European Ford Focus, seen below. The C30 is to be about 8" shorter in length than it's S40 brother which of course it shares much with.
The Focus is an important car for Ford on a global scale, one of their biggest sellers in Europe and sold in every market Ford is active in (except North America). They even get the new version in China. The CD-1 architecture is shared with Mazda and Volvo and will even be the base for new models from Jaguar and Range Rover according to articles I've read online. Don't forget the new C70/Focus Vignale hard top convertibles built on the same chassis.
You may recall a posting I made earlier in the summer about Ford using this chassis to underpin future models in Europe instead of the CD-3 chassis, which is shared by the Mazda6/Fusion/Milan/Zephyr and other futuer models including crossover wagons from Ford and Mazda. So what do we get from Ford in North America? A "freshened" last generation Focus. Suposedly to keep costs down. I think the Focus should be an important car for Ford here, especially with fuel costs going up and a new sub Focus model based on the Euro Fiesta coming to the states in the near future.
The first CD-1 car to come to North America and selling well and competatively is the Mazda 3 which is getting rave reviews. Tough to swallow that excuse about costs when you see this.
The Volvo S40 4 door sedan, based on CD-1 chassis and available with all wheel drive and turbo I-5 making 218 hp, this and it's wagon varient are obviously the top fo the line CD-1 right now. That is until this chassis is used for a possible Freelander replacement in the future.
The Volvo safety concept vehicle which will give a glimpse of the styling for the new C30
The 4 door Focus in Europe, we need this in Diesel and Hybrid versions here in the US.
The Mazda 5 people mover/ mini mini van, which is on the Mazda 3 CD-1 chassis.
The Volvo V50 wagon, also available with all wheel drive and turbo I-5.

So why is it that the Mazda 3 can sell in the US at a profitable price, but the Focus can't?