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2012 Ford Focus Owners Manual Pdf Download

Posted by Alex Bale Sunday, March 10, 2013

2012 Ford Focus Owners Manual Pdf Download - Before you try it, first be explanations how the operation and functions of engineers Ford Motor Asia Pacific and Africa. Apparently, quite easy and very helpful especially women who often trouble parallel parking.

So, such a car would be parked parallel to the left. Before entering, turn on the APA which is located in the center of the bottom of the dashboard. Then press the turn signal lever to the left, besides giving marks going in (left), when the turn signal is blinking, simultaneously activate the sensor side is on the front bumper to detect the parking area. Broad parameters appropriate for the park is 1.2 meters longer than the Focus.

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Having found the sensor area is the small screen in the center dash guide. Your next task is to regulate the gas and brake and move the gear (forward or backward). And, let the spinning wheel itself according to the direction of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Note the sound of parking sensors to ensure a safe distance front and rear. When the sound is not meant to be broken brakes and move the teeth fit screen instructions. When the park was getting the ideal position, the screen will inform you and the feature does not work automatically.

During the process, you should never hold the steering wheel because it will disable the APA. If it happens, you have to do the process from scratch. WHAT Sensor valid for a car drove under 30 kph.

Download Here 2012 Ford Focus Owners Manual Pdf

2013 Ford Taurus Sho Technical Repair Owners Manual PDF

Posted by Alex Bale Thursday, March 7, 2013

A long time ago I've written about the 2013 Ford Taurus Specifications. The car has a modern design and systems. My brother really liked the design of the 2013 Ford Focus designs are so elegant.

One of many problems that became confused from the owner of this car when the car Ford Taurus suffered minor damage. Are you are confident to be able to fix this car without a guidebook? Without the need to visit the garage?

I will share information and facts about how to fix minor damage to a 2013 Ford Taurus. Which has a simple repair techniques and easy to apply in repairing all types of cars.

Download : 2013 Ford Taurus SHO Performance Package
Download : 2013 FORD TAURUS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

About 2012 Ford Focus ST Specs and Owners Manuals

Posted by Alex Bale Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Quality 2012 ford focus st is really good. If you don't know about 2012 ford focus st specifications. The information below is great for covering about 2012 ford focus st reviews.

The new Focus has become a leap in refinement over its predecessor. The four-cylinder provides decent power and stellar fuel economy. In the spring, the turbocharged ST will debut for all those craving more power.

Behind The Wheel
Feels tight and solid in an almost BMW-like way. Tuned for fuel efficiency, the auto is slow to downshift.

Statistics
Engine : 2000cc 4-cylinder 16-valve turbo, 247bhp @ 5500rpm, 250lb ft @ 1750rpm
Transmission : Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive suspension MacPherson
Performance : 6.5sec 0-62mph, 154mph, 39.2mpg, 169g/km
How heavy / made of? 1362kg/steel

2012 ford focus st owners manual includes a really simple. But, you can exploit the best. Here, you will see how minor repairs to cars ford focus st 2012.

Ford Introduces European EcoSport Mini SUV at the Geneva Motor Show

Posted by Alex Bale Tuesday, March 5, 2013

After Nissan’s success with the funky Juke, the mini crossover niche has become the place to be for mainstream manufacturers. Ford has already displayed its own contender, named the EcoSport, a year ago but its official launch in Europe took place at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Built around Ford’s B-segment, i.e. Fiesta, global platform, the EcoSport will be available in European markets with three powerplants. The gasoline units are a 109HP (110PS) 1.5-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder and the acclaimed 123HP (125PS) 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged unit, while the sole diesel option is a 89HP (90PS) 1.5-liter that, according to Ford, will deliver “class-leading” fuel efficiency.

“The all-new Ford EcoSport for Europe is extremely economical, flexible and stylish and will, alongside the new B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle, the best-selling Fiesta and all-new Tourneo Courier – complete a comprehensive small car line-up for Europe”, said Nick FitzGerald, chief programm engineer for the EcoSport.

