M-Sport has finally taken the wraps off of its Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car after nine months of hard work. The Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car will be eligible to compete in national rally championships around the world and the IRC and S200 World Cup in January 2010.

Power comes from a 1998cc 4-cylinder Duratec engine that makes 280-hp and maximum torque of 192 lb-ft. The engine is mated to an all-wheel-drive system and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The Fiesta S2000 rally car also includes Brembo brakes and an adjustable sports suspension.

So far, the Ford Fiesta S2000 has complete nearly 3000 kms (1,864 miles) of testing in the UK and Europe. The testing program will continue into the early part of next year until the car makes its competitive debut.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

Ford Fiesta S2000 Rally Car:

Press Release:

All new Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car unveiled

The highly-anticipated Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car has been unveiled at a launch ceremony at M-Sport’s Cumbrian base in the UK. The new rally car, the culmination of nine months’ hard work by the design and engineering team at M-Sport, was presented by M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson. Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s Senior Motorsport Manager was present as a special Ford guest during the S2000 launch.

The Fiesta S2000, M-Sport and Ford’s first global rally car, which will be eligible to compete in national rally championships around the world as well as the IRC and S2000 World Cup, is due for homologation in January 2010. However, it will make its public debut this weekend appearing as course car at the final round of the IRC series, the Rally of Scotland.

Invited guests were given an opportunity to get a close-up look at the exciting new car which has been designed by M-Sport’s award-winning technical director Christian Loriaux and his team led by Chief Designer Anthony Brinkman and Test Engineer Chris Gray.

Continuing their close relationship with Ford, the team at M-Sport has worked in tandem with Ford’s Motorsport Technical Manager Mike Norton and the Ford small car design team that developed the acclaimed kinetic design of the Fiesta road car, to develop a dynamic and aggressive looking rally car.

The experience gained from developing the record-breaking Ford Focus RS WRC has been used by the M-Sport team to develop the Fiesta S2000 rally car while working within the new FIA sporting regulations which mean that this car can be used by customers at both national and international level.

The Fiesta S2000 has already completed nearly 3000kms of testing both in the UK and Europe and that extensive testing programme will continue into the start of the next year in readiness for the car’s competitive debut.

The Fiesta S2000 is the latest in a long line of rally cars produced as a result of the successful partnership between M-Sport and Ford, starting with the Escort Cosworth in the 1990s and moving on to the record breaking Ford Focus RS WRC and Ford Fiesta ST.

It follows hot on the heels of M-Sport’s extremely successful two wheel drive Fiesta R2, which was launched earlier this year and has already taken class victories in rallies across Europe.

The arrival of the Fiesta S2000 means that together Ford and M-Sport offer a complete ladder of opportunity for rally competitors to graduate with Ford from national level right through to the WRC in Ford cars.

M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson said:
“Today is a very exciting day for us. This is the first global rally car for Ford and M-Sport, I really believe that we have produced a fantastic rally car and this launch is a big step to seeing it out competing in rallies. It’s the first time in five years that we have been able to offer a Ford rally car that can challenge for overall victory in national championships across the world.

“It is also the culmination of a huge amount of hard work not only by Christian Loriaux and his team, but by everyone who works at M-Sport. We have worked closely with Ford on this project, their best-selling road car, the new Ford Fiesta, has been a perfect base car and its award-winning styling and kinematics together with M-Sport’s expertise will surely make the Fiesta S2000 a huge global success.”

M-Sport Technical Director Christian Loriaux said:
“It’s a fantastic feeling today to see the car actually launched to the world after all the hard work and testing behind closed doors. Everyone at M-Sport has had to pull together in order to get the Fiesta S2000 finished in such a short period of time and it has been a great team effort to get to this point so quickly.

“The design team, led by Anthony Brinkman and Chris Gray, has worked incredibly hard and the fact that we have been able to deliver the car to schedule is down in no small part to the commitment of the entire M-Sport team to the success of the project. We have made a very promising start in testing and I am more than pleased with the performance of the car so far; it will be interesting to see how the real pace of the car compares to the competition.”

- By: Kap Shah

FoMoCo announced today that sales of its new Ford Fiesta have topped 500,000 units one-year after its launch. The new Ford Fiesta is now being prepared for launch in the United States and key Asia Pacific markets for next year.

Ford said that after a strong launch in Europe, the Fiesta hit the South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and China. As European sales reached 430,000 units, Asia Pacific region sales reached 40,000 units. October sales helped push the total number of units sold beyond 500,000.

The new Fiesta is ready to make its North American debut at the 2009 L.A. Auto Show in December. Ford says that the Fiesta already has more than 50,000 potential customers in the U.S. thanks to its Fiesta Movement efforts. Sales of the North American Fiesta will begin in the summer of 2010.

Click here for more news on the Ford Fiesta.

Make the jump for the press release for more details.

Press Release:

NEW FORD FIESTA SALES TOP 500,000 UNITS IN FIRST YEAR; ROLL-OUT CONTINUES IN 2010 TO U.S., OTHER ASIAN MARKETS

* Customer demand for fuel-efficient Fiesta continues strong in Europe and Asia Pacific markets as Ford prepares to introduce the Fiesta to U.S. buyers in December
* More than 40 percent of European customers are choosing higher end Titanium and Ghia trim levels of the new Fiesta
* From “Hot Magenta” in Spain to “Winning Blue” in China and “Panther Black” in Australia, Fiesta buyers are opting for a wide mix of colors

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29, 2009 – One year after its debut, more than half a million customers have purchased the new Ford Fiesta, marking an important milestone as Ford Motor Company prepares to bring the fuel-efficient, global car to the U.S. and other key Asian Pacific markets next year.

