Ford unveils Evos, two other models

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) last Wednesday.

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 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/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 could 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 showcase 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 which 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 who 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 the new Ford Transit which was recently named the International Van of the Year.

By Sebastian Syme/Daily Graphic/Ghana