Latest news with #Mondeo
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Ford's Hot Hatch Is Now Officially History
The end is here for Ford's last hot hatch as the company confirmed to Motor1 that every factory build slot for the Focus ST is spoken for. "All Focus ST factory orders until the end of production have now been reserved," European communications manager Finn Thomasen said. Dealers across the Continent may still have a few unclaimed cars hiding in back lots, but once those are gone-and when Focus production stops in November-the book will officially close on Ford's 45-year hot-hatch chapter. The Focus joins a growing list of Ford passenger cars already in the rear-view mirror. The Fiesta bowed out in 2023, the Mondeo in 2022, and the tiny Ka back in 2020. Without them, Ford's European portfolio is dominated by crossovers such as the Puma and Kuga. The shift has taken a bite out of sales: through April, Ford moved 149,601 vehicles in the EU, U.K., and EFTA markets-down 2.2% year-over-year and less than a third of Volkswagen's haul over the same period. Even Hyundai and Kia have pulled ahead, underscoring how much ground Ford has ceded without its affordable hatchbacks. Yes, the seventh-generation Mustang still flies the performance flag, but it's hardly a volume play. EU taxes punish engines bigger than two liters, dogging the 5.0-liter V-8, while the smaller 2.3-liter EcoBoost was pulled from European order books at the end of 2020. The pony car, therefore, lives on as a niche halo, not a substitute for the daily-drivable, budget-friendly thrills once delivered by ST-badged Fiestas and Focuses. Whether Ford ever revisits the hot-hatch formula likely depends on batteries, not boost pressure. Former Ford of Europe boss-now VW sales chief-Martin Sanders has hinted that the Blue Oval could tap further into Volkswagen's MEB electric platform, the foundation for the forthcoming Explorer and Capri EVs. VW has already promised an electric GTI; a battery-fueled Fiesta ST or Focus ST revival isn't unthinkable if the economics line up. For now, though, enthusiasts must look to the used market or pivot to rival brands still flying the internal-combustion hot-hatch flag. The Fiesta Supersport of 1980 lit the fuse; the Escort RS, Fiesta XR2, and decades of ST variants kept the fire roaring. With the Focus ST's curtain call, the combustion-powered Ford hot hatch becomes history. What replaces it, if anything, will almost certainly hum rather than howl. Until that day arrives, the faithful will remember the glory years and, if they're lucky, snag one of the last STs before they're gone. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Daily Record
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Moment BMW biker rammed off road by car before suffering life-changing condition
Horror dash-cam footage has captured the terrifying moment a BMW biker was rammed off road by a car - causing him to suffer a life-changing condition. Andrew had been riding his BMW S1000RR with a friend near Invergarry when he was knocked off his vehicle in September last year. As he and his pal rode along the road in the Highlands , they caught up with a HGV which was being followed by a Ford Mondeo. Both were travelling around 40 mph and so when it was safe to do so, his friend overtook the Mondeo and then the HGV. Still in the following position, Andrew performed a lifesaver check and moved out to overtake the queue of traffic. But moments later, as he moved alongside the Mondeo, it began to pull out into the opposite lane - forcing him off the road. Terrifying dash-cam footage captured from the HGV in front shows the motor swerving into Andrew as he attempted to overtake. The clip then shows Andrew, a dad-of-three, colliding with the verge before he is knocked off his bike. He was then filmed tumbling across the road as traffic was brought to an abrupt halt. The biker says he remembers nothing from the event apart from waking up in an ambulance. Andrew was rushed to hospital , where he was diagnosed with concussion, a fractured finger and soft tissue injuries. Initially, his doctors expected a straightforward recovery. But once discharged , Andrew began experiencing seizures, dizziness, and a pronounced stutter. His back pain and nausea worsened, leading to a readmission for further scans . At the time, was suspected he may have suffered a small brain bleed. Before the accident , Andrew had been a founding director of a successful wind turbine maintenance company, frequently travelling for work while also caring for his three daughters. But after the crash , his once-active life was reduced to struggling to leave his flat. His case was taken up by Motorcycle Law Scotland. Following detailed investigations, the law firm secured an acceptance of liability from the insurers. Initially, they agreed to fund his rehabilitation, recognising that supporting his recovery was beneficial for both sides. But as Andrew's symptoms persisted without clear improvement, the insurers withdrew funding. Despite the absence of structural brain damage, Andrew's ongoing symptoms needed explanation. He was assessed by a multidisciplinary team, including a neurologist , neuropsychologist, rehabilitation consultant, and speech and language therapist. Andrew was eventually diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - a condition that affects how the brain sends and receives signals. FND often emerges following significant trauma and can present with seizures, speech difficulties, and other debilitating symptoms. Recognising the profound impact FND had on Andrew's life, Cycle Law Scotland advocated for his right to fair compensation. In February, the dad secured a substantial seven figure settlement . Andrew said: "From one of the hardest times that hit me so far in life after a motorcycle collision I was struggling with my insurance solicitors which gave no help whatsoever. A friend recommended Motorcycle Law Scotland. They took ownership of the case, organising rehabilitation, much needed help and a moral structure which gave me confidence. "They went about everything in a professional manner, also telling me every step in layman's terms . The team's guidance and care was amazing and for that I'm truly grateful. " Motorcycle Law represented me in the best way possible."