The new Fiesta, the first in a wave of stylish vehicles being brought to world-wide markets under the ONE Ford plan, went on sale in Germany in October 2008. It quickly became the second-best-selling car for all markets in Europe and the leader in the European small car segment. The new Fiesta has also been a key driver behind Ford of Europe’s market share gains, which are up 0.5 percentage points this year through September to 9.2 percent, the highest since 1999.

After its European introduction, the Fiesta was launched in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and China. Global retail sales of the car reached 470,000 units through September of this year, with 430,000 sales in Europe and 40,000 in the Asia Pacific region. Continued strong demand for Fiesta through October has pushed the total number beyond 500,000.

“Customers around the world are recognizing the new Fiesta delivers on the global Ford DNA — eye-catching design, innovation, outstanding driving dynamics and great value,” said Jim Farley, group vice president of global marketing and Canada, Mexico and South America.

The new Fiesta will make its North American debut when it is revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. Set to arrive in North American dealer showrooms next summer, the Fiesta already can claim more than 50,000 potential U.S. customers thanks to the Fiesta Movement, a social media initiative in which 100 young trendsetters are test driving and living with a European-spec Ford Fiesta for six months.

Customers so far have been drawn to higher end models of the Fiesta, with more than 40 percent of European buyers choosing the Titanium and Ghia trim levels. The variety of colors that Fiesta offers is also proving to be a hit.

So far this year customers in the U.K. and Germany, Ford of Europe’s two largest markets, drive off in a “Panther Black” Fiesta more than any other color. Drivers in Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands and Greece are also among those countries that favor black.

However, buyers in Spain, Austria and Russia are selecting “Hot Magenta” as their top color. The Scandinavian countries are setting a pattern all their own. The Swedes select “Moondust Silver” most often. Norwegians favor “Hot Magenta.” Denmark goes with “Panther Black,” while the Finns tilt toward “Tango.”

Top choices among China buyers are “Passion Orange” and “Winning Blue.” But throughout Asia Pacific overall, the top-selling color is “Moondust Silver,” with South African’s also favoring “Frozen White” while Australians go for “Panther Black” in nearly equal numbers.

When the Fiesta hits American shores next year it will feature bold color choices, including “Bright Magenta” and “Lime Squeeze.”

Fiesta Facts
Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Germany and Valencia Assembly Plant in Spain produce three-door and five-door hatch back versions of the new Fiesta. The Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Company manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China produces the five-door hatchback and four-door sedan versions of the Fiesta. The AutoAlliance Thailand production facility will start to build the five- and four-door versions of Fiesta as well in the second quarter of next year.

Ford’s plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico, will build five-door hatchback and sedan versions of the new Fiesta for the United States and other North American markets.

Within five years, Ford expects to build about one million vehicles worldwide annually off of the new global B-car platform, the basis for the new Fiesta. Since Fiesta was launched in 1976, more than 12 million have been sold worldwide.

The Fiesta has won numerous international awards since it was introduced:

* Prestigious “red dot” award for international product design — Germany’s Essen-based Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen
* Car of the Year 2009 by Britain’s What Car? Magazine
* 2009 Car of the Year – The Sun Motors
* 2009 Croatian Car of the Year – Croatian Car Association
* 2009 Hellenic Car of the Year – Journalists from Autobild, Drive Autocar
* Woman’s Car 2009 – Hachette Filipacchi Editorial Group
* 2008 Scottish Car of the year – Association of Scottish Motoring Writers
* The Best of the 2008 Geneva Show – Most Significant – Autoweek
* Top Gear, Car, Car & Driver and 4 Wheels
* 2008 Croatian Car of the Year – Croatian Car Association
* 2008 Best Supermini – What Car? magazine

- By: Omar Rana

FoMoCo confirmed today that the 2011 Ford Fiesta (U.S. Spec) will debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December. The debut will also mark the completion of the Ford Fiesta Movement, meaning all of you who have been driving around Ford’s new compact car will have to find a new set of wheels.

Ford said that since it kicked off the Ford Fiesta Movement in May, 50,000 individuals have shown interest in the compact car – 97 percent of them have never driven a Ford.

Ford has sold nearly 340,000 Fiesta units since it first launched the car last autumn. It will arrive in U.S. dealerships in mid-2010.

Pricing will be announced closer to launch and technical details will be announced at the 2009 LA Auto Show.

Check out our review of the 2010 Ford Fiesta (European Spec).

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

Press Release:

FORD’S NEW FIESTA TO DEBUT AT L.A. AUTO SHOW; FIESTA AGENTS BEGIN FINAL MONTH OF MISSIONS

- The car consumers can’t stop talking about, the 2011 Ford Fiesta, will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December
- Since its kickoff in May, the Fiesta Movement has resulted in more than 50,000 hand-raisers, 97 percent of whom currently do not drive a Ford
- Fiesta Movement agents embark on entertainment-themed adventures in October for their final month of missions

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 6, 2009 – Ford’s rollout of its next generation of small cars will hit an important milestone when the new Fiesta is revealed in December at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The reveal of the North American-based Ford Fiesta will also mark the culmination of the first phase of the Fiesta Movement.

Set to arrive in dealer showrooms next summer, the Fiesta already can claim more than 50,000 potential customers thanks to the Fiesta Movement.

“This is the perfect time to show the North American Fiesta,” said Sam De La Garza, Ford Fiesta marketing manager. “The Fiesta Movement will have wrapped up, and after hearing so much about this car leading up to the reveal, everyone will finally get to see what we are so excited about.”

Fiesta Movement October missions – entertainment

Fiesta Movement agents are entering their final month of missions, and October has them having a blast with missions planned around the theme of entertainment. With 100 missions to choose from, all agents are sure to find an adventure to suit their tastes.

