There’s more than one way for Hollywood actors to go green. While most celebrities choose to go the way of Toyota Prius ownership, Eric Bana’s chosen green ride is a 1973 Ford Falcon from Australia, a gas guzzler from a time that just barely predates most modern emissions equipment. That car, which is the title character in Bana’s upcoming new movie Love The Beast, was modified to take part in the grueling Targa Tasmania Rally, and we doubt the list of upgrades included bits like catalytic converters and computer-controlled engine management systems. Other stars slated to appear in the new flick include certified motor-heads Jay Leno, Jeremy Clarkson and… um, Dr. Phil. So, what’s the green angle?

Bana’s production company, known as Pick Up Truck Pictures, contracted an outside firm to calculate the total carbon emissions spent in the production of the film. To offset this carbon footprint, oxygen-exhaling trees will be planted to suck up their share of carbon dioxide and restore forest ecosystems. Ta-da!

There was a real to help the automakers and their suppliers revamp old factories and increase production of fuel friendly vehicles but the money turned out to be more important for other uses than originally thought as the economy and the auto industry struggle.

The money has yet to be sent out and there is no set timeframe to finish the review of the submissions for the federal funds.  The delay highlights some of the difficulties in pushing money out the door as Congress debates the best way to stimulate the economy.

As of Jan. 23, the department had received and reviewed 75 applications for the federal car loans. In that batch, 26 moved on to the next round, which assesses the technical eligibility of the project and financial viability of the company applying.

Those that were rejected were notified why they did not meet the criteria and may supplement their applications by March 31.

Ford, which is seeking $5 billion in direct loans by 2011, made it through the first review.

The next step could be trickier. The government must determine whether applicants have the ability to repay this loan, at a time when auto sales across the industry have fallen to their lowest levels in decades.

The aid for developing more fuel-efficient cars is being taken up separately from the requests for TARP money but both will be a part of the repayment formula.

Energy Department spokesman Dan Leistikow said in a statement that the secretary agrees that “the loans need to be issued as quickly as possible to help our automakers retool, create jobs, and produce the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Article Source: Washington Post . com

With manufacturers such as General Motors and Ford preparing to launch production of hybrid-electric trucks, it’s only a matter of time before the technology becomes widely available in commercial fleet arena.

For Memphis-based FedEx Corp. officials, that can’t be soon enough.

“Based on our original projections and discussions with commercial vehicle manufacturers, we thought they’d be widely available by now,” says Mitch Jackson, FedEx director of environmental affairs and sustainability.

FedEx has a diverse range of environmental and fuel conservation efforts reaching into all phases of its operation, such as strategic route planning and vehicle optimization — even reducing the use of in-gate aircraft auxiliary power units and replacing much of its airplane fleet.

On the truck side, the company operates alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs), such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, biodiesel-powered trucks on routes in Washington, D.C., and compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered vehicles where it has central fueling capability abroad.

But the lack of a national fueling infrastructure severely limits the company’s potential use of AFVs in the U.S., as does the lack of a national standard for biodiesel.

“We’re pleased with our biodiesel experience,” says Jackson. “But it’s fuel company- and location-specific; so you run B-5 in Washington, D.C., for example, B-10 in the Midwest.”

He adds, “We’ve explored how to roll it out on a more consistent basis. But with the distribution challenges and availability and varying levels of fuel, it’s really hard to go national with biodiesel.”

FedEx has also teamed with General Motors to test a fuel cell delivery vehicle. But the viability and availability of such vehicles still have a fairly lengthy horizon.

Major Focus on Hybrids

Commercial hybrids have dominated the company’s attention and spearheading their ready availability is its major environmental/fuel-saving focal point.

The company actually has separate twin hybrid efforts: one aimed at commercial vehicles over 8,500 lbs. GVW up to Class 6 and another at commercial vehicles in the Class 6-7 range.