The EcoSport, which was developed entirely in South America, will join the Kuga in Ford’s European SUV line-up and will be followed by the next-generation Edge and the seven-seat Explorer, which will be manufactured in Russia starting later this year.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear from SEMA is Highlighted on Latest Downshift

Posted by Alex Bale Saturday, March 2, 2013

After an online contest, the 2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear Concept won the votes as the first-ever SEMA Mustang to be designed and built exclusively by women. In this episode of The Downshift, we take a look at the team of women who took the 2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear from concept to reality.

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear right front

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear left front

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear front three quarter

2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear front three quarter high

About 40 women from the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network participated in the project. Some of the women who participated in the build — including Ford designer Jennifer Seely who sketched the original concept — share their experience working together on the High Gear Mustang GT and the challenges they face in a male-dominated industry.

Vic Edelbrock was among the many support staff members for the project as an Edelbrock supercharger was among the performance-enhancing parts added to the High Gear Mustang GT. Outside, matte black paint and a rose-gold satin chrome finish was used on the wheels and other exterior trim. The rose-gold chrome finish carried over to the interior, which also featured leather seats wrapped in quilted suede.

Check out the video below to see highlights of the 2013 Ford Mustang GT High Gear build.

Articles Source : Motortrend

2014 Ford EcoSport EU-Version

Posted by Alex Bale Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Ford revealed the European production version of the all-new Ford EcoSport SUV at the mobile technology industry's influential 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Ford EcoSport EU-Version

The EcoSport will be equipped with Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system as well as SYNC Emergency Assistance. In addition, the compact SUV will be one of the first Ford vehicles in Europe to offer Ford SYNC AppLink, which enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver's seat.

"We are entering the age of the connected car and debuting EcoSport at Mobile World Congress underlines just how important advanced vehicle technology is to customers and to Ford," said Paul Mascarenas, Ford chief technical officer and vice president, Research and Innovation.

The Ford EcoSport will be the second SUV to be launched in Ford's expanding European range when it goes on sale in 2013; following the Ford Kuga. Ford also plans to bring to Europe the next generation Ford Edge, a larger and more premium utility vehicle popular in the U.S. and other markets.

Built on Ford's global B-segment platform, the compact EcoSport will deliver the agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, spaciousness, high driving position, and "go anywhere" appeal of an SUV.

"The role of the car is evolving," said Mascarenas. "Customers want to be able to safely enjoy the same level of connectivity in their cars as they would do at home, and SYNC AppLink enables then to do just that. By maximising the potential of apps, Ford can offer customers a class-leading range of smartphone app capabilities while on the move."

Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region using information from the vehicle's on-board GPS unit, and mobile network to pinpoint accident location and choose the appropriate language in which to deliver an introductory message.

The all-new Ford EcoSport will be offered with Ford's innovative 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, the "International Engine of the Year," a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine; and a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

The SUV's distinctive front grille, short bonnet and raked front pillars, deliver a sporty and contemporary feel, and angular headlamps reinforce the modern look. It will also offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including Electronic Stability Program and Hill Launch Assist.

Articles Source : Netcarshow

2013 Ford Fiesta Review User Manual Owners Pdf

Posted by Alex Bale Wednesday, February 20, 2013

2013 Ford Fiesta Review User Manual Owners Pdf - After its launch four years ago, Ford plans to release a new variant of the back hatch Fiesta 2013 coming months. Facelift version of the small car is likely to be marketed first in Europe before circulating throughout the world.

Page autoevolution.com reported, Ford gave a new twist on the grille Fiesta 2013. The front line of mini sedan is now more assertive and dominated by metal rods, like the Ford Mondeo sedan.

Above the bumper there are additional grille that forms a protective field of the hexagonal radiator. Lighting design is upgraded with LED daytime put on the bottom.

Google Images

Ford EcoBoost petrol engine installed 1.0-liter engine that never won the "International Engine of the Year". This machine can make staying digadang car icon Fiesta as cheap and energy efficient.

But in terms of features there jump high enough. 2013 Ford Fiesta became the first in Europe to use an electric key MyKey. Another feature that is quite sophisticated voice command control, Ford SYNC connections for a variety of electronic devices, as well as Active City Stop to help avoid collisions with other vehicles.

