Ford to Introduce All-New EcoSport in Europe; Flexible and Spacious SUV Delivers Small Car Practicality

• Ford announces at “Go Further” event that all-new EcoSport sports utility vehicle will go on sale in Europe within the next 18 months
• Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, EcoSport combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, style and spaciousness of a SUV
• EcoSport brings a new dimension to Ford’s SUV range that also will include all-new Kuga and, in the next few years, the Ford Edge, a larger and more premium vehicle popular in other global markets

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 6, 2012 - Ford today revealed that the all-new EcoSport, a compact, rugged and fuel efficient sports utility will go on sale in Europe within the next 18 months as Ford expands its line-up in the growing European SUV market.

EcoSport is based on Ford’s global B-segment platform and combines small car practicality with the flexibility, spaciousness, agility and style of a SUV.

“Ford EcoSport will deliver great value, quality and fuel economy,” said Nick Collins, B-car vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “It will also present customers with a fantastic small car choice that will also include the B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle as well as new Fiesta.”

EcoSport is the first Ford global model to be developed entirely in South America. Introduced in 2003, Ford created the segment in Brazil and has since sold more than 700,000 units in the region. New EcoSport will meet the increasing demand for small SUVs in Europe, which Ford expects to double over the next five years.

“The new EcoSport has undergone millions of miles of testing, on the most rigorous terrains, in the most demanding climates across the globe,” Collins said.

The distinctive and aerodynamic EcoSport features a large front grille; slim, detailed headlights; and cladding on the side sills and bumpers. It will be equipped with Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system, enabling owners to voice-activate phone calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB.

Ford SYNC includes Emergency Assistance, which directly connects the vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident, in the correct language for the region.

EcoSport will offer a comprehensive package of driver assistance technologies including anti-lock brake system, Electronic Stability Program, and Hill Launch Assist.

The all-new Ford EcoSport will go on sale across Europe within the next 18 months, while Ford’s SUV range is soon to be supplemented by an all-new Kuga. The Ford Edge, a larger and more premium vehicle already popular in North America, is expected to complete the family when it becomes available for European customers.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 168,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 51 individual markets and employs approximately 66,000 employees. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford of Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturing facilities, including joint ventures. The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.