FedEx Express overnight delivery operations in Memphis has been working with several manufacturers, including Eaton Corp., Isuzu, Iveco, and Azure Dynamics, whose hybrid system is used by Ford, to promote hybrid-electric use in vehicles over 8,500 lbs. GVW.

Meanwhile, FedEx Ground operations in Pittsburgh, with its parcel post-type delivery, has been working with Parker Hannifin Corp. to test hybrid hydraulic technology in heavier Class 6 vehicles.

“We did that by intent to focus the technology developments by company operation,” Jackson says.

You’re invited to the Second Annual Ford PAS Next Generation Learning Communities (Ford PAS NGLC) Institute. The Ford PAS NGLC initiative aims to support communities that wish to increase the number of students learning in successful career academies and help those communities sustain their career academy network over time. The Ford PAS NGLC Institute will help you
• Learn about the Ford PAS NGLC Initiative
• Become familiar with the Ford PAS NGLC Best Practices
• Hear from the designated Ford PAS NGLC communities about their best practices
• Discover how to apply for Ford PAS NGLC designation
• Network with other successful career academies
• Strategize with your team in planning sessions. On-line Registration opens Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Registration fees are:
• Regular registration, April 16–May 23, $220
• Late registration, after May 23, $320.

Immediately following the Ford PAS NGLC Institute, join others to learn about the innovative Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) program, an academically rigorous, inquiry-based high school curriculum and program developed to prepare students for careers in business, technology and engineering. To participate:

The big winner in the CR SUV rankings was the Toyota Highlander. The hybrid version finished with the top overall score of 86, and the standard model received a good-for-second-place 81. The Acura MDX came in third with 80 points. GM’s Lambda-based crossovers all tied for 6th place with a total score of 75 points each. The Consumer Report SUV rankings will appear in its November issue, which should be hitting store shelves just about now.

For months, we’ve been teased with images of the troubled automaker’s Verve concept. Now, however, we’re getting a look at what Ford’s new global small car really will look like.

The three-door, shown here, is one of at least three different Verve variants that will begin fanning out to markets around the world, starting next year. European buyers will be offered this and a five-door hatchback, while a four-door sedan version is being styled up forChina and the United States .

There’s also a strong possibility that U.S. buyers could get this three-door, Ford marketing czar Jim Farley tells TheCarConnection.com, based on the results of a series of consumer clinics.

The European introduction is scheduled for later this year, hence Fiesta’s much-heralded reveal at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. China will get its subcompact about a year later, but the American debut is being held back until 2010.

“We need 24 months to figure it out,” concedes Farley, who joined Ford, last year, after a long stint with Toyota . He admits that there is a “thermonuclear war” underway for the hearts, minds and pocketbooks of the young buyers who will make up Fiesta’s core market.

There are several reasons to pay particular attention to Fiesta. For one thing, it marks the beginning of a worldwide transformation at Ford, which will now rely heavily on its European design and engineering operations to help craft its future products. Fiesta will be the first of these global models, though plenty more are in the pipeline.

For buyers, what will matter more is that this won’t be the typical, bare bones subcompact. Ford promises that Fiesta will be a surprisingly lavish and well-equipped model – and for that you should expect to pay at least a modest premium over some of the segment’s truly entry-level offerings. (But, Farley stresses, Fiesta should still come in at a sticker price under that of the bigger Ford Focus.)

Look for some of the more compelling touches first seen on the Verve concept car, along with some features normally only found in larger, more up-market products. That includes safety equipment such as front, side and curtain airbags, and even a driver knee airbag, electric power steering, a MacPherson front strut/twist beam rear suspension and, Ford promises, excellent driving dynamics.

For all global markets, the Fiesta engine lineup will include five powerplants: two gas engines, a 1.3-liter and a 1.4-liter four, and three diesels, topped by a 1.6-liter diesel four with 85 hp. A five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic are the transmission choices for European customers.