According to Ford of Europe's Chief Designer Martin Smith's new Fiesta models will be the pioneer of compact and sporty car design world class. "In addition to an attractive shape, new features provide additional sophisticated for selling these products." he said.

The Fiesta’s driving position is completely good, because of two-way wheel adjustment, an honest quantity of seat adjustment and a well-designed pedal box. all-around visibility is usually sensible, too, however the windshield wipers, particularly on the front traveler facet, leave massive swathes of the windshield unswept.

Up top, the materials used on the dashboard area unit pretty soft, whereas new finishes for 2013 add some additional gloss to the modern style.

Functionality may be higher, however, with too several tiny buttons and a rather advanced scrolling method needed to access the car's minor functions. Equally, look below the eyeline gloss, or venture into the rear of the cabin, and things aren’t quite as spectacular as a result of several of the plastics look and feel quite low-cost.

Combine this with token appear corners and many of confidence-inspiring grip, and you presently realise that the feast is that the sweetest-handling supermini cash should buy.

The price you obtain this management is sort of a loud ride. Despite Ford adding higher-profile tyres for 2013 cars to reinforce comfort, road noise still filters through the suspension and into the cabin.

That said, even as appearance are often deceiving, thus will sounds. Drive over a poor section of road and you'll hear each nicety, however little vibration finds its method into the cabin.

Download Here User Manual Owners Pdf Information 2013 Ford Fiesta

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Review User Manual Owners Pdf

Posted by Alex Bale Tuesday, February 19, 2013

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid Review User Manual Owners Pdf- American car manufacturer, Ford tried their luck in Europe with the Hybrid. The plan, Valencia region will witness the birth of the Ford Hybrid car for Europe.

To achieve that, Ford alone has invested capital of U.S. $ 36 billion, the figure includes assistance from the Spanish government for manufacturers who want to produce environmentally friendly cars by building a factory in Valencia.

Google Images

If possible, immediately launched the Ford C-Max MPV Hybrid automotive market in 2013 for Valencia. After Valencia, other European automotive market is also being targeted marketing Ford.

More than that, the factory is located in Valencia is also scheduled to meet the supply MPV for North American automotive market. Deadline owned Ford began in late 2011. The design of the C-Max MPV itself will begin later this year.

"This is the newest Hybrid, is a form of Ford's commitment to global customers to provide alternative vehicles," said Ford CEO for Europe, John Fleming.

The general basics of the C-Max’s hybrid system ar constant as those of the recent Escape and also the Prius. The ICE works in bicycle with a two-motor, ceaselessly variable planetary-gear transmission that uses one motor to produce traction power to the wheels and one motor to alter the transmission’s modes.

However rather than a two.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder as within the recent Escape, the C-Max uses a two.0-liter that currently works with a transmission changed and designed in-house at Ford’s transmission plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, instead of sourced from Toyota provider Aisin. And rather than more-conventional nickel-metal binary compound batteries, the C-Max’s battery could be a compact, cool one.6-kWh lithium-ion pack mounted beneath the cargo-area floor and comprised of dozens of cylindrical cells from Korea’s Sanyo Corporation. the ability natural philosophy and also the package controls ar all blue oval.

Final assembly happens on the shared Focus line at Ford’s factory in Wayne, Michigan, and also the finished product, despite a rotund 3600-pound curb weight, is extremely Continental-feeling and Focus-like on the road. The steering is firm and connected with a powerful on-center feel, and also the body stiffness is outstanding. Bumps get soaked up and dissipated within the stout structure, the rolling and pitching by the tall body ar tightly damped, and also the brakes ar activated via a firm pedal. Moreover, the 188-hp combined output of the system produces a vigorous throttle response and a definite frisky growl from up front.

The C-Max’s base valuation is aggressive; the SE starts at $25,995. The trimmed-up SEL with animal skin, keyless begin, and also the MyFord typing leaves the blocks at $28,995. Those costs slot the C-Max between the bottom Prius and Prius V in a lucid strategy to divide and conquer. complete choices embody a bunch of recreation and convenience packages starting from $570 to $3080—the latter of that is on the market solely on the SEL and includes a hands-free, motorized liftgate; active parking; a rear camera; and a nine-speaker Sony audio system—an $1195 bird's-eye glass roof, and a couple of special colours. Go serious on the C-Max order sheet, and you'll be able to get the value up past $33,000.