October missions include:

- Visiting Turn10 Studio, Microsoft’s racing studio, to get a look behind closed doors at the making of the latest Forza race game featuring the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The agent will get to design his or her own Fiesta, then climb into a three-screen simulator complete with hydraulics to put the new game to the test.
- A behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production of a music video with Izza Kizza. The hip-hop artist is creating his music video for the song “They’re Everywhere,” and one lucky Fiesta agent will get to be right there, front and center, for the fun.
- Hanging out in the recording studio with Jukebox the Ghost. The indie pop group is recording its new album; a Fiesta agent will be checking out the band’s new tunes right along with them.
- Several missions for football fanatics, from checking out a Detroit Lions game with a former player, to watching a Philadelphia Eagles warm-up, to hanging out for the team’s game and meeting the broadcast group for the Eagles.

During each mission and after its completion, agents upload content to the Fiesta Movement Web site or the social media platform of their choice. Using www.fiestamovement.com, visitors can follow the ride by accessing the live feed feature to keep current on what the agents have to say about Fiesta and their missions.

Spreading the word

After kicking off the Fiesta Movement and embarking on their first missions in May, agents created a big impression in the social media world, including:

* More than 4.3 million video views on YouTube
* More than 540,000 photo views on Flickr
* More than 3 million impressions on Twitter

Fiesta sales success

Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europe’s No. 2-selling car and Ford of Europe’s top-selling vehicle, helping Ford’s share in Europe’s main 19 markets increase for the eighth consecutive month.

Nearly 340,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn, with 21,800 delivered to customers in August. Fiesta was the best-selling foreign vehicle in August in both Italy and France.

In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding drive quality, design and value. The all-new Ford Fiesta will bring its three-decade heritage to U.S. consumers in 2010.

- By: Kap Shah

Ford says that it is seeing an increasing demand in bold colors, bucking the traditional wisdom that conservative colors dominate the industry in a recession. The Dearborn automaker said that while black, white and silver are still leaders, the company is seeing strong U.S. sales in new vehicles offered in bright colors.

Ford says that there has been high demand for vehicles such as the 2010 Mustang in “Grabber Blue” and the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in “Molten Orange.”

With that in mind, Ford said that the 2011 Ford Fiesta will hit U.S. dealerships next year with two new bold color choices: “Bright Magenta” and “Lime Squeeze.”

Check out our review of the 2010Ford Fiesta Lime Squeeze here.

Follow through for the press release.

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

Press Release:

FORD SEES DEMAND FOR HOT HUES; 2011 FIESTA TO LAUNCH WITH BOLD NEW COLORS

* Bold colors with fun names are appearing more and more in consumer products, offering consumers more individuality while bucking the traditional wisdom that conservative colors dominate in a recession
* While black, white and silver still remain top choices, Ford is seeing strong U.S. sales of new vehicles offered in bright colors – like “Grabber Blue” and “Molten Orange”
* Fiesta will arrive on American shores next year, offering two bold color choices: “Bright Magenta” and “Lime Squeeze”

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 17, 2009 – Fashion magazines are heralding bright colors this fall. Bold shades are being offered in an increasing array of consumer products – from laptop computers to vacuums to stand mixers for the kitchen.

Ford is experiencing the trend, too, with high demand for vehicle colors such as the 2010 Mustang in “Grabber Blue” and the F-150 SVT Raptor in “Molten Orange.” When the 2011 Ford Fiesta goes on sale next summer, consumers will have bright colors to choose from, including “Bright Magenta” and “Lime Squeeze.”

“Brilliant colors are transforming the norms in how we think about all sorts of products, allowing people to express individuality more and more through the electronics they use and the cars they drive,” said Susan Swek, Ford group chief designer, Color and Materials Design. “Color is a simple way to allow people to add a personal touch to their everyday lives – something that speaks to them and expresses a little of their personality.”

In the U.S. already, Ford is seeing strong sales for cars in brilliant colors:
• Nearly four in 10 (39 percent) customers purchasing the new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor are choosing “Molten Orange.”
• New “Grabber Blue” Ford Mustangs are exceeding sales projections, accounting for roughly 10 percent of total 2010 Mustang sales so far
The Ford Fiesta is coming to the United States with even bolder colors after seeing drivers around the globe gravitate to a palette of brilliant hues:
• In Asia, Fiesta buyers’ third most favorite color (15 percent of sales) is an eye-popping blue called “Vision,” followed by the lime green “Squeeze” (11 percent) with the top selling color being “Moondust Silver.” In China, nearly three in 10 (28 percent) Fiestas purchased are “Passion Orange,” making it far and away the favorite choice.
• Right behind “Panther Black” and “Silver”, Europeans are selecting “Hot Magenta” and “Vision” as their third and fourth most favorite colors, each accounting for about 10 percent of sales across Europe.

In fact, for the first time with any Ford vehicle in Europe, Fiesta buyers are saying that vehicle color was among the top 10 reasons for purchasing the car, according to Ford research.

Since May, 100 Fiesta agents have traveled more than 800,000 miles around the country, primarily driving “Hot Magenta” and “Squeeze” colored Fiestas as part of Ford’s Fiesta Movement (www.fiestamovement.com) The Euro-spec Fiestas are turning heads with their bold colors. “Almost everywhere I go, someone comments on the color,” said Fiesta agent Hilary McHone of her Squeeze-colored car. “Women love it, and some people even show me how it matches their cell phone.”

McHone, a Brooklyn photographer, adds, “It makes me think of spring. There’s a lot of life in it. I think people are excited about having more color options these days. It allows people to express their personalities more.” McHone likes her Fiesta color so much, she had her wedding dress made this summer to match the lime green.

FoMoCo has cut its capital costs for vehicle-building equipment and factories by 50 percent over the past two years. According to Ford’s executive director of manufacturing engineering Bruce Hettle, Ford achieved the cut by standardizing manufacturing processes globally, reports Automotive News.