Inside, the Fiesta’s styling theme is based on the look and feel of mobile phones, Ford says. The audio system in particular is integrated into the whole center stack, with separate areas for the volume, the display and the electronics, which Ford says frees the stylists’ hands. The European Convers+ system incorporates a large center screen with buttons for audio, phone and vehicle settings — and seems like a natural spot for Ford to integrate its Sync system when the Fiesta makes it to the U.S.

Other features on the Euro Fiesta include Bluetooth connectivity; a capless fuel refiller; a telescoping steering wheel; and special ambient lighting.

Ford sold a Fiesta in the U.S. from 1978 to 1980. Since then, the minicar has been one of Europe ’s favorites. In Europe the Fiesta goes on sale late in 2008. Ford says by 2010, versions of the new global small car will be sold on every continent except South America and Antarctica .

European Fiestas will be built in Spain and Germany; North American plans have yet to be announced, though it seems likely the automaker will opt for a low-cost factory, such as its operation in Hermosillo, Mexico.

In a blast of Passion Orange, Ford proudly revealed its all-new global small car ” the Ford Fiesta ” today as a vibrant five-door hatch. The all-new Ford Fiesta has been reinvented for a new generation of customers.

Designed and developed in Europe for sale in Europe, Asia, South Africa, Australia and the Americas between 2008 and 2010, the all-new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford’s new global product development process.

The all-new Ford Fiesta’s dynamic character is accentuated by its bold kinetic design. Its distinct character is further accentuated with major strides in craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent Ford Fiesta’s traditional strengths of practicality, value for money, agility and safety.

All- new Ford Fiesta clearly embodies the exterior hallmarks of kineticdesign, which has so convincingly infused emotion into the core of the Ford range in Europe and Asia.

The reveal in Europe in March of the three-door and five-door Fiesta hatch and now the China reveal of the five-door Fiesta hatch confirm that all-new Ford Fiesta will bring the most appealing elements of Verve Concept to production reality.

“I’ve been saying just wait for the all-new Fiesta to see how kinetic design can be translated into a small car,” said Martin Smith, Executive Director of Design for Ford of Europe. “Now the wait is over. New Fiesta evokes an instant emotional response that says ‘I want one’ which extends the traditionally practical values of the Fiesta brand to appeal to a new, style-conscious generation of small car buyers.”

Listening to Fiesta’s Audience
Market research is an important tool, but actually listening to the target Fiesta buyer was a key to developing the initial Verve Concepts and the resulting Fiesta. “Our customers told us the qualities they wanted in a new small car. They told us they wanted it to be bold, exciting, fun and they wanted to be proud to own and drive it,” said John Parker, Ford Motor Company executive vice president, Asia Pacific and Africa. “We’re hearing now from our potential customers that they are surprised and delighted. We’re confident a new generation of small car buyers will take a close look at the all-new Ford Fiesta.”

Fiesta Has Global Plans
The all-new Ford Fiesta is closely related to the exciting trio of Verve Concepts that were revealed globally at 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show as a three-door hatch, at 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show in China as a four-door notchback, and at 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit as another iteration of a four-door notchback. Both four-door Verve Concept sedans were tailored to regional market tastes.

Together, these concepts paved the way for the company’s new global small-car program for 2008 to 2010.

Ford designers and product development engineers in Europe have led the all-new Ford Fiesta’s global development process.

“The all-new Ford Fiesta is the first car born from our new global product development process,” said Joe Bakaj, Vice President of Product Development, Ford of Europe. “More than ever, we’re leveraging our global product development expertise, and this car sets the scene for future great products for customers around the world that are already being developed behind it in the Ford Global Product Development System pipeline.”

China Production
China production of the all-new Ford Fiesta commences before end of 2008 at the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA) plant in Nanjing, China. The $510million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which commenced operations in September 2007, has the flexibility and scalability to satisfy initial capacity of 160,000 vehicles per year. The all-new Ford Fiesta will be produced at Nanjing.

“The Verve Concept so confidently combined exciting design with the promise of a fun, exciting car to drive. The all-new Fiesta delivers on the promise we made with Verve Concept. The all-new Fiesta is a dynamic car and is unlike any of its competitors in China,” said Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Motor China. “It proves that a small car can be desirable.”

