Can’t wait to see the new style. LLN better show high quality pics on here soon.

You peeps keep the negatives to yourself till u see it in person at the auto show (anybody who lives in Michigan), especially stupid lame remarks on how the dashboard looks plasticky and ****. so, STFU and wait to see in person (auto show or dealership in the future)

I’m willing to downgrade to this new Focus from current ‘06 Volvo S-60.

It will probably be a smaller version of the Fusion, which I personally do not think is a good thing. The Fusion isn’t exactly a looker.

It’s like throwing a new coat of make-up on Rosie O’Donnell….

they took ‘ERRR jobs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vff6_LTroX4

Andre Neves’s next car on a 6 year lease.

I dont care what this thing is going to look like, it is still going to be the same basic car that has been on the market way to long. The Focus simply can not compete with cars like the Civic, or hell even Ford company’s own Mazda 3.

Why are they clinging on to this? Really ford bring the new focus it will do wonders for the company. Ford should just design cars that are similar in europe and the usa together to make one model. then equip euro models with euro focused suspension and equipment and american models with american spec. I dont understand why ford has the mondeo, 500 and ,fusion when they could cover the entire market with one car.

They should facelift the one in Europe to make it an All-New in US. Then they can probably start selling it. Though the conservative interior is still not up to par with the Civic.

Too bad America isnt getting the Euro Foucus wich is being sold just on the other side of the border http://www.ford.com.mx/vehicles/know/photogallery.asp?idModel=FOC

We’ve been over this in previous posts on the Focus. There are many things that need to happen if the Euro Focus were to come stateside. They’d have to bring it up to US regulations, they’d have to strip it down to make the price right, they’d have to figure out if they’re going to build in the US or import from Europe, and there might be problems with stuff going from Ford of Europe to Ford of NA (It’s not all one global architecture like Toyota is). All of these issues -can- be resolved, but at what cost? Ford needs to make money on this car…at least enough money to possibly make the switch a couple of years down the road. If they can do this by reskinning a solid and reliable platform (just like Toyota’s doing with the ‘Rolla!), then why not? They’ll save on R&D, they’ll make more money per unit, and the car will have the “American” look that Ford is really stressing with their Way Forward plans.

Also, remember that Ford has brought the Mondeo over in the past. It was called the Contour/Mystique and while it was well-received by the auto world (you guys), well, it’s not around anymore. It only lasted five years. Perhaps people who buy Fords just don’t want the Euro styling.

Same old car. Same old “not interested”.

screw the focus seriously its dead as a doornail

150k+ sales to date is dead as a doornail? Sorry man, gotta disagree here. It was doing way better too until Ford let it get a bit out of date.

Fuel efficiency is pretty much there, power and handling is pretty much there, all it needs is a new look and a less punishing interior and I don’t see why this can’t be revived…for now.

As I hinted, I really think this is just a stopgap measure. For Ford, then, it will probably be a three or four year stopgap measure unless they bring their product to market quicker.

I think the Ford Contour/Mystique didn’t work because it was too small for American tastes and it came at a time when the Ford Taurus was still a force in the midsize segment. I don’t see why new European Fords will fail here except when they overprice it. Saturn is somewhat revived by the infusion of new models from Opel. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work on Ford. Ford could have used the money for developing this aging model for other things.

^ that article is briliant. But the reason Ford and GM have bad percieved quality is because years ago they had bad quality due to penny pinching and that stigma hasnt disapeared yet.

GM brings the Astra to the US. I can’t see why Ford doesn’t do the same with the Euro-Focus 2.

Your “thesis” is well-written enough that I assume it is pretty accurate, Chuckles. I hope it is read by many. You make excellent points. And in my case, you are not totally preaching to the choir. I try to support the U.S. auto companies, but they often frustrate me with stupid decisions. But you have provided many good points that are in their favor. Thanks. And while I have heard and read other info to support what you say about much improved U.S. quality, I would like to see Ford make some truly bold moves in styling – they need it.

I just got back from the LA AUTO SHOW and Fords and Lincolns easily had the worst interior plastics of any car maker even Kia and Hyundai had better plastics than Lincoln.
Another observation, the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Saturn outlook look great have nice interiors but the doors shut really tinnily without a quality THUNK

@ MGTD-
As for the former, Hynudai does NOT have better plastics than Fords and Lincolns. I spent some time in most of Hyundai’s current lineip over the summer as a part of my job, and the plastics are cheap ugly. Smell bad, too.

As for the latter, what’s your point?

Do I need to spell it out you dumb schmuck, the point is the doors shut with a crappy noise so it doesn’t feel well built. And yes the plastics in fords and Lincolns was REALLY REALLY REALLY bad.

Brendino you are an Asshole

If it ain’t the Euro Focus, it ain’t worth our time, Ford.