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| Photo courtesy of Ford Press |
If the name seems vaguely familiar, the EcoSport actually made it to the Philippines before as a "concept" at the Ford Centennial event. Unfortunately, Ford Group Philippines decided not to sell it and alas, it was only enjoyed by our South American brethren.
This time though, it's different. Ford is promising that the all-new EcoSport will be part of its global product initiative and as such, will be made available in the Philippines soon.
Based off Ford's B-platform which also underpins the Fiesta, the EcoSport features a decisively contemporary yet upright stance. It's downright modern but some engineering aspects do feel cheap (i.e. spare tire wheel mounted on the swing tailgate).
Ford has yet to reveal any detail specifications about the all-new EcoSport, but it's safe to assume that it will be powered by a variant of the EcoBoost engine (perhaps the rumored 1.0-liter EcoBoost). The EcoSport will also feature a commanding driving position, a high stance as well as integrated cladding.
The all-new Ford EcoSport will be produced at the Ford Thailand Manufacturing Facility in Rayong, Thailand alongside the Fiesta, Ranger and upcoming Focus.
Press Release
Ford Confirms All-New EcoSport Will be
Third of Eight All New Global One Ford Vehicles for ASEAN by Mid-Decade
- The new global compact SUV was unveiled by Ford Motor Company President and CEO, Alan Mulally, at the New Delhi Auto Expo
- All New EcoSport will arrive with the most advanced level of design, quality and sustainability in its class to attract new generations of Ford customers
NEW DELHI, Jan. 5, 2012 – Expanding its relentless push into the heart of Asia’s car market, Ford introduced the All-New Ford EcoSport at the Auto Expo 2012 this week in New Delhi, India. The new compact SUV represents the third of eight all new global One Ford vehicles that the company plans to introduce to ASEAN markets by mid-decade.
Modern and innovative, the all-new Ford EcoSport was designed to combine best-in-class design, technology, quality and safety aimed at attracting a new generation of consumers in different global markets.
Created as the latest One Ford global product, the EcoSport will be a key model in expanding Ford’s presence in major worldwide growth markets, including ASEAN. It has been developed in South America at one of Ford’s eight global product development centres in conjunction with teams from Asia, Europe and North America to meet the needs of markets across the globe.
“The all-new Ford EcoSport reflects our commitment to serve our customers with the cars and trucks they truly want and value,” said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “Our engineering team used their years of EcoSport experience to make every aspect of the next-generation EcoSport even stronger.”
The all-new Ford EcoSport exemplifies the DNA of Ford global vehicles and its versatility broadens the horizons of mobility and use. Its genuine SUV confidence starts in the stability of the chassis, reinforced by the body’s robust build, high torsional stiffness and high levels of protection for its occupants. Yet, its innovative design reduces the weight and ensures good fuel efficiency.
Contemporary new EcoSport shape
The all-new EcoSport's contemporary shape conveys confidence while combining refinement and an adventurous spirit in an intelligent and modern package. It sports key SUV cues such as the confident stance, command driving position and signature spare wheel mounted on a swing-gate at the rear of the vehicle.
The EcoSport’s hardy character and strong stance give it the appearance of a larger vehicle, while retaining the agility and practicality of a compact car. It features high ground clearance and integrated lower body cladding for robustness.
The back of the vehicle is marked by a large rear window which wraps around to the sides and oblique shaped taillights. This characteristic defines the striking personality of the EcoSport family: a sporty and casual car, for consumers who want to stand out and who want more from life, but in an intelligent and sustainable way.
New global products for growth markets
The new EcoSport was developed on Ford’s new global B-segment platform, which will be the basis for an array of new small-car products from Ford in the coming years. By mid-decade, the new Ford B-platform family of vehicles will represent more than 2 million units globally of annual production as compact cars continue to drive global growth.
The EcoSport has been a market phenomenon since it was launched in South America in 2003 as the region’s first affordable SUV, selling 750,000 vehicles in nine years. It created a new segment and popularized features that many consumers had wanted.
The EcoSport as a global vehicle is an example of the technical ability of Ford’s global engineering and high level of integration of the design and engineering centres around the world.
The project was led by Ford’s Development Center in Camaçari, Brazil, one of the most specialized in the development of compact cars. The team leveraged Ford engineering strength and SUV expertise from around the world to create the all-new EcoSport.
“The new EcoSport is a significant milestone for our global product development process,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “It proves that great small-car models for growth markets can be created in growth markets, using One Ford to leverage our global design and engineering expertise.”
EcoSport’s development was shaped by market research in all of the regions where it will be sold. This helped create a unique vehicle, focused on the needs and desires of consumers. It will eventually be sold in nearly 100 markets worldwide.
Fuelling expansion in Asia and beyond
The all-new EcoSport is a significant linchpin in Ford’s aggressive global plan to achieve its goal of increasing worldwide sales by nearly 50 percent by mid-decade to 8 million vehicles a year. Of that figure, 60 to 70 percent is expected to come from the Asia Pacific and Africa region.
“We’ve promised to bring more than 50 new vehicles and powertrains to Asia Pacific and Africa by mid-decade and the all-new EcoSport continues to deliver on that pledge,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. “Endowed with traits that customers will want and value, this exciting compact SUV will define a new segment in the small car market.”
The EcoSport is the third of eight all new products slated to be launched in ASEAN by mid-decade and will bring about further momentum in a business transformation that was kick-started by the Ford Fiesta a year ago.
“The all-new Ford EcoSport will continue to expand our showroom offerings in ASEAN and support our aggressive growth strategy for the region,” said Peter Fleet, president, Ford ASEAN. “This new compact SUV will have significant appeal in our ASEAN markets, attracting an increasing number of new-to-Ford customers who are looking for class-leading vehicles that connect with their lives and lifestyles.”
The new EcoSport will be produced at the new, state-of-the-art Ford Thailand Manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand.
Strengths Under EcoSport’s New Shape
Designed to offer balanced performance on paved roads as well as off-road terrain, the all-new Ford EcoSport is ideal for the urban consumer who wants the versatility to escape the city.
Developed to world-class product standards via the Ford global product development system, the next-generation model delivers on key traits customers all around the world demand:
Smart – New technology and features from Ford will be central to the all-new Ford EcoSport ownership experience. It will offer innovative equipment normally not found in this class of vehicle.
Green – Fuel efficiency was a key factor in the development process, as Ford targets the EcoSport to deliver leading fuel economy in its segment.
Safe – The all-new Ford EcoSport has been engineered to meet the most demanding safety standards in the various markets where it will be sold. Its weight-optimized, highly resistant body, developed with advanced software and design tools, combines zones aimed to absorb the forces of impact with an extremely rigid cell to protect its occupants.
Quality – The all-new Ford EcoSport will deliver impressive levels of quality and craftsmanship, reflecting its new world-class design and engineering story, and has endured rigorous developmental testing around the globe. Low maintenance costs and great durability were also key objectives in the development process.
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