Download Here User Manual Owners Pdf 2013 Ford Fiesta C-MAX Hybrid

2013 Ford Focus ST User Manual Owners Pdf

Posted by Alex Bale Sunday, February 17, 2013

2013 Ford Focus ST User Manual Owners Pdf - When compared in terms of technical, BMW E92 M3 is far superior. Because the heart was redone using a 4.0-liter V8 capable of producing power of 420 hp at 8300 rpm rotation with peak torque of 400 Nm at 3900 rpm. Engine performance is also coupled with a 7 speed automatic transmission system M-DCT channel his energy to drive back.

And the famous Ford Focus used on Rally racing does have similar in-class rivals like the VW Golf GTI, MazdaSpeed3 and Subaru Impreza WRX. But in this new promo teaser looks will face competition not a class, which will try to face the BMW M3 E92.

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To do a promo in the launch of new products sometimes have to take a step which can sometimes look extreme. But this has been done in preparation for the launch of Ford's latest variant of the Ford Focus ST 2013 on September.

In the previous, Ford officially announced the results of the consumption of fuel produced the latest generation Focus ST 2013 is claimed to be more efficient than the VW Golf GTI MK6 with a smaller force.

Given this latest four-cylinder engine capacity of 2.0 liter that can generate power of 252 hp with a peak torque reaching 366 Nm. Large torque will get additional power by 20 Nm again for 15 seconds when overboost mode that occurs when the gas pedal is stepped on full.

Download Here User Manual Owners Pdf 2013 Ford Focus ST

2013 Ford Focus ST Shelby User Manual Owners Pdf

Posted by Alex Bale Saturday, February 16, 2013

2013 Ford Focus ST Shelby User Manual Owners Pdf - Interestingly the high price that must be paid for the package on the Focus St 2013 Shelby also includes changes to the interior as well. Exterior and interior color combinations will be made in line with the use of luxurious leather complete with paddle shifters and sport a unique logo Shelby CSM.

A very interesting news coming from the Ford booth at the Detroit Auto Show in 2013. Best hot hatchback city car from America, New Ford Focus ST gets a special package from Shelby American known for his muscle car products.

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Therefore Shelby proudly introduced 2013 Ford Focus ST. However, as we said at the beginning that this is a special package from Shelby. Special package for the new Ford Focus ST 2013 will be priced price US14.995.

This price does not include the price of hatcback sports car Ford Focus ST 2013. Shelby special package will only make the look more sporty Focus ST Shelby style with ventilated hood, hydro-carbon grille and Hydro-carbon rear spoiler.

But of course not just leave it at that would be obtained. In addition to the application of a special sticker Shelby 2013 Focus ST will also get new suspension make the car shorter. new legs such as alloy wheels with high performance tires and larger brake system and the exhaust system of Bora Exhaust.

Download Here User Manual Owners 2013 Shelby Focus ST

Road Test: Ford B-Max 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium

Posted by Alex Bale Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Price as tested: €23,170

+ Doors, comfort, engine, chassis, quality
– 1.0 not economical enough, needs more space in the back
= Better than the diesel version but still flawed

You know what, I may have given the B-Max a bit of a harsh time the first go-round. When I first drove Ford’s clever new compact people carrier, I was disappointed by its lacklustre new 1.5 diesel engine and equally disappointed by a ride quality that was just too firm and handling that felt too top heavy.

And while my criticisms of the diesel and the ride remain, having spent a bit more time with this, the 1.0-litre turbo petrol EcoBoost model, I have to say that the B-Max is coming rather more into focus for me.

Let’s start with that engine, which has been showered with praise and awards since it was launched last year. Virtually small enough to fit into carry-on luggage, the little three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is a paragon of smoothness, refinement and, surprisingly, grunt. A 100bhp power output is plenty enough in a car the size of the B-Max, and while 170Nm of torque isn’t much compared to the best diesels, it’s enough to make sure that the B never feels sluggish or caught in the wrong gear. And then there’s the character of it. Quiet and hushed at a motorway cruise, it revs happily and emits a distinctly Porsche-esque growl as you approach maximum rpm. It is quite brilliant.

