At least 10 new models will be built on the new global C-segment platform at Ford.
Vertrek concept is based on Ford’s global C-segment platform, which includes the all-new Ford Focus range which launches this year in Europe and then North America, plus the latest C-MAX and Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles.
After decades of promising common platforms and global vehicles and spending billions in failed attempts– going all the way back to Ford 2000 in the 1990s, it looks like Ford is finally serious about common designs, shared architectures and consistent manufacturing methods that made the Japanese the efficiency and quality leaders in the industry.
“Vertrek is a revolution compared to what is typically seen in this segment in North America and is a stylish evolution compared with products outside North America,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development.
At least 10 new models will be built on the new global C-segment platform, which replaces three platforms currently in production regionally. By 2012, the new platform will account for more than 2 million units of sales, providing Ford with economies of scale and an opportunity to upgrade from “cheap and cheerful” small vehicle marketing to an approach that is technology and product feature oriented – approaches successfully used by the Japanese and lately Korean automakers to take sales away from the Detroit Three.
The compact sport utility vehicle segment is in the top five U.S. product segments, more than doubling in market share since 2000. It also ranks among the top four most cross-shopped segments in the U.S. It is a segment that Ford helped pioneer with the popular Escape model.
Growth in Europe of crossover products has been astounding – up more than 200% since 2000. The Ford Kuga has consistently ranked third in its segment, in which all major manufacturers compete, since its launch in 2008.