By 2010, Ford’s Fiesta small-car family will be manufactured in Europe, Asia and the Americas and be marketed as Fiesta in all of the world’s key automotive markets. The all-new Fiesta with truly enjoy global reach and identity.

European Engineering
Ford designers and engineers in Europe have been absolutely committed to keeping Fiesta a compact car and remained diligent on reducing weight through the entire development process. The result is a light-weight, compact Fiesta which really pays off when it comes to fuel efficiency and targeting CO2 emissions.

Component by component, the Ford development team scrutinised for weight but refused to compromise on key areas that are important to Fiesta customers. One of the biggest is safety, where all-new Fiesta makes a bold step forward with an extremely robust safety structure.

The all-new Ford Fiesta makes extensive use of ultra high-strength steels in its body structure. A remarkable amount of these specialist steels, including boron steel and dual-phase steel, is the secret to Fiesta’s quantum leap in structural stiffness for its light weight. These steels are used particularly in safety critical areas, such as the A-pillar and B-pillar, part of the ultra-rigid ‘door ring’ structure of the Fiesta bodyside.

Extending Fiesta’s traditional excellence in driving dynamics was also a priority. The all-new Fiesta will have a dynamic character to match its poised, kinetic design style hinting at energy in motion. Ford’s acclaimed dynamics engineers responsible for fine tuning Focus and Mondeo driving dynamics also worked hard to enhance Fiesta’s ride comfort and isolate road, wind and powertrain noise from the cabin, and to give the new model an impressively quiet driving quality for a small car.

The all-new Fiesta retains the MacPherson strut front suspension and twist-beam rear suspension layout that has been one of its traditional strengths, but the new suspension and steering system has undergone an array of enhancements.

Electric-Power Assist Steering (E-PAS) is introduced in the Fiesta for the first time. E-PAS provides the right balance of low-speed assistance and excellent feel and responsiveness.

E-PAS has another key benefit. It is another key facet of new Fiesta’s initiatives to reduce fuel consumption.

The electric power steering pump only operates when steering-effort assistance is required, unlike traditional hydraulic PAS pumps that operate constantly when the engine is running. This brings a fuel consumption reduction.

Bold, Dynamic, Sculpted
The bold colours and sculpted surfaces of the all-new Ford Fiesta indicate how deeply the spirit of the Verve Concept has been carried into production as the latest model of Ford’s kinetic design family.

Exciting and vibrant production colours include the Beijing reveal colour of Passion Orange and the bright Lightning Yellow to awaken Fiesta’s bold and independent character.

The muscular, coupé-like profile and athletic presence of the all-new Fiesta demonstrates that none of the emotional appeal of the concept cars has been diluted in the production-ready five-door Fiesta hatch.

“All the vital elements of kinetic design combine to create a visually rich, dynamic exterior shape that is very close indeed to the original concept car,” said Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s Executive Director for Design. “Full surfaces, bold graphics and dynamic lines combine coherently and harmoniously to create a dynamic spirit of fun and energy in motion.”

With a feeling of toned muscularity, the all-new Ford Fiesta asserts an air of confidence, stylishness and individuality. Its aggressively contoured bonnet and front fenders convey a broad-shouldered stance, and its face features a distinctive signature element ” a bold lower trapezoidal grille that draws attention and reinforces the key Ford attribute of sporty driving dynamics.

Chrome and brightwork are used selectively, like jewellery accents, to convey elegance and sophistication.

Large and full of character directly from the Verve concepts, Fiesta’s bold headlamps become part of the shoulder shape and extend aggressively rearward almost as far as the stylishly raked A-pillars. The headlamp units incorporate all primary front lighting and signal functions ” complemented on the lower bumper flanks by round, optimal aluminium lamps.