Or at least it would be if not for a significant achilles heel. Fuel consumption. There’s no way of getting around it, over a mixture of motorway, town and main road mileage, I averaged just 8.2-litres per 100km. That’s 34mpg. That’s simply not good enough for a compact family car these days, especially one so explicitly looking to tempt diesel buyers back to petrol. I know, I know, long motorway hauls aren’t a petrol B-Max’s natural metier, but all cars these days have to be all things to all people and the sad fact is that I’ve gotten similar average consumption out of a 218bhp Mini Cooper S Works GP...

That aside, the B-Max really is a lovely little car to drive. Perhaps it’s the reduced weight of the petrol engine versus the diesel that last I tried, but the handling felt distinctly better. You still feel that the weight of the body is set a touch too high (those complicated latches for the sliding side doors the culprit perhaps?) but it’s still got that lovely, fluid feel we’ve come to associate with Ford’s right back to the 1993 Mondeo. The ride quality is still a touch too firm I’d say, and that gives ground to the much more supple Citroen C3 Picasso, but if you’re a keen driver, who needs a small, practical family car, then this is the one for you.

That said, if you really need a small, practical family car, I’m not 100% convinced by the B-Max’s credentials in the practicality department. Those sliding side doors are brilliant, and they make the loading and unloading of small people and their car seats very easy, especially in the close confines of a multi-storey car park. The fact that there’s no b-pillar doesn’t really have a massive effect in terms of loading and unloading, and in fact for some people it may make getting in and out a little more tricky (nothing to grab hold of bar the front seatback) but on the whole, it’s an entertaining gimmick and would certainly make a trip to IKEA that much easier.

But there’s not quite enough space in the back seats, specifically in the legroom department. I’m a hair over six feet tall, and I can fit in the back reasonably comfortably. But my two-and-a-bit year old son, who’s a hair over three feet tall, struggled a bit with space. Why? Because there’s a full six or seven inches between the back of the base that his car safety seat sits on and the actual base of the seat where he sits. That means he’s lifted up and forward by the shape of the seat, which means either he’s cramped for legroom, or I am because I have to pull my seat forward to give him space. It’s not a problem unique to the B-Max, but given the amount of thought Ford has clearly put into the doors, I was hoping for better.

The rest of the interior is just about perfect though, with a big, deep, square boot, comfy seats and a lovely-looking, high quality dash. My Titanium-spec press car also came with Ford’s new Sync system that connects wirelessly to your smartphone both as a phone and as a music player. As a phone it worked swiftly and flawlessly, but I found that the Bluetooth audio streaming tended to make tracks skip annoyingly, but they did play smoothly when connected by a USB cable. Still, the sound quality of the optional Sony stereo was little short of awesome. A highly recommended option.

At €23,170 for the test car, the B-Max makes an interesting alternative to a conventional hatchback, and its extra height and trick doors means that it’s potentially more practical than a similarly priced Focus. But that (otherwise) brilliant little 1.0-litre engine needs to give better economy in real world driving, and a touch more space in the back would make the B-Max nigh-on unbeatable.

Facts & Figures
Ford B-Max 1.0-litre EcoBoost Titanium
Price as tested: €23,170
Range price: €19,821 to €27,600
Capacity: 999cc 
Power: 100bhp
 Torque: 169Nm  
Top speed: 175kmh  
0-100kmh: 13.2sec 
Economy: 4.9l-100km (60mpg) 
CO2 emissions: 112g/km 
VRT Band: A4. €200 road tax 
Euro NCAP rating: 5-star; 92% adult, 84% child, 67% pedestrian, 71% safety assist – joint safest car in small MPV category.

News: Car sales off to sluggish start in January

Posted by Alex Bale

It hasn't been a good start to the year for car sales in 2013, as figures released by the Society Of The Irish Motor Industry show. Volkswagen sit atop the sales pile, following on from its best-selling performance last year, while Ford occupies second place in the charts with Toyota in third.