Hettle said that the new Ford Fiesta compact car is the best example of the company’s global process. He said that the assembly plants for building the Fiesta in China and Mexico are exactly the same. They have identical assembly lines, body shops and paint shops.

“We’re starting to get the value from our global scale,” he said.

Hettle went on to say that when Ford’s Michigan Assembly in Detroit begins production of a new compact-vehicle, it will have the same layout and equipment as the Fiesta plants.

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

- By: Kap Shah

According to UK publication AutoExpress, one of the most-loved Ford sports cars, the Ford Puma, is making a comeback. The new Puma, most of which will based on the new Fiesta, will compete with the upcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid and Hyundai Veloster.

The Ford Puma exterior will build on the Fiesta design theme along with much of the interior to be carried over from Ford’s new global compact car as well.

Power will come from the line of Fiesta’s powertrain choices including 95-hp 1.4L, a 118-hp 1.6L and a 1.4L and 1.6L TDCi. Ford’s recently confirmed 230-hp 2.0L 4-cylinder EcoBoost should also find its way under the Puma’s hood. An ST version should provide an option for those looking for a more sportier version.

While all this sounds fine and dandy, the new Ford Puma is some way off. As of right now, Ford is focused releasing the second-generation C-MAX, third-generation Focus followed by the Kuga and Mondeo Coupe. We don’t expect to see the Puma until at least 2012.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoExpress

Time for some random findings on the internet. Let’s get right to it.

Bugatti EB110 totaled at Bavaria Moscow City Racing event: One of the 139 Bugatti EB110 models ever produced was totaled after crashing into a cement gutter on the side of the road during the 2009 Bavaria Moscow City Racing event. The predecessor to the Veyron is powered by a 3.5L quad-turbo V12 that makes 542-hp allowing it to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 213 mph. – WCF

Nun fined for going 121 mph in a Ford Fiesta to see the Pope: Italian police pulled over a Ford Fiesta doing 121 mph carrying three nuns who said they were on their way to be at the pope’s side after he lost his balance in the bathroom and broke his wrist. ”The police were shocked to find three nuns of a certain age in the Fiesta,” said the driving nun. “But we were afraid of getting there late. I know you shouldn’t go so fast, but the news of his Holiness’s injury had made us truly anxious.” – Guardian

Study finds that deaths and injuries are up as a result of national speed-limit increase: A study by School of Public Health at the University of Illinois, Chicago, found that deaths and injuries have increased as a result of the national speed limit increase on American interstates from 55 mph in 1995 .The study found that “fatalities attributed 12,545 deaths and 36,582 injuries in fatal crashes to higher speed limits implemented during the 1995-2005 study period.” - U.S. News (via AutoBlog)

- By: Omar Rana

Ford of Europe says that due to a weak British pound, it is being forced to increase prices on all of its products sold in the United Kingdom. Starting July 1, FoMoCo will increase the sticker price of all vehicles sold in the UK by an average of 4 percent.

“In common with most of the U.K. auto industry, Ford is reacting to the sustained weakness of the pound against the Euro,” said Nigel Sharp, managing director of Ford of Britain. “Raising prices in difficult times, and when a scrappage scheme has been introduced, may seem counter-intuitive, but with so many of our costs priced in Euros, there is no choice if we are to maintain a viable business.”

Ford will add more than $1,000 to the price of popular models such as the Ford Fiesta, Ka, Focus, C-Max, Kuga and Mondeo.

Sharp said that additional price increases could be necessary.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

Later this summer, the Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution from Sweden will take two modified race-spec Ford Fiestas to race in the annual Pike’s Peak “Race to the Clouds.” The two modified Fiestas will be piloted by Andreas Eriksson and rally legend Marcus Gronholm.

Based on the road-going Fiesta compact cars, the race-version will run in the Unlimited Class, which allows the team to make extensive modifications. The Olsbergs MSE Fiesta Rallycross cars run on an all-wheel-drive system and are powered by a 2.0L Duratec Ford engine capable of more than 800-hp.

The suspension system of the Fiesta Rallycross car’s is the result of a collaboration between Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution, Öhlins and Ford of Europe’s Team RS engineers,

“We worked night and day all winter to get the Fiesta ready on time for the European championships, and it was great to see it score a hard-earned victory in Portugal at the start of May,” said Eriksson. “We are excited to be bringing the car to Pike’s Peak and to be able to see what it can do in such a unique competition. It’s a legendary event, and we’ve already been there to take a look at the challenge we will face. I’m convinced we’ll be a top contender to break the 10-minute mark and give the Fiesta a proper racing debut in the U.S.”

Ford Racing North America, although not directly involved in the project, will assist the team with logistical support while it is in America.

Ford Fiesta Rallycross Car:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Here we are, the first Miscellaneous Thoughts for the week of Monday, May 18, 2009. Today, you can watch hot chicks (literally hot chicks) wash the Ford Fiesta, learn about the ‘Great Ethanol Scam,’ and read just how many 2010 Toyota Priuses have been sold before the hybrid goes on sale at dealerships.

The Great Ethanol Scam: Not only is ethanol not receiving enough attention as a alternative fuel-source for gasoline, it is destroying engines. – BusinessWeek

Toyota gets 80,000 pre-orders for the 2010 Prius: Last week we reported that Toyota has received a total of 75,000 orders for the 2010 Prius before it went on sale in Japan. Well, the 2010 Prius goes on sale in Japan today, and Toyota said that it has received 80,000 pre-sale orders for the third-generation of its popular hybrid. – Reuters

Hot chicks wash the 2010 Toyota Prius: As the Ford Fiesta Movement moves along, Fiesta agents have come up with creative ways to use the social media to spread the word about Ford’s brand-new hatchback. Here someone did the obvious and got a bunch of hot chicks to wash the 2010 Ford Fiesta. – YouTube (via Jalopnik)

Click through for the video.

