Ford has ambitious plans to launch a wide range of new and refreshed models over the next 12 months, cars which last year accounted for around 45 percent of the brands total sales here in the UK.
The manufacturer claims it’s going to be one of its busiest years ever. New models set to be launched include the fifth-generation Ford Galaxy, the all-new S-MAX, revised C‑MAX and Grand C-MAX, plus there are plans for an all-new Edge SUV to enter production in late 2015.
“In 2014, our new passenger cars, commercial vehicles and remarkable technologies helped us outperform the market and increase our market share in Europe,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “In 2015, we’re excited to build on this momentum and reach new customers with everything from larger, more upscale cars and utilities to new performance vehicles to vehicles designed for families of every size. These new vehicles reflect a more emotional and upmarket vision for Ford products in Europe.”
Big news for company car drivers this year is the arrival of the all-new Ford Mondeo which includes, for the first time, a hybrid saloon-only model (pictured above). Available also as an estate and hatchback when combined with petrol or diesel powertrains, the new Mondeo will also be offered with Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine for the first time and a new turbocharged 2.0-litre TDCi diesel.
All models feature a vast cabin and large boot along with new tech such as Ford’s Sync2 infotainment system – tell it you’re hungry and it will direct you to nearby eateries.
Also launched this year is Ford’s new luxury trim called Vignale, which will be first launched in the Mondeo. The new trim aims to bring more premium customers to the brand, both in fleet and retail, by offering unique interior and exterior design touches, exclusive specification and technologies accompanied by an enhanced ownership experience.
Ford’s next-generation people carrier will also make its way to UK dealerships and company car choice lists this year offering plenty of new features and a range of economical engines.
Diesel offerings for the S-Max will have their emissions reduced by around 7 percent which means lower tax bills for company car drivers. There will also be 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol Ecoboost powerplants from launch.
Available as a five or seven-seater, the new S-Max, like the Mondeo above, will also feature Ford’s next-generation Sync2 technology including the enhanced voice command system.
Both the Mondeo and the new S-Max will also feature new safety kit including an intelligent all-wheel drive system, which measures and adjusts how the car’s tyres grip the road surface, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, which automatically applies the brakes if the driver does not respond to warnings and Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking technology.
C-MAX and Grand C-MAX facelift
This year the popular C-Max and Grand C-Max also receive an update that is set to bring an uplift in interior comfort and refinement as well as introducing a range of new equipment, including the new Sync2 system.
CO2 emissions have been reduced across the board and new 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines capable of more than 50mpg will be introduced to the range.
And that’s not all….
Other new Ford cars making their way the UK this year include a new Edge SUV, the fifth-generation Galaxy people carrier, revised Focus ST and the all-new Ford Mustang (below), although you’ll struggle to get the latter on any company car user chooser list.
“Our entire product development team around the world, and especially here in Europe, have been working harder than ever to deliver on the product promises that we have made as part of our revitalisation plan,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “From performance cars that deliver outstanding on-road performance to family vehicles that deliver great quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology, 2015 promises to be one of the most exciting years for Ford of Europe and its customers.”