Significantly though, all three of the big three have lost sales compared to last January, as much as 45% in Toyota's case. So who's doing well? In the top ten selling brands, Hyundai, Kia, Audi and BMW all posted percentage gains, while further down the chart, Peugeot, Honda and Mitsubishi are all performing better than they did this time last year.

The star players though are Seat and Porsche. Seat has more than doubled its sales compared to last January while Porsche has gone from selling two cars in the first 31 days of 2012 to this year selling a whopping... eight.

The overall market is down by 18.5% and industry watchers are trying to determine if this is a sign of a terrible year to come or an early indication that the new registration system is spreading sales out a bit.

Ford picks Fiesta ST, Transit Connect as this year's SEMA darlings

Posted by Alex Bale Sunday, February 3, 2013

SEMA is more than nine months away, but the reveille bugle for the show has just sounded with Ford's call to aftermarket companies for its project-vehicle program. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST and 2014 Transit Connect van and wagon are the cars The Blue Oval wants to feature, but applicants can submit project vehicles for any product except the GT500, the Raptor, or anything from Lincoln.

2014 Ford Fiesta ST

Submissions must be completed in two parts, the first being an email to Ford with an overview of the project, like vehicle theme, promotional plan and location display. The second part must be mailed in on company letterhead and gets down to the nuts and bolts of the vision and the provision of company bona fides. The complete proposal is due on March 1, winners will be notified by May 1. Click the link below to get all the details, and for show attendees, get ready to see some funky Fiestas and wild shaggin' wagons in Las Vegas come November.

Articles Source : Autoblog

News: Fuel cells a step closer to reality?

Posted by Alex Bale Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Generally, the accepted wisdom on useable fuel cell vehicles is that they are always 15 years away. It has been that way for almost as long as anyone can remember, and while the zero-emissions technology is certainly alluring, the investment and technology needed to make it palatable to customers always seems to be just out of reach.

That could be about to change though, following an alliance between Renault-Nissan, Mercedes and Ford to jointly share development of future fuel cell systems. Mercedes has already committed to having fuel cell cars on sale to the public by 2015 and last year, a trio of fuel-cell powered B-Classes managed a complete round-the-world trip to prove the reliability of the technology.

A fuel cell is a relatively simple thing, and they've been around for more than a century. By chemically combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce water, they generate an electrical current and the only emission at the tailpipe is water vapour. Simple and brilliant, but making them work in a car has proven difficult, and the arguments over creating a hydrogen refueling infrastructure still rage.

“Fuel cell electric vehicles are the obvious next step to complement today's battery electric vehicles as our industry embraces more sustainable transportation,” said Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., supervising Research and Development. “We look forward to a future where we can answer many customer needs by adding FCEVs on top of battery EVs within the zero-emission lineup.

“We are convinced that fuel cell vehicles will play a central role for zero-emission mobility in the future. Thanks to the high commitment of all three partners we can put fuel cell e-mobility on a broader basis. This means with this cooperation we will make this technology available for many customers around the globe,” said Prof. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

“Working together will significantly help speed this technology to market at a more affordable cost to our customers,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “We will all benefit from this relationship as the resulting solution will be better than any one company working alone.”

Engineering work on both the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell system will be done jointly by the three companies at several locations around the world. The partners are also studying the joint development of other FCEV components to generate even further synergies.

News: New Fiesta bought every 2 minutes

Posted by Alex Bale

Consumers bought a new Ford Fiesta every two minutes on average last year, making it the best-selling small car in Europe, according to automotive data intelligence provider JATO Dynamics.

Ford last year sold 953,174 cars in the 30 European markets monitored by JATO, including 306,405 Fiestas. Ford recently announced that during 2012 more than 1.4 million Ford vehicles were sold across all of the 51 European markets in which it operates.

The Fiesta also was the best-selling B-segment car (sub-compact) globally for the first nine months of 2012, with more than 560,000 Fiestas sold worldwide, according to the latest Polk new vehicle registration data.

“The Fiesta had a fantastic 2012, both in Europe and across the world,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “This iconic car has come to define what customers desire from a small car – style, quality, efficiency and great technology.”

Ford has sold more than 15 million Fiestas worldwide since the vehicle first went into production in 1976. The Fiesta now has been the top-selling small car in Europe for three out of the past four years. During that period, more than 1.7 million Fiestas have been sold in Europe and 2.1 million globally.

