The Ford EcoSport was unveiled at this year’s Beijing Motor Show. This time it wasn’t the concept, it was the full production version. The compact sports utility vehicle may hit UK showrooms as soon as next year.
The difference between the concept vehicles
The Ford EcoSport is based on the Ford Fiesta, representing just how pint sized the car actually is. The previous version we saw as at the Delhi Auto Expo. There is now opaque glass upon the windows with more realistic headlamps and tail lights. We say more realistic as the lights now look suitable for production. As expected the EcoSport still has the spare tyre in the same position with the concept.
The classy interior
The interior was revealed for the first time. It looks very similar to that of the Ford Fiesta, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise. These similarities include the main dash console which is heavily influenced by a Nokia mobile phone. The changes come in the stature of the inside, with everything sitting taller with more space within. The EcoSport SUV is a larger car than the Ford Fiesta. Everything including the seats are higher in stature. Changes occur within the car’s ventilation system and LCD dash display controls however. The quality of the materials will however be more sophisticated from those that are used on the Ford Fiesta.
Giant steps being made in India
The EcoSport concept was revealed at the Delhi Auto Show as the car is expected to be built there. In what is a fantastic achievement for the Indian automotive industry, the fact that the EcoSport is being built there shows just how well the car market is progressing.
Practicality
The Ford EcoSport is able to seat five adults. There will be recline adjustment functionality for the rear seats. The front passenger seat contains a storage drawer underneath. This enhances the vehicle’s practicality.
Prices
Prices for the Ford EcoSport will begin at £12,000 it has been rumoured. This will make the vehicle cheaper than the upcoming Ford Kuga SUV, giving motorists a beneficial option when making a purchase.
Equipment
There is expected to be keyless entry along with keyless engine start, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity features along with electric and side mirrors with Ford’s SYNC multimedia system.
Around 1,700 workers are set to retire from Ford after the company offered early retirement packages to staff in the United States. They are all set to leave on the 1st of June of this year.
$100,000 to retire
The early retirement package was made to all 41,000 of Ford’s factory workers across the United States. Many were offered very attractive offers to retire such as electricians and plumbers being offered $100,000 for the privilege. Production workers were offered just $50,000.
Too many tradesmen
The reason behind the move was that Ford believed that they had too many skilled tradesmen, with the number standing at 9,000.
Ford wants to add more jobs
The news may appear that Ford is looking to reduce their workforce and reduce costs. That is quite the contrary compared to reports stemming from America. Ford achieved great success last year in America with demand on the up. In order to cater for this new found demand, Ford are set to add to their workforce this year with numbers reaching thousands.
The outgoing retired workers will not be fully replaced according to Marcey Evans, the Ford Spokesman. Instead recent staffs that were made redundant will be drafted back in. Other slots will be filled by workers who will be paid less. A wage offer for some jobs will be $16 per hour which is half the wage of an experienced union worker.
Getting the unemployed back into work
Nevertheless this appears to be a great method of getting the unemployed, which stands at 8.3 million, back in work. Although wages are set to be lower, many would sacrifice that in order to be at the top.
Honda doing the same
Honda has confirmed that they too are offering employees voluntary retirement packages across North America.
Under the scheme, employees who are aged 59 and over and have also worked for more than 15 years at the company are eligible. An internal memo was sent out on March 9th. Honda employees are able to apply from April 23rd.The program is able to close at anytime in between whenever Honda may decide to do so.
Currently 5,600 workers are employed by Honda in the United States. It is estimated that a minimal amount of workers are bound to accept the deal.
On March 9th 1911 Ford was established in the UK and they haven’t looked back since. This year they celebrate 100 years as a company in the UK. They are the most popular car manufacturer in the UK today.
Many would say that the company has localised itself within the UK. Many can relate to Ford and see it as a “British” type of car, although it’s an American based company. Very soon after Ford began, exports of its cars were sent to the UK.
We take a look at a few reasons why they been so successful this side of the border.
Employment
Ford employs roughly 15,000 employees and has 550 dealerships in the UK. There are 4 manufacturing plants in the UK. Its Dagenham factory is the most known throughout the UK. Ever since it’s opening in 1931 it has produced almost 11 million vehicles. Globally it is one of Ford’s most productive plants. It is one of the iconic institutions in the UK automotive industry.
Great repute
Ford’s immense popularity is represented by the fact that it is the bestselling car in the UK and has been for 39 years. Fiestas were the bestselling car of last year, with it offering great practicality and style. Reviews by many respected automotive experts were full of very high praise. Ford has worked very hard on its reputation and continues not to let down. It is very rare when experts are not praiseworthy of a Ford car.
Always looking to the future
Another reason why Ford has been so successful is due to their developments in technologies for the future. Car’s have become more and more fuel efficient as time as passed with EcoNetic and EcoBoost technologies. Newer engines also emit less and less C02. For all the efficient and environmentally friendly cars, Ford has ensured driving experience is never compromised.
Technologies such as the “Ford PowerShift” and the “Power Starter Button” signify Ford’s excellence. Owners have more convenience, reliability and overall a better experience with their Ford’s.
Dynamics of Ford models have also moved with the times. Fantastic mechanical engineering with the help of advanced technology have made the cars perform tremendously offering better reliability and stability.
Not only this, but other world class technology has been developed to improve safety, in car entertainment amongst many other features.
Major achievements from the company have allowed millions of pounds to be invested into new advances, helping them stay on top. It’s pretty safe to say that Ford have a very bright future.
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