conceptcarz.com

2012 Ford EcoSport Urban CUV

An SUV for the Urban World – Ford Reveals Fuel-Efficient, All-new Ford EcoSport in China

2012 Ford EcoSport Urban CUV
• Created for the urban environment, the all-new Ford EcoSport offers contemporary design, smart technologies and a high driving position – all in a compact, agile, fuel-efficient shape

• Powered by an array of powertrains, including an all-new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost™ engine, the aerodynamically honed Ford EcoSport is designed to be a benchmark in fuel economy while giving customers the performance feel of a larger engine

• Packed with aspirational appeal, craftsmanship and sophistication – including the Ford SYNC driver connect system with voice control – the all-new EcoSport offers a compelling alternative to the small car in big cities

BEIJING, April 22, 2012 – Ford today revealed the production version of the all-new Ford EcoSport and announced plans to build the compact, fuel-efficient urban SÚV in China, in addition to India, Thailand and South America.

EcoSport's global debut at the 2012 Auto China in Beijing means customers in China will soon be able to choose an aspirational sports utility vehicle alternative to a small car. The Ford EcoSport offers a confident stance, a high driving position and robust character on top of the agility, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency that comes with a compact footprint. It's the perfect combination for the city – ready for work and ready for play.

Within a contemporary design aerodynamically honed for fuel economy, the EcoSport is full of smart technologies, features and craftsmanship that offer customers more than they would expect in this segment.

With a number of powertrain solutions, including Ford's newest, most advanced engine the 1.0-litre EcoBoost™, EcoSport is designed to be a benchmark in fuel efficiency. It also offers the Ford SYNC driver connect system with voice control and many other innovative features in a spacious and comfortable interior with new levels of craftsmanship as well as outstanding quietness and refinement.

'The Ford EcoSport reflects our commitment to serve our Ford customers in China and around the world with the cars, utilities and trucks they want and value,' said Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. 'EcoSport delivers outstanding quality, great fuel efficiency with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, superior safety and really smart design with SYNC.'

The production reveal of EcoSport follows rapidly after the vehicle's global preview in January at the Delhi Auto Expo as well as in Brazil, where Ford EcoSport was developed by a global Ford development team. In addition to production in Chongqing, the EcoSport will be manufactured in Camaçari, Brazil, Rayong, Thailand, and Chennai, India, and will be offered in nearly 100 markets globally.

EcoSport joins Ford's family of small global vehicles, which will reach an annual production capacity of 2 million units by 2015.

'The all-new EcoSport is designed and engineered specifically for customers in global growth markets using Ford's global SÚV engineering expertise and reflecting our commitments for quality, leading fuel economy, safety and smart technology,' said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. 'We're delivering innovative products like this to drive our global growth.'

EcoSport Titanium

2012 Ford EcoSport Urban CUV Ford is showcasing its top-of-the-line model, the EcoSport Titanium, on stage in Beijing, painted in distinctive Mars Red. A similar model is being revealed today in Salvador, Brazil, as EcoSport's global launch momentum builds.

EcoSport Titanium has 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and a chrome grille.

Inside, EcoSport offers a stylish, modern and well-equipped interior delivering new standards of craftsmanship and quality. The cabin – spacious for five people and their gear – has been engineered to deliver outstanding levels of comfort and quiet operation for customers.

In addition to Ford SYNC with voice control, among EcoSport's available innovative technologies are Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start, and a cooled bin in the glovebox.

EcoSport offers advanced safety items, such as dual front airbags and side curtain airbags, as well as Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program.

To take the stress out of driving, the EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist features including Hill Launch Assist and rear parking sensors.

Its agile, manoeuvrable chassis features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) for outstanding steering response and improved fuel efficiency.

• Beautiful, agile, modern

The new EcoSport is an affordable compact SÚV that is ready for work and ready for play.

It targets benchmark performance in fuel economy, driveability and performance to redefine expectations in the compact SÚV segment.

The new Ford SÚV's main characteristics were defined by consumers in all of the regions in which it will be sold. The design and flexible use are part of the new vehicle's differentiated plan, which besides the agility and practicality for urban use, offers power and robustness for more adverse terrain.

The elevated stance and purposeful posture give the new EcoSport the appearance of a higher class vehicle. Its agile and contemporary lines convey confidence, refinement and an adventurous spirit, within a modern and smart package. All this contributes to EcoSport's aspirational appeal.

'The new EcoSport is full of personality,' said J Mays, group vice president, Design, and chief creative officer, Ford Motor Company. 'Customers around the world immediately recognise its capability and SÚV robustness that is achieved with aggressiveness. It is friendly and it's a vehicle that really makes you smile.'

Powering growth in China

Reinforcing Ford's commitment to offer a full portfolio of vehicles in China, the all-new Ford EcoSport will be the second of 15 new vehicles that Ford plans to introduce in the country by 2015. This is part of a bigger plan to bring more than 50 new vehicles and powertrains to the Asia Pacific and Africa region by mid-decade, underscoring the unprecedented expansion in the region.
'With its superior fuel efficiency and a comprehensive suite of smart technologies, the EcoSport is well-placed to power Ford into a new segment not only in China but also in other growth markets in Asia,' said Hinrichs.