The U.K. was the most successful European market for Fiesta in 2012, with 109,250 vehicles registered according to Ford figures. Across Europe, Frozen White proved the most popular paint colour among Fiesta customers.

Ford is currently launching the new Fiesta in Europe – which is coming to dealerships now – the new model is redesigned inside and out and offers the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine – the 2012 “International Engine of the Year”. An ECOnetic Technology version powered by a 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine achieves 87 g/km CO2.**

The new Fiesta also offers MyKey, a Ford-exclusive technology that allows parents to encourage safer driving and limit their teenager’s exposure to risk at the wheel. Ford also has equipped new Fiesta with Ford SYNC, a voice-activated in-car connectivity system, and SYNC Emergency Assistance, which directly connects vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident.

In addition, Fiesta offers Active City Stop, which can help avoid or mitigate low-speed collisions.

“The new Fiesta has some big shoes to fill in 2013 but is perfectly equipped to do so,” said de Waard. “Being acclaimed as Europe’s best-loved small car in 2012 is a great achievement and we thank all of our customers who continue to put their faith in the Fiesta.”

Road Test: Ford Focus ST

Posted by Alex Bale Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Price as tested: €36,800

+ Massive grunt, lairy soundtrack, chassis, solid build, practicality
- Styling doesn't look premium enough inside or out, not well enough equipped
= Ford's working class hero for the 21st Century rekindles old Cosworth romance

Like so many of my age group, I grew up on fast Fords. My first motoring memory is of standing on a ditch, somewhere near the village of Ballydehob, where my dad had taken me to see a stage of the West Cork Rally. Now, my dad's a football nut, not a car nut but he still seemed excited to be there, and as a curious six year old, I wondered why. Then I saw, for the first time ever, Billy Coleman gunning, slipping and opposite-locking a MkII Escort between the hedges, BDA engine burping, farting and snorting away like a cage of warthogs with IBS. I wondered no more.

If by then the MkII was already something of a dinosaur, then I didn't have to wait long for more iconic hot Fords to come along and trawl for my desire. First came the XR3i, then the short-lived RS200, then the mighty first generation Sierra Cosworth. By the time I came to driving age, I was fully convinced that a Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 was the ideal and perfect car for me. Sadly, in lieu of a Lotto win, I was relying on my dad's generosity of spirit and he duly let me learn how to drive in his Sierra. A hatchback LX with the 1.6-litre engine. I think it had about 12bhp...

Still, by the time I passed my test there was the Escort Cosworth to lust over and then... And then there wasn't much at all. The Escort Cossie was the apogee of the hot hatch, a car which cost more to insure than it did to buy and for a time, Ford more or less entirely retreated from the affordable hot car market. A few trickles came along, such a the Mk1 Focus ST (sweet chassis but not actually much more fun than a diesel 1.8 TDCI) and a few ST Mondeos, but it too until 2003 and the arrival of the Mk1 Focus RS to really kick-start the fast Ford revival. Since then, we've had an even more extreme (properly Porsche-quick) Mk2 Focus RS and a warbling, five-pot ST (lovely but too thirsty by half). And now this, the Mk3 Focus in ST spec, with a new 2.0-litre 250bhp four-cylinder turbo EcoBoost engine. It's a five-door only model (in direct contrast to most previous Ford hot hatches, although there is a rather anti-cool estate version) and seeks to finally bridge the gap between previous lairy and uncouth performance Ford models and the more sophisticated likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

First off, the ST's looks are a little odd. In spite of big wheels and a chunky bodykit, there is little to tell the unassuming bystander that this is a performance flagship. Yes, there's the gaping, Aston-Martin-esque grille, but you can now find something similar on a boggo Fiesta, so that's hardly a telling item. No, this Focus, for the first time in hot Ford history since that long-desired Sierra Sapphire Cossie, majors on subtle looks.

