Ford looking to import Euro models to the US ?
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CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Canada
Ford looking to import Euro models to the US ?
Mondeo
Posted on Wednesday 6 December 2006
Ford is evaluating plans to import models built by its European operation to the US for next year. Ford’s European range is generally considered to be better built and designed than its car in the US, especially when competing against in the lower-luxury segment. The models being evaluated include the new Mondeo, Focus, S-Max, and Galaxy minivan. The report from Just-Auto states that no plans have been finalised yet, but Ford has confirmed that they are looking at the models.
Ford’s Way Forward plan has always been about a product driven turnaround and by calling in the cavalry from Europe, they will have a leg-up when it comes to competing with GM and Toyota. The new Mondeo is shaping up to be one of the benchmarks of its segment and the S-Max recently won the prestigious European Car of the Year award.
Ford is evaluating plans to import models built by its European operation to the US for next year. Ford’s European range is generally considered to be better built and designed than its car in the US, especially when competing against in the lower-luxury segment. The models being evaluated include the new Mondeo, Focus, S-Max, and Galaxy minivan. The report from Just-Auto states that no plans have been finalised yet, but Ford has confirmed that they are looking at the models.
Ford’s Way Forward plan has always been about a product driven turnaround and by calling in the cavalry from Europe, they will have a leg-up when it comes to competing with GM and Toyota. The new Mondeo is shaping up to be one of the benchmarks of its segment and the S-Max recently won the prestigious European Car of the Year award.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 535
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From: Norway
The new mondeo isnt half bad...but their interiors are still a little bit on the plasticy side for me 
...and depreciation (spelling?) isnt one of ford europes strongest points...atleast in scandinavia...
...and depreciation (spelling?) isnt one of ford europes strongest points...atleast in scandinavia...
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,460
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Well, the last versions of the Mondeo to be imported here.....the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique, and Mercury Cougar, seemed pretty solidly-built on the surface.....nice paint jobs, " thunk " solid doors, good hardware material, etc...... but still ran up a rather poor Consumer Reports reliability record. Let's see if these new versions do any better.
I myself would like to see them come, though. I'm not a big fan of the present U.S market Focus, despite its good handling. It's too quirky-looking both inside and out and has second-rate materials and hardware.
I myself would like to see them come, though. I'm not a big fan of the present U.S market Focus, despite its good handling. It's too quirky-looking both inside and out and has second-rate materials and hardware.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,331
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From: Miami, Florida
In Mexico, we have had the European Fords for years. The Mondeo and the small egg-like Ka stand out in my mind and are very durable and easy to drive vehicles. I would love to see U.S. consumers get a chance to look at these vehicles.
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: What is G?
Would love it if they can find a way to make it work. I like the Euro Fords 20x more than what we get here. With this new Ford design langauge they just started implementing on their cars here about a year ago (Fusion, 500, Edge, Expedition), Im not sure how this would work.
Maybe they could change the grill on these Euro Fords and market them here as Mercury's. Like what GM is doing with Opel and Saturn.
Just thinking out loud.
Maybe they could change the grill on these Euro Fords and market them here as Mercury's. Like what GM is doing with Opel and Saturn.
Just thinking out loud.
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,397
Likes: 100
From: What is G?
LMAO!! Well I guess I'm not the only one who thought of this idea.
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/f...ved-by-mondeo/