- By: Kap Shah

Jake Bronstein, one of the 100 test-drivers that is participating in the Fiesta Movement, has reported his Magenta Fiesta stolen. Letting the world know about his unfortunate situation via Twitter, jakehimself tweeted:

#fiestamovement car STOLEN. No, really. Police en route now. I almost couldve predicted this somehow.

Ford’s social media head Scott Monty confirmed the report by tweeting the following:

You knew it had to happen. Our first @FordFiesta from #fiestamovement has been stolen. http://bit.ly/11mgL6

Can you help? The stolen @FordFiesta (GPS tracked) is on I-95 near Port Chester, CT. Let us know if you see it.

Apparently, Ford is tracking the Fiesta live and is working with authorities to get the car back to its rightful owner, or test-driver or whatever you want Bronstein to be.

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

- By: Omar Rana

Want to drive the Ford Fiesta? Ford has announced that it will be launching an 8-month test-drive tour as a part of the Fiesta Movement, adding to the huge social media campaign built around the 2010 Fiesta that will hit U.S. markets next year.

“The Fiesta Movement is about bringing a fuel-efficient, fun new car to the people to experience,” Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliance Manager. “Our goal is to conduct 100,000 consumer test drives by the time that we reveal the North American production version later this year.”

Starting this month, five regional test drive teams will travel across the U.S. to give consumers the opportunity to test drive a Euro-spec Fiesta. The teams will visit over 100 cities in 8 months, stopping in small towns and big cities. Each location will have a free WI-FI hotspot for visitors to share their Fiesta experience immediately after driving one.

Check out our review of the 2010 Ford Fiesta here.

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

Press Release:
 

BE PART OF FORD’S FIESTA MOVEMENT: 100,000 TEST DRIVES PLANNED FOR THE NEW FUEL-EFFICIENT FIESTA

DEARBORN, Mich., May 11, 2009 – Ford is launching an aggressive eight-month consumer grassroots test drive tour as part of the Fiesta Movement, the company’s social media campaign to build awareness for the new Fiesta launching next year.

“The Fiesta Movement is about bringing a fuel-efficient, fun new car to the people to experience,” Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliance Manager. “Our goal is to conduct 100,000 consumer test drives by the time that we reveal the North American production version later this year.”

From May to December, five regional test drive teams representing the Fiesta Movement will travel across the country to engage consumers with the opportunity to test drive a European-specification Fiesta. The teams will visit at least 100 cities over the eight months, with a goal of 100,000 test drives overall. Stops will be in small towns and big cities, as well as at major and regional events and festivals.

Along with the vehicle drives, each test drive location will be a free wireless internet hotspot for visitors. This will allow visitors to share their Fiesta experiences immediately following the drive, providing the online community real-time updates about the test-drive events.

“Providing digital capabilities at each test drive location is symbolic of the way that the Fiesta Movement connects consumers to each other and facilitates two-way communication between Ford and potential customers,” Fontaine explained. “This campaign is about providing honest reviews and accessible outlets to promote and learn about the Fiesta.”

Five teams comprised of five Ford Fiestas that will criss-crossing the country from event to event. For the larger major events, multiple test drive teams will pair up in order to meet higher consumer traffic and demand. Other stops will be set up by individual teams working to “intercept” consumers at locations such as amusement parks, shopping centers, college campuses and other high-traffic areas.

Those who complete a test drive will receive a downloadable music playlist that was compiled with the Fiesta and its audience in mind. Test drivers also will be eligible to win the grand prize – two all-expense paid trips for two to attend top music festivals in Chicago, New Orleans and Indio, Calif. Trips also include VIP/backstage passes and VIP access to Spin magazine’s after party for the events selected.

Information about drive stops, including monthly calendars, is available on www.fiestamovement.com under the “Ride & Drive” section. Visitors to the site can also sign up to receive test drive updates, as they become available.

The Fiesta Movement
These drives are just one element of the Fiesta Movement. In April, Ford selected 100 trendsetters who will test drive and “live” with a European version of the Ford Fiesta for six months, traveling as an “agent” on special “missions” and relating their experiences through a variety of social media platforms.

More than 4,100 people applied for the chance to be part of the Movement and a large majority created videos for YouTube, which have already garnered an excess of one million total views.

The chosen agents are socially vibrant, unique and able to tell a good story. They come from all across the country and work in a variety of occupations. But most importantly, they have established social networks with a strong Web presence. Most have hundreds, if not thousands, of Facebook friends. There also are thousands of people following them on Twitter, YouTube, MySpace and other social networking sites. Overall, the agents have a combined reach of over four million people.

This month, each Fiesta Movement agent chose their first monthly mission. Based on the theme of travel, all of the missions are designed to engage with people in their Ford Fiesta. The adventures include recreating travel scenes from famous movies, taking friends on road trips, turning the Fiesta into an ice cream truck or hosting a “fiesta” inside the Fiesta. Agents will then generate content based on their mission to share with their social networks. Future themes include technology, social activism, adventure, style & design and entertainment.

About Fiesta
In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding driving dynamics, design and value. The all-new Ford Fiesta is taking that three-decade heritage to U.S. consumers for the first time.

The Fiesta already is a hit in Europe and Asia, where it went on sale last year and earlier this year, respectively. With this year’s European sales now totaling over 108,000, the Fiesta is the best-selling Ford model in Europe so far in 2009. Since it made its debut in August 2008, sales of the new Fiesta have totaled almost 170,000 and the car already is making a significant contribution to Ford of Europe’s market share improvement. Early response from buyers in China and other Asia-Pacific markets also is outstripping company expectations.

In March, the Fiesta overtook the Volkswagen Golf as Europe’s most popular model, outselling the Golf by more than 6,000 units. The Fiesta is now the company’s fastest-selling model ever, with the 250,000th vehicle coming off the Cologne, Germany assembly line just nine months after the car went on sale.

