Ford’s “World Car” Captivates Europe

“Mundus” is Latin for “world". Fits just right for what Ford considers as a “world car.”

While Ford sales declined in United States last month with a reported four percent decline, the world’s third largest automaker announced last week that its European sales jumped by 1.5 percent. Reports from Reuters said that the European division of Ford sold about 142,460 vehicles equivalent to a market share of 9 percent in January.

Surprisingly, this rise in sale was boosted by none other than its revamped Mondeo model which sold 16,800 units. That means a 50 percent increase in sales compared to the previous month. The Mondeo, a huge family car, debuted in March 1993. Back then, it was available in three trims which includes a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback and a five-door estate. Designed to be a “world car,” Ford Mondeo cost the auto company about US$6 billion, thus, replacing the Ford Sierra in Europe.

In March last year, Ford launched its latest Mondeo model - a Mondeo sedan which as expected earned profit for the company in Europe. The 2008 Mondeo sedan boasts of a smooth and stress-free road experience made possible by a collision mitigation technology, the vehicle feature that alerts the driver during potentially dangerous circumstances on their route. It also has an adaptive cruise control (ACC), equipped with a radar system that is able to automatically slow down when the vehicle suddenly brakes in front as well as seven airbags, soft ambient lighting and an information screen. This gives the drivers enough safety and comfort that they need while traveling.

According to Ford Active Safety Supervisor Volker Weinhold, this makes the vehicle more beneficial because it offers an immediate action from the car’s braking system.

The 2008 Mondeo sedan is a five-door hatchback or wagon. According to automobilemag.com, it has a gorgeous design like the previous generations of mid-size Mondeo vehicles, as stylish as an Acura Legend spoiler. It comes with an engine that range from a 1.8-liter diesel to a five cylinder gas unit and is capable of 200 horsepower.

Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe vice president of marketing, said that the company expects this positive trend in sales to continue with Ford’s introduction of a new Focus small car, Kuga crossover and a new car based from the Verve concept on this year’s Geneva Motor Show.