Ford Introduces 2011MY Mondeo with More Powerful Performance and Better Fuel Economy in China

• The 2011MY Mondeo prices from 169,800 RMB (25,849 USD) to 252,800 RMB (38,484 USD), making Ford’s EcoBoost and PowerShift technology affordable and better value for money over competitors
   
• 2011MY Mondeo introduces an all new high-efficiency powertrain: the Ford EcoBoost 2.0-litre turbo gasoline engine and the six-speed dual-clutch Powershift transmission, delivering class-leading power and performance with best-in-class fuel efficiency
   
• 2011MY Mondeo has extensively upgraded driving quality, safety and smart technology applications, building on an already very strong package of the original Model, to meet Chinese consumers’ needs, raising the bar in its segment
   
• The Chinese market is one of the first markets in the Asia Pacific and Africa region to enjoy advanced EcoBoost technology, demonstrating Ford China’s commitment and confidence in the Chinese Market

SHANGHAI, March 17, 2011 – Ford officially launched the 2011MY Ford Mondeo sedan across China today. Eight variants of the upper-middle sedan are available. Prices range from RMB 169,800 (US$ 25,849) to RMB 252,800 (US$ 38,484).  With the high-efficiency EcoBoost GTDi engine and PowerShift transmission and a host of new driver comfort and convenience features and safety technologies, the 2011MY Mondeo delivers stronger performance with less fuel consumption and sets a new standard for performance and refinement in the segment.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to present our 2011MY Ford Mondeo with EcoBoost GTDi engine and PowerShift transmission — which are Ford's latest powertrain technologies. These technologies will deliver class leading power and performance with best-in-class fuel efficiency. We are confident that the 2011MY Mondeo will win the hearts of the Chinese consumers,” said Marin Burela, President of Changan Ford Mazda Automotive Corp. “The Chinese market is one of the first markets in Asia Pacific and Africa that will enjoy these new powertrain technologies, demonstrating our strong commitment to continue to invest in and introduce the latest Ford technologies and products in the Chinese Market."

Besides the original colours, three additional colours - oyster grey, shiny orange and pearl white – are now available to satisfy consumers’ needs and preferences.  

More Powerful, Less Fuel Consumption
With Ford’s latest EcoBoost GTDi and PowerShift technology, the new 2011 MY Mondeo is delivering a combination of fuel efficiency and low emissions, yet still maintaining Ford's renowned driving enjoyment. The 2.0L EcoBoost GTDi engine generates maximum power of 176.5kW at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 340 Nm at 1900-3500 rpm. It achieves outstanding combined fuel economy of 7.9L/100km.

“The price of 2011MY Ford Mondeo makes Ford’s advanced powertrain technology very accessible.  Customers can purchase Ford’s latest EcoBoost GTDi turbo-charged engine and the PowerShift dual clutch transmission at the price similar to the competitor’s non-turbo charged model.” said Nigel Harris, General Manager of Changan Ford Sales Company. “Besides the powerful but highly fuel-efficient powertrain, the 2011MY Ford Mondeo also offers many new features that re-inforce Mondeo's leading position on safety and comfort. We are exciting to bring our customers this great car, and we are confident that it will soon win the favor of the Chinese customers." he added.

Lightweight all-aluminium construction is the key to the new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine, which features latest-generation direct injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable cam timing (TiVCT). It has an advanced combustion system which contributes significantly to achieving new levels of performance and fuel efficiency for gasoline engines in this power range. It improves driving performance by 25 percent, reduces fuel consumption by 20 percent and lowers 15 percent CO2 emissions.

PowerShift dual-clutch transmission delivers the fuel efficiency of a manual gearbox with the convenience and ease of a premium automatic transmission. Compared to traditional automatic four-speed transmissions, PowerShift can help reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent depending on the application.

PowerShift also provide some unique driving features include: neutral coast, down low-speed driving or creep mode with integrated brake pressure, Hill mode or launch assist. 

Better Look, Better Quality
“The successful launch of the 2011MY Ford Mondeo is another achievement of full cooperation within Changan Ford. Further improvements in quality have raised higher requirements to Changan Ford in all aspects including design, manufacturing and quality control. The successful introduction of the model marks Changan Ford’s further progress to a new height,” said Mr. Luo Minggang, Executive Vice-President of Changan Ford Mazda Motors Company.

There are 232 changes or updates made on 2011MY Ford Mondeo’s exterior and interior design, parts, craftsmanship, material etc. The most eye-catching change to the 2011MY Mondeo is the fresh look of the exterior and interior design. It is set to build on the model's established reputation as a stylish, versatile and great-to-drive vehicle, and for offering high levels of driving enjoyment to its occupants. Ford's design team set out to emphasise further the kinetic design signatures in each body style while incorporating new technologies.

Overall the revised exterior design for 2011MY Mondeo complements its premium feel and enhanced quality while hinting strongly at the model's sporty dynamics and performance. Bolder graphics and proportions at the front end, including larger lower trapezoidal and slimmer upper grilles, plus a revised bonnet profile and integral new LED day running lights further emphasise the Mondeo's premium appeal and sporty stance.

The use of new high quality interior trim materials in 2011MY Mondeo boost the overall feeling of craftsmanship and are complemented by high-class inlay foils and new 'jewel' detailing on switches and vents in satin chrome.

New Technologies for Advanced Safety and Comfort
Continuing the great tradition to provide the leading safety to Ford’s customers. 2011MY Mondeo is packed with available safety technologies to provide customers with even higher levels of comfort and confidence.

A wide range of smart, safety technologies include knee airbag on driver seat, HLA (Hill Launch Assist), Tire Pressure Monitoring System, LED Daytime Running Light, Rain-sensing Wipers, Front Parking Sensors, Rear View Camera, Blind Spot Information System and Day-night Rearview Mirrors provides the exclusive safety in the segment.

In terms of the noise and vibration, CFMA has made 32 improvements on the 2011MY Mondeo to make the vehicle less affected by tyre, wind and engine noise by optimizing the engine, improving the noise absorption components, building better body structure and using double sound barriers.