All-New Ford Focus to be Built Exclusively in Germany, C-Max only in Spain

The European market version of the next-generation Ford Focus that launches in 2010 will be produced solely at the company's Saarlouis plant in Germany, while the new Focus C-Max MPV which also goes into production next year, will be built in Valencia, Spain, Ford announced today. The current Focus is built in Saarlouis and Valencia while the C-Max minivan, only in Germany.

Ford added that the Valencia plant will produce the C-Max for all European markets and potentially for markets outside Europe. Both the Focus and its minivan version were previewed earlier this year at the Geneva Salon with the Iosis Max concept study.

"Our objective is to return to sustainable profitability as soon as we can," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO. "We've already shown that we will make the necessary decisions and do whatever is required to ensure that Ford of Europe emerges from the downturn as a leaner and stronger company, ready to take on the opportunities presented once the economic situation finally improves."

Ford Gets $5.9 Billion Gov. Tech Loans, Says Electric Focus will Arrive in 2011, Plug-in Hybrid by 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that Ford has been approved for a $5.9 billion government loan to develop fuel-saving technologies that will reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil. Ford, which is the only American automaker not to receive emergency federal aid, said that it intends to apply the loans on a variety of fuel-saving technologies.

These include the development of hybrid-electric systems, alternative-fuel power plants, direct-injection engines as well as new dual clutch transmissions, aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction measures through platform efficiencies and greater use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel.

Ford also outlined its electric and hybrid car strategy that accelerates with the introduction of a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van in 2010 and a BEV Focus in 2011, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012.

Both the electric Transit Connect, which Ford is developing with Smith Electric U.S and the electric Focus that will be produced in collaboration with Magna at the Michigan Assembly Plan, are expected to have a range of up to 100 miles or 160 kilometers.

"This green partnership between Ford and the U.S. government will help accelerate the development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Ford is absolutely committed to fuel economy leadership with every new model we introduce. In fact, we plan to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years."

"Our partnership with the Department of Energy also will help retool our U.S. plants more quickly to produce fuel efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel-economy requirements," Mulally concluded.

New Astra Beats Ford Focus and VW Golf at Millbrook Test Track in Viral Video

Looks like General Motors' UK division is trying its hand at viral marketing with a new video showing 2010 Astra hatchback outpacing a VW Golf MKVI and a Ford Focus at the Millbrook Proving Ground test track in Bedfordshire, England. The driver behind the wheel of the Astra is none other than Vauxhall's own BTCC pilot, Fabrizio Giovanardi. If you turn up the volume and pay attention, you might hear some weird mechanical noises coming out of the Astra but guess that makes it a bit more realistic... Will be interesting to see if Ford and VW play along, but until then follow the jump to watch the video.

Kudos to Mark for the tip!

Ford Official Says No to U.S. Version of Focus RS 305HP. Then How About a Fiesta RS?

As much as North American buyers would have wanted to see the 300HP Focus RS making its way to this side of the Atlantic, unfortunately this isn't going to happen for the usual cost-related reasons. In an interview with Britain's Autocar magazine, Ford's recently appointed Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development director, Jost Capito, confirmed that the company has no plans on selling the high-performance version of the Focus in the States.

"We'd like to, but the base car isn't homologated for North America, and that's too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS," said Capito.

Interestingly, when asked about the possibility of a performance version of the Fiesta, Capito said that while he couldn't discuss future plans, Ford believes that "in Europe, the Fiesta and Focus are too close to make two similar performance models work."

Although the British magazine did not ask a follow-up question on the matter, Capito's answer and reference to Europe and not the U.S. doesn't rule out the possibility that Ford may develop a high-performance version of the Fiesta for the States.

The US-bound Fiestas that are slated to hit U.S. dealerships in the beginning of 2010 will be manufactured at the company's revised Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico. If Ford wants to create some buzz around the car and why not, maybe even make a profit out of it, a high-performance Fiesta would certainly fit in the range.

Via: Autocar