Ford to launch six new models in 2015
With six new models to launch, Ford expects 2015 to be its busiest for two decades
Ford is entering its busiest period for the last 20 years, Auto Express has learnt. The Blue Oval is gearing up for not one model launch in 2015 but six - and the cars to be launched range from bread-and-butter models right up to halo cars that push the brand more upmarket and appeal to new customers. The move has has been referred to as ‘a gigantic undertaking’ by one company insider.
The year will kick off with the market launch of the facelifted Focus and Focus ST. The famous family hatchback has received a whole host of updates ranging from a cosmetic facelift right up to improved build quality and technology. So far in 2014, the Focus is Britain’s third best-selling car so expectations for the revised model are high. The Focus will be available in 100s of different trim and engine variations, allowing Ford to speak to a vast range of potential buyers.
Sitting alongside the Focus for an early 2015 launch is the all-new Mondeo. Like the Focus, the Ford Mondeo will be available in a myriad of combinations – from 1.0-litre petrols to 4x4s and fleet-specific trims to a posh Vignale version.
Towards the middle of the year, dedicated ‘Ford Stores’ will be created to gear up for the arrival of Ford’s premium Vignale brand and the new Mustang. Out of the company’s 530 showrooms nationwide, around 65 will be upgraded to ‘Ford Store’ status. In effect they’ll become ‘mega dealers’, said the insider, and will offer enhanced customer service and larger showroom facilities.
Vignale is Ford’s weapon to steal customers away from upmarket German brands such as BMW. Customers who opt for a Mondeo Vignale - and later an S-MAX Vignale too - will be treated to a VIP experience including a dedicated ‘Vignale manager’ and posh lounges in dealerships. Owners will be able to enjoy having their Vignale collected by the Ford Store when it comes to servicing and when it’s returned, it’ll be washed, valeted and any minor scratches will be repaired - even scuffed alloys will be refurbished.
Looking towards August, Ford’s volume Focus and Mondeo lines will be joined by S-MAX and C-MAX MPVs before the first Mustang Coupes and Convertibles arriving at the turn of November. Commercial vehicles aren’t overlooked either in Ford’s attack plan in 2015. The Ford Transit turns 50 years old and 2015 marks the first full-year of sales for the new Transit range.
Read about all of the big new cars due in 2015 here.