The all-new Ford Fiesta’s profile emphasises its new, cab-forward shape and an attitude of poised, sporty style. The sweeping roofline extends appealingly from the forward-stretching A-pillar rearward, framing the bold graphic of the Fiesta side window profile to create the sporty feeling of a coupé for the five-door body style.

The Fiesta side windows combine to create a unified profile window graphic ” a key kinetic design element that communicates dynamism. An elegant accent of chrome frames the lower edge of the side glass and accentuates the signature Ford “kick-up” at its rear.

The all-new Fiesta also features the signature bold wheel arches that communicate the vehicle’s stance and dynamic capabilities, giving visual emphasis to new large-diameter alloy wheels.

Dynamic, kinetic design lines arc from side to side, uniting the upper corners of the tail lamps with the distinctive spoiler, which incorporates a slim LED stop lamp array. The sculpture of the body shapes is accented by elements like the new tail lamp ” another Verve element that feels like it is an integral part of the body ” and the V-shaped tailgate’s chamfered rear glass.

Full technical details of the new Fiesta will be released closer to the formal launching of the production model before the end of 2008.

Need to talk to auto experts? Come to your local dealer!

Although we think Ford’s sub-Focus-sized small car lost some of its joie de vivre in the transition from Verve concept to Fiesta production car, we still found enough to like about this sharp new global entry to give it our award as the Most Significant vehicle of the 2008 Geneva show.

The Fiesta was revealed in three- and five-door guises which tried to mimic sportier Verve concept versions seen at the Detroit show in January. But even without hitting all of the concept marks perfectly, we still think that if Ford gets this car right, it could be the product that brings the Dearborn automaker back from the brink.

That said, the cars shown at Geneva still needed some work on fit and finish. We hope that will be addressed before the car rolls into showrooms in Europe later this year, or at least before it shows up in sedan form in U.S. dealerships in 2010.

GENEVA — Ford needs a “B” segment car to slot underneath the Focus in the United States—the better to compete with the Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and others occupying the lowest rung on the vehicular ladder. Well, we now know that ride will be called the Fiesta. It’s a name that Ford has used around the world on some 12 million small cars sold in Europe over a 30-year period—and for several years during the late 1970s here in the States, too.

The new car will go into production this fall, and will be rolled out in Asian, European, South African, Australian and North American markets between late 2008 and 2010. But this “world car” will indeed be the car from a common platform serving just about every market. It will be built in Spain and Germany, with Asian production plans set to be announced at the Beijing Motor Show in April. Notably, North American production won’t start until 2010.

Ford says the small new Fiesta, which will look very much like the Verve concept cars shown previously at auto shows in Frankfurt, Guangzhou and Detroit, will be the first product developed under its new global product development process. It will go on sale in three- and five-door hatchback body styles in Europe before arriving in North America in 2010.

The Fiesta will be powered around the world by a range of five small, fuel-efficient, 4-cylinder engines starting at 1.25 liters and including 1.4- and 1.6-liter diesel and 1.6-liter gasoline engines. A 5-speed manual transmission will be standard, with a 4-speed automatic optional. Several of the European powertrains are expected to come from the new Econetic family of engines (not to be confused with Ford’s turbocharged Ecoboost engines) that can deliver CO2 production of less than 100 grams per kilometer. Ford says the Fiesta will use part-time electric power steering to conserve engine power and increase fuel economy.

At Frankfurt show, cars not playing up visual, aesthetic qualities

In recent years, manufacturers have played up the visual and aesthetic qualities of their concept vehicles. But alternative-fuel technology was the focus of forward-looking concept cars unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Ford Verve Concept

The Ford Verve Concept provides a good idea of what the next-generation Ford Fiesta will look like, and borrows the structure Mazda uses on its smallest car, the Mazda2, which isn’t sold in the U.S. A system called Convers+ is incorporated into the upper-middle part of the dash, with a screen and controls meant to evoke the intuitive design of some cell phones. Interior curves are meant to envelop, but a gradually sloping roofline and windshield that arcs back and blends into the roof offer a sense of openness and space. The eighth-generation Fiesta is expected to go on sale in Europe in late 2008, and a Fiesta will be offered in the U.S. beginning in 2009. Ford will use the public and media’s reaction to the Verve Concept to help direct its future small-car designs — a tactic Chevrolet is using with a trio of small cars unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show (read about those cars here). The Verve may help inform a future redesign of the Ford Focus as well.

