Ford outdoors new models for 2014

FORD has demonstrated its supremacy in the global automobile industry as it unveiled its Evos Concept and announced two new Ford Models for 2014 at the Johannesburg International Motor and Truck Show (JIMS) on Wednesday, October 16, 2013.

Seen for the first time in South Africa the Ford Evos concept represents the ultimate expression of Ford’s new global design language and explores key future power train and vehicle technologies.

The other vehicles that were unveiled were the Ford Fusion which was showcased ahead of its official South African debut in the coming months and the Ford Transit which would be introduced into the African market in the first quarter of next year.

The JIMS is the largest motor show of its kind in Africa and it sets the stage for dealers, equipment manufacturers, fleet owners and industry suppliers to come together and showcase their latest products.

Ford Evos Concept

The President and CEO of the Ford Motor Company in charge of Southern Africa, Mr Jeff Nemeth, said with the Evos, designers had to enrich the customer's experience with their vehicle by personalising and adapting it which created unique, unexpected features that surprised and delighted them.

“The concept’s technology experience embraces a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently under development in the Ford research and innovation laboratories. Seamless connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s personal cloud of information is at the heart of the vision for its capabilities,” he stated.

He explained that with information from the cloud, the vehicle can provide the same connected lifestyle the driver experienced at home or office and that the car knew the driver and automatically adapted handling, steering and engine controls to deliver an exceptionally dynamic driving experience.

Ford researchers have also developed technologies focused on driver wellness, such as the heart-rate monitoring seat and certified allergy-free interiors. With a seamless connection to the cloud, the Ford Evos Concept monitors the physical state and workload of the driver and adjusts the driving experience accordingly.

Mr Nemeth noted that the Evos Concept highlighted Ford’s vision for greener and smarter vehicles with outstanding customer appeal to showcases Ford’s global design language as the momentum of the company’s One Ford product plan continues to develop.


Ford Fusion

The same visual cues found the Evos Concept inspired the design direction of the new Fusion.

Stylish and technologically advanced, the Fusion features a fresh exterior design, a stylish interior, new high-efficiency Ford EcoBoost powertrains and a host of driver comfort, convenience and safety technologies.

According to Mr Nemeth “the Fusion will take up its position as the flagship model in the company's portfolio when introduced in South Africa in the future.

This model, he explained, benefited from the continuing evolution of Ford’s kinetic design and offered a premium feel with a range of new and high quality materials.

Ford Transit

Ford’s new full-size Transit van will provide professional tradesmen and commercial fleet and unmatched fuel economy, innovative new configurations and leading versatility.

According to the Global President and CEO of Ford, Mr Alan Mulally, the Transit Custom, launched earlier this year in South Africa, was very well received by the public, whom he stressed, could now look forward to the continued expansion of Ford’s commercial vehicle line-up.

Visitors to the JIMS were excited to view new the Ford Transit which was recently named the International Van of the Year.

The show provided an opportunity to gauge interest in the cargo van which is set to provide cost-conscious commercial fleets and small business owners with impressive fuel economy and versatility in an expanding commercial vehicle market.

“We have the unique opportunity to engage with our customers at the show in order to gauge their interest in the Transit Connect and better understand what their requirements are,” Mr Mulally added.

“In addition to an expanding commercial vehicle line-up Ford has this year enjoyed an unprecedented spate of new vehicle introductions on the passenger car front this year.
“It has been an exciting year for us with an array of new models being introduced locally. From driving enthusiasts to young families and small business owners, we have something for everyone. We’ve also gone further to provide an enjoyable driving experience, be it with driver assistance technologies or smart in-car features.”

In the last 12 months Ford has introduced a number of smart technologies into its line-up. Features such as SYNC, Active City Stop, Active Park Assist and various others are now available on selected models as Ford continues in its quest to offer customers innovative driver assistance features.



Story and pictures by Sebastian Syme, JOHANNESBURG