That's true of the interior where the overwhwelming impression is that of standard Focus. Yes, there's an extra bank of dials atop the dash, the steering wheel and seats have bold ST logos and there's a plaque on the centre console indicating your car's build number, but other than that it looks stock. Beware of the seats, incidentally. They look gorgeous but the bolsters and supports are so chunky that if you're built along similarly husky dimensions to myself, you may find them restrictively tight. Better lay off the cupcakes. (It also feels curiously bare. Not cruise control? No heated windscreen? On a €35k car? Really?)

And when you first fire up the powerful new engine and pull out onto the road, you may also feel a slight lack of being whelmed. Unlike previous fast Fords, there's little sense of urgency or hairy-chestedness, assuming that is that you tickle it along and upshift early, as we've all become accustomed to doing from driving tourquey, low-revving diesels. The ride is certainly firm and thumps hard over sharp obstacles, but mostly, it's just refined and easygoing, with a hint of muscularity underneath.

And then you drop a gear and venture beyond 3,000rpm and all hell breaks loose with a side order of demons. Then the engine shows is true colours and they are fully red (shade: tooth & claw). It emits a hard but tuneful bark that swiftly becomes addictive. It's not the musical roar of a big V12 or the grumble of a V8 but a blunt, business-like shout that speaks of racing heritage and serious intent. That seriousness is hammered home by the fact that the traction control light has by now more than likely become constantly lit and the steering is bucking in your hands as the front tyres try to choose between being traction devices or simply smoke emitters. It is, just a bit, exciting.

But curiously, not OTT. Yes, the torque steer is there, as mentioned, but a firm grip on the wheel easily quells it. And yes, there's wheelspin there for the taking, but the odd thing is that the Focus ST feels like a duck. You know that old adage about a duck swimming on a lake looking serene and effortless on the surface while underneath it's paddling like hell? That's what I mean. If it can be said that the Focus ST has a split personality, then it's split along the horizontal axis, all thunder and fury down below, while you sit calmly atop, deciding the precise degree of fury to unleash.

The handling is just excellent. Yes, it would be nice for Irish conditions if the ride had a touch more pliancy, but the way the meaty steering pulls you into corners and spits you, cannon-shell-like, out the far side is a truly terrific experience. In some ways, with that wheelspin never far away and the sledgehammer power output, you could see the Focus ST as a bit of a crude weapon, all point-and-squirt. But learn to hold back the throttle a touch to keep the wheelspin quelled, learn to lean on the grip of the front end and realise that the engine, far from being peaky or laggy, actually does a convincing impression of being a much larger, naturally-aspirated unit, and you will unlock the immense point-to-point ability of the ST.

And that, in a heartbeat, finally bridges the gap between a fast Ford and a supposedly more sophisticated Golf GTI. Yes, the VW badge will continue to carry more kudos and apparent classiness, and the Focus isn't helping its own cause by persisting with a cabin that still feels a salary band lower than that of the Golf (even if its actual quality is unimpeachable) but here at last is a Ford hot hatch that works equally well as a daily driver and a Sunday morning cobweb remover.

Any car that can sprint from standstill to 100kmh in 6.5secs and on to a top speed of almost 250kmh has to be considered as a serious performance player. But any car that can seat for in easy comfort, has a big boot and can manage 9.0-litres per 100km (31mpg) can also be safely considered for family use. Drive with a modicum of sense (and a low-carb diet to make sure you fit into the seats) and none of your passengers would guess that this Ford has the potential to smoke high-end German sports saloons on the right road. Equally, drive it the way it was designed to be driven and hear its aggressive bark, and you'd be hard-pressed to guess that it's a practical family hauler.

It hasn't quite supplanted the childish desire in my heart for a Sierra Cosworth, but as a more caring, sharing, efficient and (let's face it) faster modern alternative, I guess I can make space for an ST poster on my 12-year-old self's bedroom wall.

Facts & Figures
Ford Focus ST
 Price as tested: €36,800
Range price: €20,315 to €39,100
Capacity: 1,997cc  
Power: 250bhp  
Torque: 360Nm
  Top speed: 248kmh
  0-100kmh: 6.5sec  
Economy: 7.2l-100km (39mpg)
  CO2 emissions: 169g/km 
VRT Band: D. €570 road tax  
Euro NCAP rating: 5-star; 92% adult, 82% child, 72% pedestrian, 71% safety assist