Automaker hopes U.S. buyers will warm to the upscale small car

Mention the Ford Fiesta to most Americans and they’ll likely think of the small car that sold here for a few years in the late 1970s as American car buyers, spurred by the oil crisis, warmed briefly to pocket-sized cars.

The Fiesta proved unsuitable for American consumers who have long preferred their cars a little larger, but overseas it was a smash hit. In the United Kingdom it has ranked among the top 10 most-sold cars since 1977 — a feat unmatched by any other car. Today it ranks as the country’s fifth overall best-selling vehicle.

Now the automaker hopes to bring some of that success back across the pond, announcing recently that the Fiesta will return to North America in 2010. It’s expected to look much like the stylish Verve concept compact car shown last month at the Detroit auto show and will make its debut at the Geneva auto show in March.

The Verve concepts become Fiestas in production.

We were okay with the Verve name, but Ford has decided to go with a tried-and-true global name for the small car it will sell in virtually every market, including the U.S. So when the Verve concept goes into production, it will be known as the Ford Fiesta.

There are three distinct variations of the subcompact, or B-segment, Fiesta for Europe, Asia/Pacifica, and North America—all to be launched by 2010.

At the Geneva auto show in March, Ford of Europe will show the three- and five-door Fiestas for that market, being assembled this fall in Cologne, Germany. Ford’s plant in Valencia, Spain, will add production next year. Shown are pictures of the three-door. Ford is making us wait until the auto show to see the production five-door.

The styling, inside and out, doesn’t veer much from the Verve concept shown at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show, including the futuristic center stack that was modeled after a cell phone and toggle switches on the steering wheel to perform many commands. The 2009 doesn’t increase in size from the current Fiesta sold in Europe, but it’s lighter through the use of lightweight, high-strength steel.

For Europe, consumers have a choice of five powertrains including a new Duratec 113-hp, 1.6-liter Ti-VCT gasoline engine. Others are 1.3-liter and 1.4-liter Duratec gasoline mills and a pair of diesels: a 1.4-liter and a 1.6-liter. Transmissions are a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The Fiesta will be kind to the environment, with fewer than 100 grams per 100 kilometers in carbon-dioxide emissions, Ford says. Much as CAFE regulations are dictating product development in the U.S., strict new emissions regulations are forcing greater degrees of efficiency in Europe.

2009 Ford Fiesta – The First of Many Global Products

A Global First for Ford

The Fiesta is the first of what Ford says will be many global products, under the mandate of CEO Alan Mulally, who has criticized the regional development process that was in place before he joined the company. All versions of the Fiesta were designed and developed in Europe and are based on the Mazda 2.

More news of the production version of the Asian-market Fiesta will be released in April at the Beijing auto show.

The U.S. gets a sedan body style in 2010, based on the Verve concept shown at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, and perhaps a hatch as well. The powertrain has been described only as a fuel-efficient four-cylinder of undisclosed displacement and performance.

The Fiesta nameplate dates back to 1976 and was sold in the U.S. from 1978 to 1980.

A global compact-car party gets ready to make a stop in the States, for once.

Earlier this year, we told you about Ford’s exciting Verve concept, and its plans to bring a compact car slotted below the Focus to U.S. shoppers. Now Ford’s confirmed that a small car is indeed coming – and that it will wear the Fiesta badge when it goes on sale around the world, starting this fall in Europe.

The new Fiesta will be sold in North America before 2010, Ford confirms, but it hasn’t said which body styles will be offered – the three-door Fiesta pictured here, or a four-door based on the Verve concept shown recently at the Detroit auto show. Ford, in fact, said only that the Fiesta will be sold in North America – but the company’s head of marketing, Jim Farley, said last month that the Fiesta would arrive in the States as a 2010 model.