In 2010, the Fiesta will be produced at plants in North America, Europe and Asia for sale in markets around the world. The Fiesta for the North American market will be built at Ford’s assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

Follow the Fiesta Movement
The Ford Fiesta also is gaining attention on Facebook and Twitter, with more than 900 fans on the Fiesta Movement Facebook fan page and more than 1,700 followers on the @FordFiesta Twitter account. To follow the Fiesta Movement and the agents, visit and bookmark http://www.fiestamovement.com and the following Web accounts:
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/fiestamovement
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiestamovement
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fiesta-Movement/73386615309
Twitter: http://twitter.com/fordfiesta or @fordfiesta

- By: Kap Shah

Ford said that its new Fiesta outsold the Volkswagen Golf to become Europe’s most popular selling model in the month of March. According to Automotive News, sales were boosted by incentives allowing the Fiesta to have its best March in Germany since 1998. In Italy, the Fiesta rose from no.3 to the no.2 spot in the list of best-selling cars.

Ford said it sold a total of 52,805 Fiestas in Europe last month, up 15.5 percent from March 2008. Volkswagen reported a slight drop in Golf sales by 0.1 percent or 46 units for a total of 46,415.

So far for the first-quarter of 2009, the Volkswagen Gold still maintains a lead on the Fiesta – 119,651 to 113,576.

Click here to check out our First Drive of the 2010 Ford Fiesta.

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

- By: Omar Rana

Earlier this week, Ford let us pickup an all-new 5-door 2010 Ford Fiesta for a one-night-stand. Excited, we drove up together to NYC and drove the Fiesta back to our home-base and prepared to film a video review the next day. While we had to get the Fiesta back to Ford by 10 a.m. the next morning, we spent as much as time as we could with Ford’s first global vehicle.

Unfortunately, the rain killed our original plans to film a thorough video review of the Fiesta. Nonetheless, the Squeeze Green Fiesta (that’s what our keychain said) was just screaming to be driven when we pulled into the parking lot on gloomy Tuesday morning. So without further ado, here is our test-drive, first-drive, review or whatever you want to call it, of the 2010 Ford Fiesta.

The new 2010 Ford Fiesta is lighter, faster and more efficient than its predecessor and looks much better than the previous models. We almost want to say that the new Fiesta is the Mondeo for those looking at an entry-level Ford. At this point you can say that Fiesta has scared the heck out of its rivals and is the best car in it class… yada yada yada… but look a little closer and you’ll see there is more to the Fiesta than just a good-looking subcompact car.

Make the leap to read more and view the high-res image gallery and to see our video review.

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

Exterior:

“We have a kinetic family look now – each individual, yet instantly identifiable as part of the new generation of Ford vehicles,” says Ford of Europe’s Executive Director of Design, Martin Smith. Based on the Ford Verve concept, the new 2010 Fiesta drops its boring looks for a more aggressive, young and fun Ford kinetic design theme. Whether you purchase the Fiesta in a 5-door or 3-door configuration, the Fiesta is sure to attract quite a bit of attention. From the front to rear, the new Fiesta demands presence with a sloping A-pillar that sets it apart from rivals such as the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and the Nissan Versa. What many have come to known as Ford’s dullest car, the 2010 Fiesta has completely broken the mold with its bold exterior design.

Interior:

Open the door, and right away you’ll notice that Ford put a lot of hard work into making sure the Fiesta has a solid, quality build. Ford says the center-console was inspired by cell-phones and once you get in one you’ll see exactly what we mean. However, instead of the cell-phone inspired interior design, it’s the list of features and options the Fiesta comes with that steal all of your attention. Yes, it’s got Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod/MP3 USB connector, satellite radio and basically every feature that seem to have become the “things to offer” in every other car.

But for a subcompact car, the Fiesta takes it even further with little features that you probably wouldn’t expect to find at first. There is the FordKeyFree System that allows you to get in and out of the Fiesta with a mere touch of a button on the door handle and allows you to start the car without inserting the key in the ignition with the FordPower Starter button. Switching lanes is easier with a new indicator that you can push halfway down which allows the turn-indicators to flash three times – a feature mostly found on German luxury cars. It’s got rain-sensing wipers, park assist, power-fold side-view mirrors with integrated indicators and heated seats. The Voice Control feature works seamlessly and picks up about everything you want to do in your Fiesta without using your hands (we tried things such as defrost on, radio and phone commands). Not to mention the Voice Control has a fairly attractive British female voice that made us feel like James Bond for a split second. Another Fiesta feature that wowed us was the four-level height adjustment for the fog-lamps. The point is, the Fiesta may feel like a small car, but with really big car luxury equipment.

Performance:

Our Fiesta was powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making close to 120-hp. That will get you from 0 to 60 mph in a boring (about) 10 seconds with a top speed of 120 mph. So it’s not that fast – however, it does feel like a bigger and more sophisticated car when compared to rivals such as the Honda Fit. At high-speeds, the Fiesta feels sharp and nimble and fairly quick. Fuel-economy figures for the stateside have yet to be released but the Euro 1.6L 4-cylinder petrol version returns a combined fuel-economy of 47.9 mpg which converts to 40 mpg in U.S. terms.

Overall:

What didn’t we like about the Fiesta? Rear-seat legroom. One bystander kept asking us why Ford even bothered with a five-door variant and all we could do was show him how uncomfortable 3 adults would be sitting in the back of the Fiesta. Nonetheless, the 2010 Fiesta is the perfect car for young trendsetters, commuters and city folks.

The 2010 Ford Fiesta will arrive in U.S. Ford dealerships in the summer of 2010. Pricing has yet to be announced but expect it to be competitive with the other vehicles in its class.

