Ford to Unveil a "Groundbreaking New Vehicle" Along with European Premieres at Geneva Show

As we're nearing closer to the 2011 Geneva Salon, automakers are providing us with more details about their plans. Today, Ford announced that it will display a number of new production and concept cars including what the company simply described as a "groundbreaking new vehicle" without getting into any specifics.

“Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO Stephen T. Odell will unveil a groundbreaking new vehicle during a Ford news conference at 14:30 on March 1 at the Ford stand,” the company said in a statement.

What Ford did reveal is that it plans to showcase an all-new version of the 2011 Ranger pickup-truck called Wildtrak, the Vertrek SUV concept that hints at the next-generation Kuga, the Fiesta RS WRC, the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid that will be joined by a C-MAX HEV when they both go on sale in Europe in 2013, and a conceptual all-electric version of the Transit Connect.

Furthermore, the company will display its latest powertrain enhancements including a new 114g/km CO2 Mondeo ECOnetic that combines 115HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel with start-stop technology, as well as the new Ka Metal created through Ford’s Individual programme.

“Today Ford has its strongest product line-up ever and we’ve got an aggressive plan to keep our vehicle portfolio the freshest in the industry," said Odell. “We have at least 20 new models and derivatives coming across our entire European range – from small cars to commercial vehicles – and at Geneva we will be introducing some of these.

Ford to Unveil a "Groundbreaking New Vehicle" Along with European Premieres at Geneva Show

As we're nearing closer to the 2011 Geneva Salon, automakers are providing us with more details about their plans. Today, Ford announced that it will display a number of new production and concept cars including what the company simply described as a "groundbreaking new vehicle" without getting into any specifics.

“Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO Stephen T. Odell will unveil a groundbreaking new vehicle during a Ford news conference at 14:30 on March 1 at the Ford stand,” the company said in a statement.

What Ford did reveal is that it plans to showcase an all-new version of the 2011 Ranger pickup-truck called Wildtrak, the Vertrek SUV concept that hints at the next-generation Kuga, the Fiesta RS WRC, the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid that will be joined by a C-MAX HEV when they both go on sale in Europe in 2013, and a conceptual all-electric version of the Transit Connect.

Furthermore, the company will display its latest powertrain enhancements including a new 114g/km CO2 Mondeo ECOnetic that combines 115HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel with start-stop technology, as well as the new Ka Metal created through Ford’s Individual programme.

“Today Ford has its strongest product line-up ever and we’ve got an aggressive plan to keep our vehicle portfolio the freshest in the industry," said Odell. “We have at least 20 new models and derivatives coming across our entire European range – from small cars to commercial vehicles – and at Geneva we will be introducing some of these.

2011 Ford C-MAX and C-MAX Grand Pricing Announced in the UK

Ford today announced pricing on the all-new Focus-based five-seater C-MAX MPV and its seven-seater sibling, the C-MAX Grand, which will go on sale in the UK this October (U.S. sales of this model will start in late 2011). Both will be offered in a simplified two trim line-up (Zetec and Titanium) with prices starting from £16,745 for the C-MAX Zetec and £18,745 for the C-MAX Grand Zetec.

Buyers in Britain can choose from three petrol engines and two diesel engines. The gasoline lineup includes a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter unit with 105HP or 125HP, and Ford's new 1.6-liter Ecoboost engine with direct injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable valve timing that delivers 150HP. The Ecoboost unit is paired to a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

For those that prefer a diesel engine, there's a 115HP 1.6-liter TDCi and a 140HP 2.0-liter TDCi, both hooked up to a standard six-speed manual gearbox. The 2.0 TDCi is also offered optionally with Ford's dual-clutch Powershift six-speed automatic.

Standard equipment on all models includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, alarm, radio/CD and Bluetooth with USB connectivity and voice control. The Grand C-MAX also gets powered child-proof locks on the rear dual sliding doors, and rear parking sensors.

The Titanium trim adds auto front wipers and headlamps, dual electronic automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, hill launch assist, keyless start, cruise control with speed limiter, premium Sony audio, and tire deflation detection system. The Grand C-MAX Titanium also has power folding mirrors.

For details on pricing, check out the table below.

2011 Ford C-MAX and C-MAX Grand Pricing Announced in the UK

Ford today announced pricing on the all-new Focus-based five-seater C-MAX MPV and its seven-seater sibling, the C-MAX Grand, which will go on sale in the UK this October (U.S. sales of this model will start in late 2011). Both will be offered in a simplified two trim line-up (Zetec and Titanium) with prices starting from £16,745 for the C-MAX Zetec and £18,745 for the C-MAX Grand Zetec.

Buyers in Britain can choose from three petrol engines and two diesel engines. The gasoline lineup includes a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter unit with 105HP or 125HP, and Ford's new 1.6-liter Ecoboost engine with direct injection, turbocharging and twin independent variable valve timing that delivers 150HP. The Ecoboost unit is paired to a standard six-speed manual gearbox.

For those that prefer a diesel engine, there's a 115HP 1.6-liter TDCi and a 140HP 2.0-liter TDCi, both hooked up to a standard six-speed manual gearbox. The 2.0 TDCi is also offered optionally with Ford's dual-clutch Powershift six-speed automatic.

Standard equipment on all models includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, alarm, radio/CD and Bluetooth with USB connectivity and voice control. The Grand C-MAX also gets powered child-proof locks on the rear dual sliding doors, and rear parking sensors.

The Titanium trim adds auto front wipers and headlamps, dual electronic automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, hill launch assist, keyless start, cruise control with speed limiter, premium Sony audio, and tire deflation detection system. The Grand C-MAX Titanium also has power folding mirrors.

For details on pricing, check out the table below.