The Fiesta gets a world debut at the Geneva auto show in March, but in these photos, it’s easy to see how much of the Verve has translated into the new production Fiesta. Ford says not only does the Fiesta look like the concept – it also shares some of the more compelling features of the concept car, along with some features normally only found in larger vehicles.

Those features will include all the usual airbags, including a driver knee airbag, electric power steering, a MacPherson front strut/twist beam rear suspension and, Ford promises, excellent driving dynamics.

For all global markets, the Fiesta engine lineup will include five powerplants: two gas engines, a 1.3-liter and a 1.4-liter four, and three diesels, topped by a 1.6-liter diesel four with 85 hp. A five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic are the transmission choices for European customers.

Inside, the Fiesta’s styling theme is based on the look and feel of mobile phones, Ford says. The audio system in particular is integrated into the whole center stack, with separate areas for the volume, the display and the electronics, which Ford says frees the stylists’ hands. The European Convers+ system incorporates a large center screen with buttons for audio, phone and vehicle settings – and seems like a natural spot for Ford to integrate its Sync system when the Fiesta makes it to the U.S.

Other features on the Euro Fiesta include Bluetooth connectivity; a capless fuel refiller; a telescoping steering wheel; and special ambient lighting.

Ford sold a Fiesta in the U.S. from 1978 to 1980. Since then, the minicar has been one of Europe’s favorites. In Europe the Fiesta goes on sale late in 2008. Ford says by 2010, versions of the new global small car will be sold on every continent except South America and Antarctica.

European Fiestas will be built in Spain and Germany; North American plans haven’t been announced.

Ford is bringing the Verve concept series to reality in the form of the next Fiesta. Already an established name in Europe and elsewhere, this small car will be brought to the U.S. for the first time in 2010. We’re glad to see Ford bringing products like the Fiesta and recently announced Transit Connect over from the Continent and hope to see more vehicles, like the Mondeo and Euro Focus, land on our shores.

Ford’s new-generation global small car was first seen in concept form as the Verve at last year’s Frankfurt motor show, but now Ford has taken the wraps of the production version and will stage its world debut at the Geneva Motor Salon. Ford has also found a name for the production car, ultimately deciding to release it as the Ford Fiesta – a name that’s been long gone from our shores, but has lived on in Europe. In fact, it’ll share this name with its global variants worldwide.

The Fiesta is based on the same architecture as the Mazda2 and is the first Ford to stem from the automaker’s new global product-development process. The compact three-door hatchback shows remarkably few design changes in its transition from Verve Concept to Fiesta production car. While appearing not unlike a shrunken three-door Focus, the Fiesta has reasonably engaging lines, making for a fun, youthful image. The interior, a strong point of the Verve Concept, remains true to original designs as well, with a futuristic center stack that was inspired by mobile phones. A large-screen display and control panel houses buttons for audio, in-car phone, and vehicle settings; while an array of modern technological features are included, such as Bluetooth integration, auxiliary media player connectivity, and red-tinted ambient lighting.

The Fiesta will be powered by a range of five engines in Europe, ranging from a 67-horsepower diesel to a 113-horsepower, 1.6-liter gasoline motor. Transmission choices are limited to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, though the automatic is available only with a 90-horsepower, 1.4-liter gasoline engine. Ford says that despite remaining roughly the same size as the outgoing Fiesta, the new car is lighter and stronger than the version it replaces, bucking current weight-gaining trends.

European production of the Fiesta is scheduled to begin in fall 2008 at Ford’s Cologne, Germany, plant, and sales will begin in Europe by year’s end. Ford’s assembly plant in Valencia will team up on production as the car is launched globally beginning in 2009. The Fiesta is slated for sales in Asia, South Africa, Australia, and North America by 2010 — the U.S. version likely bearing strong resemblance to the Verve Sedan Concept shown at the Detroit auto show.