BBC News
28-04-2025
- BBC News
London Colney car jacker James Heany jailed
Detectives hope the jailing of a car jacker who "terrorised" motorists with a knife will bring "some comfort" to Heany, 27, stole a Ford Mondeo, after confronting a man in London Colney in Hertfordshire on 20 August, before driving off and crashing into several other said Heany then tried to take vehicles from other motorists at knifepoint near the from Watford, has been jailed for seven years and nine months at St Albans Crown Court. Hertfordshire Police said Heany threatened the man on Telford Road, and then crashed into several cars during his journey on to the A404 North Orbital Road, just before the M1 abandoned the Mondeo and tried to steal other cars by jumping on bonnets and threatening other motorists with a knife and punching one victim in the face, police evading capture, Heany was eventually arrested in Hemel Hempstead on 10 October. Woman 'terrified' Police said Heany had also stolen and crashed a woman's car in March last year after threatening her with a knife in the car park of the Tim Horton's burger bar on North Western Avenue in Watford."The woman was terrified and feared for her life," Det Con Julie Vint said."We are pleased that Heany has been given a lengthy sentence."We hope it brings some comfort to the people Heany terrorised and all the motorists who had to witness such frightening actions."Heany admitted robbery, attempted robbery, possession of a knife, assault, criminal damage and dangerous driving. During sentencing on 17 April, Heany was also banned from driving for more than seven years. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford future models 2025-2035
The frenzy of tariffs presently upending the plans of so very many car makers are just one among several major issues confronting Ford Motor Company. Demand for EVs is not what it had been forecast to be by now in North America, average MPG requirements are in flux in the US, mandates for electric vehicles have changed in Europe and may shift again, the Chinese market is shifting rapidly…and so on. What is any CEO to do? Ford is sticking with Jim Farley while CFO John Lawler remains too, both navigating some especially choppy waters worldwide. This company has previously survived multiple tricky periods and crises, and there is little reason to believe it won't thrive anew once the present turbulence dissipates. Or is replaced by some new challenge. It was ever thus in the global car industry. Nearly US$1bn profit in China For all the upset and concerns over North American operations as well as the financial hits in Europe and what to do about its overcapacity there, it's all too easy to forget that Ford remains a highly successful business. Take China as one example. Despite now selling only around 10,000 passenger vehicle a month in the world's largest market - about the same level as Hyundai, Volvo or Nio - John Lawler recently told analysts that pre-tax profit from Chinese operations was the equivalent of US$900 million in 2024. The investments in Chinese plants continue, the emphasis more recently switching to exports. Examples include the locally built Mondeo/Taurus, Equator, Equator Sport and Bronco being shipped to multiple other markets. And more electrified vehicles are coming though Ford chooses not to compete directly with the welter of cheap EVs being brandished by BYD, Geely, Chery Auto, Leapmotor and others. A return to India? Ford's presence in the world's most populous nation is also a subject that world headquarters in Dearborn continues to examine closely. Its exit from Indian manufacturing operations was a painful experience but the company keeps an open mind about a possible return. Having sold the Sanand plant to Tata Motors in 2022, its other factory - Maraimalai near Chennai - was instead idled. Local media claimed Ford had entertained bids from VinFast, SAIC and Tata before deciding to retain the site. The latest indications are that Maraimalai Nagar is to re-open not, as had been rumoured, to manufacture the Endeavour SUV, but as a powertrain complex. Specifically, engines and related components are supposedly to be made there for export. Negotiations towards a proposed agreement with the government of Tamil Nadu are reportedly ongoing. An official announcement is due later in 2025. Ford's next best seller now due in 2028 It may not be America's most popular car brand, Toyota taking the number one slot for the first quarter, but the F-Series continues to be the national best selling model series. In 2024, the RAV4 beat the F-150 but including the Super Duty trucks, Ford was able to boast yet again that it makes the nation's favourite model. Well, models. The next F-150 is still three years away and already some details have leaked. Generation fifteen, the code for which is P736, has been delayed, now being set to enter production in mid-2028 from the originally planned late 2027. P702, pictured above, dates to 2021 and was facelifted last year. A later-than-scheduled arrival means the second generation F-150 Lightning (project code: T3) will now arrive before P736 (as will the next Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra). At one time, the plug-in pick-up was set to premiere in 2025 but many US consumers' disinterest in EVs saw Ford change push back the launch date. This is also said to be due to a major ongoing effort of removing unnecessary costs from the programme. Now expected in the second half of 2027, the F-150 EV will be manufactured at BlueOval City's Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center. Depending on how popular it may or may not prove to be, Dearborn Truck and the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center could also be deployed to add capacity commencing in 2028 or 2029. As for the life cycle, that would be seven years, so a freshening is scheduled for model year 2031 with generation three pencilled in for the 2035 model year. A third plant for Super Duty trucks There will be some news for the Super Duty trucks in 2026 which is when Ford plans to launch an updated series, supposedly adding a hybrid