First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

Video: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fiesta:

- By: Omar Rana

Ford of Europe is celebrating a significant growth in Europe’s two largest markets in March. Led by incentives, Ford’s sales grew 39.6 percent to 28,300 units last month in Germany, Europe’s No. 1 market. Sales in Italy, Europe’s second largest market, grew 21.7 percent to 23,800 units.

In the United Kingdom, Ford’s sales fell by 21,000 to 62,300.

Nonetheless, France and Spain helped boost sales of the Fiesta and Ka minicars. Fiesta had its best sales month in Germany since 1998 and the Ka had its best month since 2002.

The Fiesta was Ford’s overall bestseller across Europe with 52,800 units sold in March, bringing sales to 170,000 units since its launch in autumn of 2008.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

A total of 3,300 applicants applied to be a part of the “Fiesta Movement.” However, only 100 new Fiestas arrived today on U.S. shores helping Ford move one-step closer to having Americans fall in love with Ford’s first global small car.

The 100 European-built Fiestas arrived today at Baltimore and Oxnard California. All will be loaned to the 100 young trendsetters that were chosen from more than 3,300 applicants. The winners will share their experience with the Fiesta through various social networking sites such as Facebook, Flickr and YouTube in an attempt to build anticipation for the North American launch next year.

Make the jump for the press release.

Ford Fiesta Reaches U.S. Shores for Fiesta Movement:

Press Release:

FIESTA MOVEMENT REACHES U.S. SHORES; FORD’S NEW SMALL CAR DEFIES DOWNTURN IN EUROPE AND ASIA

    -  U.S. consumers one step closer to experiencing the Ford Fiesta with arrival of European-specification “Fiesta Movement” vehicles at ports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif.

    - More than 3,300 Fiesta Movement “agent” applications received and total views of video submissions on YouTube exceed 580,000

    - The new Fiesta already is the No. 2 selling car in Europe and is on track for its best sales month yet in March. Early Fiesta sales in China and other Asia-Pacific markets are exceeding expectations

DEARBORN, Mich., March 26, 2009 – The arrival today on U.S. shores of 100 new Ford Fiestas marks an important step in the rollout of the first of Ford Motor Company’s new generation of global small cars.

The European-built Fiestas arrived today at seaports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif., and will be loaned for six months to 100 young trendsetters chosen from more than 3,300 applicants as part of the “Fiesta Movement.” Those picked to drive the European Fiesta will share their experiences online through social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr and YouTube to build buzz and anticipation for the vehicle’s North American launch early next year.

The Fiesta already is a hit in Europe and Asia, where it went on sale last year and earlier this year, respectively. The new Fiesta already is the second-best selling vehicle of any make across Ford’s 19 major European markets, and is headed for its best month yet in Europe in March. Early response from buyers in China and other Asia-Pacific markets already is outstripping company expectations.

“In the midst of the toughest economy many of us have ever seen, the Fiesta is becoming a legitimate global success story,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The Fiesta Movement is all about introducing a new kind of small car to a new generation of buyers.”

The 100 five-door Fiestas coming to the U.S. were built at Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Europe. For many U.S. customers, it will be their first chance to see and read about the small car that is one of three finalists for the World Car of the Year award that will be announced next month at the New York International Auto Show.

“We’re really excited to be able to get our U.S. customers behind the wheel and experience this car,” said Sam De La Garza, small car marketing manager. “It’s all part of a plan to build excitement about the new Fiesta with the next generation of Ford customers.”

Designed and developed as Ford’s first global car, the Fiesta takes the nameplate’s three-decade heritage to a new level with its eye-catching kinetic design, widely acclaimed driving dynamics and unexpected refinement.

Before coming to the U.S., special permission was granted by the EPA and the European-spec vehicles were modified for American drivers.

The language in the vehicles’ instrument panel message center was changed from German to English and the speedometers were changed from kilometers to miles per hour. The voice piping from the Bluetooth-enabled vehicle, however, retains its British accent. All the Fiesta Movement vehicles feature keyless entry with push-button start, EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, 16” or 17” wheels, and many other features typically found on larger or premium vehicles.

Agents on a mission

Beginning in late spring, the chosen participants, or “Fiesta Movement” agents, will be asked to complete monthly missions in their vehicles, capture their experiences digitally and share them with Ford and others through social networks.

Ford is aiming the Fiesta Movement at Millennials, the next-generation consumer group born between 1979 and 1985 that will total 70 million new drivers in 2010 – the largest class of any generation. Making up 28 percent of the driving age population, the potential size of the market serves as an opportunity for Ford to connect with a group that hasn’t yet established brand loyalty and is very connected to the use of technology and social networking.

For Millennials, social media is a part of everyday life. Statistics show that for those born after 1980, 62 percent of the content they consume comes from someone they know personally. The missions will be designed based on monthly themes that will take them to new places, to meet new people and to experience new things in their Fiesta.

Collecting data about how the car performs in the U.S. market is an integral part to the vehicle’s launch. With this program, Ford aims to gather valuable customer input on how they perceive the vehicle prior to the next year’s North American launch. It’s the first opportunity Ford has ever had to get a wealth of feedback so early on prior to launch – unique in content and unfiltered from a multitude of sources.

The movement already is catching on, with more than 3,300 agent applications to the www.fiestamovement.com website and 580,000 views of applicant videos on YouTube.

About Fiesta

In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding performance, design and value. The new Ford Fiesta takes that three-decade heritage to a new level with eye-catching styling and exemplary driving dynamics for U.S. consumers.

The vehicle is also winning awards, including being named Car of the Year 2009 by the authoritative What Car? magazine in the U.K. and was awarded a prestigious “red dot” award for international product design.

In 2010, the Fiesta will be produced at plants in Germany, Spain, Mexico, Thailand and China for sale in markets around the world. The Fiesta for the North American market will be built at Ford’s assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Mountune Performance, in association with Ford Team RS has unveiled performance upgrades for the new Ford Fiesta 1.6 model. The upgrades will be available at selected Ford dealerships in the UK.