Ford's aggressive expansion plan in China is being supported by several new investments to increase production capacity.

It was announced earlier this month that Ford and its joint venture Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) will invest approximately ÚSD 600 million to expand capacity in Chongqing by 350,000 passenger vehicles, raising total capacity in China to 950,000 units by 2014. The new investment will increase Ford's total investment in China to approximately ÚSD 4.1 billion.

CFMA already operates two assembly plants and an engine plant in Chongqing. Additional facilities – a ÚSD 500 million engine plant and a ÚSD 350 million transmission plant – are currently under construction.

Source - Ford

Ford Wows with Exciting New China Line-Up; SUVs and New Focus Displayed at Auto China 2012

2012 Ford EcoSport Urban CUV
•Ford's '15X15' promise– With four new vehicles,Ford delivers on aggressive growth strategy of bringing 15 new vehicles to China by 2015
•SÚVs – EcoSport, Kuga, Edge, Explorer –signal Ford's ambitions for China and that Ford is serious about taking leadership in this segment
•Focus ST –Truly global performance car, building on the heritage of previous ST models, evolved to allow drivers around the world to experience all that the ST badge represents
•1.0-litre EcoBoost launch in China – Ford continues to deliver global sustainability solutions

BEIJING, April 23, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today unveiled four exciting new vehicles at Auto China 2012, pulling out all stops to capture the attention of thousands of Chinese consumers at Asia's largest and most important auto show and delivering on its promise to introduce 15 new vehicles in China by 2015.

Three sport utility vehicles – the all-new EcoSport, the all-new Kuga, and the Explorer – were unveiled, taking centre stage on a stand packed with stunning Ford vehicles and new, smart technologies. Ford, which already provides the very popular Ford Edge for Chinese SÚV fans, has signalled its intention to take leadership in the important SÚV car class in the dynamic Chinese auto market.

'We are working hard to secure the avid interest of Chinese car enthusiasts with these new and exciting Ford vehicles loaded with green and smart technologies,' said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. 'With the opening of our latest state-of-the-art brand new manufacturing facilities in Chongqing and the continued, rapid expansion of a family of vehicles in every class that Chinese consumers want and value, Ford is committed to China.

'We are ready to demonstrate aggressive growth this year in China, the most exciting car market in the world.'

Also unveiled on the Ford stand at the show was the Ford Focus ST five-door hatchback, the first truly global performance car to be introduced by Ford in China. Focus ST builds on the heritage of previous ST models introduced in Europe and gives Chinese drivers the opportunity to share the exhilarating performance, harmonious balance, excellent handling, and sporty design Ford's ST badge represents. With innovative technologies throughout, the Focus ST is very fuel efficient too.

Still further, and in addition to the four new vehicles unveiled at Auto China 2012, Ford gave front stand attention to the New Focus, the China-built, just-introduced sporty mid-size car, which provides an irresistible driving experience and is loaded with new, smart technologies. With a May production launch just days away, the New Focus will be built at the new, ultra-modern ÚSD 500 million Chongqing 2 Plant.

In a major advancement, Ford's award-winning, hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity system SYNC with Mandarin will be offered to customers in China with the introduction of the New Focus.

Ford EcoSport and the Full Range of SÚVs2012 Ford EcoSport Urban CUV
Ford's four SÚVs are the centrepiece of a showcase of vehicles on display to bring Ford's extraordinary and celebrated SÚV lineage to the attention of customers at the most important auto show in the Asia Pacific and Africa region. The Kuga, the EcoSport, the Edge and the Explorer all appeal to Chinese consumers, by offering versatility and practicality for urban use.

The all-new Ford EcoSport, the latest One Ford global product to be revealed in China, is expanding Ford's footprint in the world's fastest-growing and most dynamic auto markets. The clever and fun-to-drive new small SÚV – which will be produced at the ultra-modern, flexible Chongqing assembly plant – is the perfect fit for today's urban adventurer, offering voice-activated smart technologies, impressive horsepower and great fuel economy from an EcoBoost engine. Generous space for passengers in the cabin and loads of luggage in the rear is also available.

The all-new Ford Kuga is a smart utility vehicle offering clever technology including a motion-sensing hands-free tailgate, SYNC with MyFord Touch, Lane Keeping Aid, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®). The smart features provide a family ownership experience that is safe, convenient and recreational. Chinese consumers will be impressed with the Kuga's intuitive nature, with advanced software and sensors placed in 25 locations which make it an adept and motivating off-roader, fully capable of analyzing drive path conditions.

The Ford Explorer is the iconic Ford SÚV, with its brute power characteristics, generous space and meticulous attention to craftsmanship. With a luxurious and premium driving and cabin experience, replete with class-leading in-cabin technology and the Terrain Management System, the Explorer is an efficient and effortless city and highway vehicle. The Explorer offers the highest level of safety detail, including the world's first second-row inflatable seatbelts, side curtain airbags, BLIS, post-crash alert system and Collision Warning by Braking support as just some of the many examples of safety technology embedded in the premium vehicle.

