Dearborn ? Ford Motor Co. is continuing to invest in its European lineup, even as the continent's economy sputters.
The Dearborn automaker on Thursday revealed a revamped European lineup featuring an expanded SUV selection, new commercial vans, a new-look Fiesta small car and the future addition of its popular Mustang muscle car.
"Despite the economic crisis, we are investing in the future," said Stephen Odell, group vice president and chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe from an event in Amsterdam. "We want to make the statement loud and clear that that there is a great opportunity in Europe."
Ford didn't release any details regarding the Mustang's release date in Europe or powertrain options. The announcement comes as Ford celebrates the Mustang's 50th anniversary in 2014.
Consumers can currently purchase Mustangs in Europe, but not directly from Ford and at a substantially higher cost.
"The Mustang is uniquely Ford and has a huge fan base here in Europe," Odell said. "Now those fans have something to look forward to."
Ford will build its next-generation Mustang at its Auto Alliance International plant in Flat Rock, but did not say where Europe's version will be manufactured.
Overall Ford's European lineup will increase the number of global vehicles on the continent by nearly 30 percent during the next five years; by 2017, Ford's European lineup will have 15 global vehicles.
The automaker's European lineup will include the Edge SUV currently sold in North America, the all-new global small SUV EcoSport, which has a length similar to the Fiesta small car, and Kuga SUV.
Ford points to a statistic that says SUV sales are expected to increase 34 percent during the next five years.
Ford also unveiled an all-new Mondeo ? known in North America as the Fusion ? which in Europe will come with Ford's award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine and a hybrid-electric version.
Ford also made news regarding global vehicles consumers will soon see here in the U.S.
On Thursday, the automaker offered a first glimpse at its next-generation commercial van lineup, including the Transit and Transit Connect, which will debut in Europe before coming to North America as 2014 models.
The Transit, which will eventually replace Ford's E-Series range in North America, will come with the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine as the Ford F-150. It will also come with a new diesel engine option, though specifications on the engine have not yet been released.
The Transit will get at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, Ford said.
Powertrain and other information regarding the new North American Transit Connect have not yet been released.
Ford earlier this week unveiled the all-new Fiesta, which launches in Europe later this year and in North America next year.
khenkel@detnews.com
(313) 222-2504
Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120906/AUTO0102/209060422/1148/rss25
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