2011 Ford Vertrek Concept

2011 Ford Vertrek Concept

With CES last week and the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this week, there is a lot of news hitting the wire. In fact, a lot of news is coming out of one auto manufacturer in particular—Ford. Last week, AllSmallCars.com was right there with the breaking news of the 2012 Ford Focus Electric debut on the stage during Alan Mulally’s keynote at CES 2011. This week the 2011 NAIAS has the news buzzing again with Ford’s 10 new small cars and electrification plans announcement. It is a move that shows that Ford isn’t afraid to market small cars—not even in the U.S.

Ford C-Max Energi, first revealed at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

Ford C-Max Energi, first revealed at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

2012 Ford C-Max

2012 Ford C-Max

It is no secret that the C-segment or small car segment is one of the largest and highest volume areas in the automotive industry. So it makes sense that manufacturers would want to have a wide variety of vehicles in that segment, but few can say they have 10 different models available for their consumers with a wide variety of powertrain technologies. Ford, however, can and is proving it this morning with their press release and presentation at NAIAS. With 10 global c-segment cars and electrification of 30% of those, consumers will be able to choose the vehicle that fits their lifestyle the best—and their politics too.

How does Ford get to “10 new-generation, fuel-efficient smaller cars?” Check out this list from their press release earlier this morning:

  • 2012 Ford Focus—three models including the five-door hatchback, four-door sedan and the all-new wagon to be marketed in Europe.
  • Ford Focus ST—the first global performance vehicle from Ford.
  • Ford Focus Electric—The first fully electric c-segment passenger car from Ford.
  • Ford C-MAX—five passenger model for Europe and other global markets
  • Ford C-MAX—seven passenger model for the North American market.
  • Ford C-MAX Energi—Ford’s first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Look for it to be introduced in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.
  • Ford C-MAX Hybrid—Also to be launched in North America in 2012 and in Europe in 2013.
  • Global reveal of the new Ford Vertrek compact sport utility vehicle concept. 

Bottom line—there are a lot of choices in the Ford C-segment bag of tricks and they aren’t afraid to bring them to the U.S., even with a so-so history of sales. Smaller more efficient cars with highline features are said to be the way of the future—Ford may just leave other competitors in their dust.

 

[Source: Ford]