The Ford Edge – available to Chinese consumers now – is the 'all-rounder crossover' SÚV offering on- and off-road dynamism, detailed safety and entertainment features and great fuel-saving qualities.

Technology that Goes Further

Ford's global leadership in technology is highlighted at Auto China 2012 with the global launch of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Ford's first three-cylinder engine brings technology breakthroughs that deliver power, fuel efficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions through turbo-charging and direct injection, while offering power and performance that will rival a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

To be built and manufactured in China, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine builds upon Ford's global sustainability solutions and extends the family of Ford EcoBoost engines available in China to 1.0-, 1.6- and 2.0-litre.

A Ford Stand Pulsating with Excitement

2012 Ford EcoSport Urban CUV
The Ford stand at Auto China 2012 has been transformed with more smart, green and safe technology displays than ever, with interactive features sure to deliver an engaging, lively and fun experience for visitors and car enthusiasts.
A major highlight is the Crowd Game, allowing the audience to take control of the all-new EcoSport virtually. Úsing a motion-sensing camera, the crowd can collectively take control of the SÚV as it drives down the road, unlocking information along the way. The display screen shows the EcoSport on the road and the crowd will be prompted to lean left or right steering the vehicle toward its destination. A quick replay at the end of the journey allows for photos of participants to be uploaded onto a personalised website where visitors can view themselves and share with friends.

The interactivity on Ford's 2012 show stand extends beyond the Crowd Game audience virtual participation to include the Living Connected Experience. Through the use of augmented reality; visitors can drive with motorsports star Ken Block and actually become part of the action as Ken drives around participants, making them part of the scene on a big screen

The EcoBoost Touch Table provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to experience the benefits of the EcoBoost engine technology and to recognise the long-term value of Ford's green technology for fuel-economy-minded consumers, delivering on Ford's commitment to customers and to the environment.

The Explorer Cutaway gives visitors the opportunity to see inside the body shell of a premium Explorer SÚV, exposing the myriad engineering and technology features that make it safe, sturdy and secure on the road.

Guests and families can be entertained by a magician who performs regularly on the stand, communicating Ford's safe-driving messages in a fun and informative way.

The Ford display also features the first-ever Blue Oval Card at this year's show, offering visitors a more focused, personalized experience they can share with their family and friends. Visitors can register at the Ford stand to receive a Blue Oval Card, which they can then use to access relevant content throughout their time on the Ford stand. Visitors can also capture videos that play on the Ford stand, and share an on-stand photo with their friends online

The Auto China 2012 international automotive exhibition takes place April 27-May 2, 2012 in Beijing at the China International Exhibition (Jinganzhuang).

Source - Ford

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Related Automotive News

Ford Focus Redefined with Upgraded Connectivity, Energising Electrified Powertrains and Expressive Style

Ford Focus Redefined with Upgraded Connectivity, Energising Electrified Powertrains and Expressive Style

New Ford Focus introduces new and expressive design for expanded line-up of variants offering less demanding, more engaging and class-leading driving experience, from £22,465 on the road Electrified 48-volt EcoBoost Hybrid powertrains boosted with...
All-New Ford Fiesta Is The Most Technologically Advanced Small Car On Sale In Europe

All-New Ford Fiesta Is The Most Technologically Advanced Small Car On Sale In Europe

All-new Ford Fiesta – the most technologically advanced small car on sale in Europe – arrives in Britain next month Customers can choose from four different versions – upscale Vignale, sporty ST-Line, stylish Titanium and popular Zetec Fun-to-driv...
NEXT GENERATION FORD FIESTA – WORLD'S MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SMALL CAR – DELIVERS FOUR DISTINCTIVE PERSONALITIES

NEXT GENERATION FORD FIESTA – WORLD'S MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SMALL CAR – DELIVERS FOUR DISTINCTIVE PERSONALITIES

Next-generation Ford Fiesta – the worlds most technologically advanced small car – offers expanded range with upscale Vignale, sporty ST-Line, stylish Titanium and Active crossover Fiesta is first Ford with Pedestrian Detection that can help preve...
NEXT GENERATION FORD FIESTA – WORLD'S MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SMALL CAR – DELIVERS FOUR DISTINCTIVE PERSONALITIES

NEXT GENERATION FORD FIESTA – WORLD'S MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SMALL CAR – DELIVERS FOUR DISTINCTIVE PERSONALITIES

Next-generation Ford Fiesta – the worlds most technologically advanced small car – offers expanded range with upscale Vignale, sporty ST-Line, stylish Titanium and Active crossover Fiesta is first Ford with Pedestrian Detection that can help preve...
CAPABILITY AND STYLE: 2015 FORD EXPEDITION READY FOR THE OPEN ROAD WITH ECOBOOST ENGINE, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

CAPABILITY AND STYLE: 2015 FORD EXPEDITION READY FOR THE OPEN ROAD WITH ECOBOOST ENGINE, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

2015 Ford Expedition is the most powerful, fuel-efficient Expedition ever, with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine and SelectShift® six-speed transmission under the hood Advanced technology in new Expedition includes standard electric power-assisted s...