With a new high-flow air induction system, a high performance exhaust including high-flow catalyst and tubular manifold and re-calibration of Ford’s 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT engine, the Fiesta now produces 140-hp. That allows the Fiesta to go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds – up from 9.9 seconds.

The upgrades are available for the Fiesta Zetec-S and Titanium models with prices starting at £1,299 ($1,692 USD). The upgrades also carry a minimum of 12 months/12,000-mile dealer warranty.

- By: Kap Shah

Ford today unveiled the new Ford Fiesta Van which is sale now in the UK starting at £9,025 ($12,448 USD). The Fiesta Van will be available in three trim levels including an entry-level trim, “Trend,” and the “SportVan.”

Engine choices include a 1.25L 82-hp Duratec 16-valve gasoline engine, a 1.4L 68-hp Duratorq TDCi turbo-diesel and a 1.6L 90-hp Duratorq TDCi turbo-diesel. Ford says that the Fiesta Van can manage a class-leading fuel-economy of 67.3 mpg (56 mpg in the U.S.).

Do you think the Fiesta Van can be a success in the U.S.? Let your voice be head in the comments section below.

Click through for more images and the press release.

Ford Fiesta SportVan:

Press Release:

NEW FORD FIESTA VAN DELIVERS LOW RUNNING COSTS

    – New Fiesta Van range now on sale from £9,025 to £10,780
    – Available with a choice of three engines and three series: entry, new “Trend” and the top-of-the range SportVan
    – Competitive payload of up to 515kg
    – Best-in-class fuel economy up to 67.3mpg
    – Low insurance groups
    – Dagenham-built diesel engines emit just 110g/km CO2
BRENTWOOD, 9 March, 2009 – The new Ford Fiesta Van is now on sale from £9,025. Low running costs make this new entry into the car-derived market a sound business decision. Frugal fuel economy of up to 67.3mpg-, insurance groups of 1E and 2E and a choice of engines and trim levels make it a class-leading package.

Steve Kimber, Ford of Britain’s commercial vehicles director, said: “Fiesta Van is a main player in the car-derived van market with around 25 per cent of all sales. We expect to build on this, as more and more of today’s businesses look to keep their costs under control.

“The van model was an integral part of the new Fiesta product plan and its superior quality really shows. Being competitive has never been more relevant and that’s why Fiesta Van, with the range-topping SportVan, is a great addition to our 2009 line-up.”

The fuel efficiency of the Fiesta Van is best in class: the petrol engine has combined fuel consumption of 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 133g/km. Both diesel engines have a combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg- and CO2 emissions of just 110g/km.

The new Fiesta Van is available in three versions: Fiesta Van, the new “Trend” and “SportVan” with prices starting at £9,025 for the 1.25 Duratec 82PS petrol to £10,780 for the SportVan 1.6 TDCi 90PS with coated diesel particulate filter (cDPF). The addition of the Trend series is set to appeal to a wider group of customers. It is ideal for image-conscious businesses who may be delivering small packages, transporting compact equipment such as meter reading tools or for the site engineer who does not need a large capacity for tools.

Engines
The new Fiesta Van is available with a choice of engines: 1.25-litre 82PS Duratec 16 valve petrol unit and a frugal 1.4-litre 68PS Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel. The top-of-the-range 1.6-litre 90PS Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel is standard in the Fiesta SportVan. The closed-loop coated cDPF is optional on the 1.6-litre 90PS Duratorq TDCi turbo diesel on all series. Both diesel engines are built at Ford’s wind-powered plant at Dagenham, Essex.

Car becomes a van
A payload range from 490kg to 515kg gives customers a competitive option for transporting their products. The rear side windows are replaced by body-coloured solid panels, and the rear passenger seats are removed to provide a load box area of 1,000 cubic litres, with a maximum useable load length of 1,296mm, as well as a maximum load box width of 1,278mm (1,000mm between the wheel arches) and a height of up to 806mm. A half-height composite bulkhead and DIN-compliant tie-down hooks are standard.

New Fiesta Van is equipped with the acclaimed Ford EasyFuel capless refuelling system which is clean and easy to use and also has a mis-fuel inhibitor that prevents the wrong fuel filler nozzle being inserted. This feature is a major benefit to commercial customers, particularly for mixed fleets and vehicles that are used by multiple drivers.

This new model also inherits the best technologies and features from its car cousin including: a chassis designed for a safe and controllable ride under all loading conditions, the new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) for steering accuracy and lower fuel consumption, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) including Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is available as an option with all engines (standard on SportVan) and includes Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

Fiesta Van feature specification:

- EasyFuel capless refuelling
- Three engine options
- Body colour roof spoiler
- Electric door mirrors
- Stereo radio CD, MP3 connection, four front speakers and steering wheel mounted controls
- Adjustable steering column
- Electric front windows

Fiesta Van Trend features in addition to Fiesta Van:

- Front fog lights
- Body-coloured, power folding, heated door mirrors
- Automatic windshield wipers and headlamps
- Auto dimming rear view mirror
- Trip computer
- Driver’s seat lumbar support
- Heated front windscreen

Standard features of Fiesta SportVan in addition to Fiesta Van Trend:

- 1.6-litre TDCi (90PS) engine
- Body colour sports “aero” kit including high intake front grille, rear bumper and rear spoiler
- 16″ five-spoke sports alloy wheels
- Bluetooth hands free and voice control, including multi function display
- Air conditioning
- Sports style front seats
- Leather trimmed steering wheel
- Rear sports spoiler
- Perimeter alarm
- Sports-tuned suspension with lowered ride height
- ESP/traction control
- Driver’s knee and side airbags (head and thorax) and active head restraint