option for the F-250 and F-350. Also, presuming the present situation with tariffs can be resolved, assembly of both at the Oakville plant in Ontario should still go ahead. The fresh investment was announced in July 2024 a few months after the Canadian factory built its final Ford Edge. Oakville Assembly had been due for a refit to produce a pair of three-row electric SUVs but both models were cancelled. Instead, Ford has been busy retooling the site for 100,000 units per annum of Super Duty production. This will be in addition to Ohio Assembly and Kentucky Truck, both of which are at capacity. Essex Engine Complex, which makes the 5.0-litre Coyote V8, is also gaining investment via a new assembly line for the Super Duty's 6.7-litre Power Stroke V8 diesel and 7.3-litre Godzilla gasoline V8. As Ford has not (yet) stated anything to the contrary, its US$3bn+ spend on truck and engine production in Canada is presumed to be going ahead. And as for when the next generation of the Super Duty series arrives, that will be for the 2029 model year. Mustang sedan There aren't many cars left in the global line-up. The Mondeo/Taurus will be facelifted later in 2025 but there is no guarantee that Ford China will replace it. In North America, the company is instead betting on a four-door model around the same size, effectively a stretched and re-engineered Mustang. The 'Mach-4' will likely be revealed this year and new for the 2026 model year. Expanding the Mustang line to a third model is clever thinking, particularly as the Mach-E has done well in some countries but not so well in others. It should be facelifted for MY26 with a successor in the pipeline for CY2028. Whether or not generation two will be manufactured in Mexico - the current one has been built at Cuautitlán Assembly since 2020 - is presently under discussion. Ford of Europe shifted early into electric crossovers and SUVs, believing this would give it an advantage over competitors. Instead, many customers are still very keen on IC-powered models, the Puma being the best example. An electric version of this small crossover has just gone on sale. Both it and the petrol variants should be facelifted in 2026 and replaced in 2029. Europe: a new IC-powered SUV in 2027 The European division's two other main electric passenger vehicles are doing OK, not great. These, the VW-derived Explorer (CX740) and Capri (CX740L), are inherently first class designs but luke warm interest in EVs of this size is holding them back in many countries. Ford is due to facelift both in 2028 and launch successors in 2031. These should be linked to a smaller so-called 'multi-energy' model which will be made in Spain commencing in 2027. The next vehicle for the Almussafes (Valencia) factory is now two years away from launch, and should be a Kuga successor with HEV, PHEV and possibly EV options. Platform-wise, it will use one of Ford's own architectures, as should the next Explorer and Capri. This is of course presuming that the Niehl (Cologne) plant is not shuttered or at least loses a lot of capacity, which might well happen. Much depends on how CX740 and L fare during the next few years. Next Explorer: 2027 or 2030? Back in North America, the sixth generation of that region's Explorer still has three (potentially more) years of build remaining. The U625 series model dates to 2019 and was facelifted in 2024. A refresh of the existing CD6 platform will be the basis of the next model but there are conflicting reports of when exactly generation seven will debut. This could be as far off as 2030 should the rumours of a second facelift for U625 (in 2027) prove true. Chicago Assembly will remain the only manufacturing location in North America. Positioned above the Explorer, the largest SUV which Ford builds is also one of its newest models for the North American region. Expedition generation five, new for the 2025 model year, is the twin of the Lincoln Navigator, both also being available in extended form. They have been in production at Kentucky Truck (Louisville) since January. A hybrid option is likely to be added for the 2028 model year ahead of a facelift in CY2029 and successors in 2032. Despite all the uncertainty presently bedeviling Ford and its competitors, the so-called 'Affordable Electric Vehicle Platform' is said to be on-track for launch in 2027. Mainly for models manufactured in North America, the architecture will be the basis for a medium-sized pick-up. Ford should provide an update on this project and associated next generation vehicles within the coming months. "Ford future models 2025-2035" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. 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Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cars wrecked in serious smash as emergency services descend on Greater Manchester street
Emergency services descended on a Heywood street following a two-car crash. Paramedics treated two people at the scene following the collision on Green Lane at around 9.45am this morning (April 26). Two fire engines and a specialist rescue team were also sent out to the scene. READ MORE: Blood on the streets and main road closed after double stabbing in Longsight READ MORE: 'My daughter says she can smell it when she's walking to school... it's definitely a worry' Images from the scene showed two cars, a red Ford Mondeo and a blue car, involved in the crash at a junction. The front end of the blue car appears to be completely wrecked from the crash, while the Mondeo also appears damaged. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "At just before 9.45am today (Saturday, April 26), fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Green Lane in Heywood. "Two fire engines from Heywood and Rochdale along with the enhanced rescue unit from Ashton-Under-Lyne attended the incident which involved two vehicles. "The crew arrived quickly and worked to make the vehicles and the area safe. "Two people were treated at the scene by colleagues from North West Ambulance service. "Firefighters were in attendance for approximately 50 minutes." --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
