|
Ford have
confirmed the rumours that spread yesterday are correct, and
that the are set to develop a new small car jointly with
Fiat.
The new models, targeted at the 'sub' B-segment, will
replace Ford's existing Ka model, while Fiat's version will
revive the famous '500' name and fulfill the Italian firm's
desire to get back to their roots with a new 'city' car.
Both cars will be built at Fiat's factory at Tychy in
Poland, currently the home of Panda and Seicento production,
with unconfirmed reports saying that the new cars will be
built using the floorpan and mechanicals of the current
Panda model. Fiat's version is expected to arrive on the
market in late 2007, or early 2008.
Ford today
responded to the reports that broke yesterday morning in a
German newspaper linking Fiat and Ford, and which were then
confirmed by a Reuters' news agency source. In a brief
statement issued this morning the giant American carmaker
said, "The two new vehicles that would be involved, with
highly differentiated designs, would be a new Fiat 500 and a
replacement for the current Ford Ka." It is an arrangement
which is expected to be similar to the project between
Peugeot-Citroen (PSA) and Toyota, which is building a new
small car, also in Eastern Europe.
|
 |
|
Ford introduced the individually styled existing Ka
model during 1996, it is built at the firm's factory
in Valencia, Spain |
|
|
 |
|
Fiat recently presented
their view of a future city car - the Trepiuno,
which built on the appearance of the iconic Fiat 500 |
|
|
Ford added that "By working together on this project, both
companies would envisage reduced development and material
costs, while providing highly competitive products to the
marketplace." Ford - the world's second largest carmaker -
introduced the very individually styled existing Ka model
during 1996. It is built at the firm's factory at Valencia,
in Spain. It has since spawned a series of 'lifestyle' niche
versions, including a convertible and a higher performance
model.
Fiat's CEO,
Sergio Marchionne, told reporters during the launch of the
brand new Fiat Grande Punto in Turin on Tuesday that he
would announce the first strategic partnership "before the
end of the year", while the next day Fiat Chairman Luca di
Montezemolo said - in a radio interview - that the news
would come "very, very soon." The original Fiat 500 became a
symbol of Italy's post-war recovery (along with the Vespa
scooter), and helped to 'motorise' the nation.
|
|
|
|
