Ford Pushes Congress For Vehicle Standards Harmonization

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

A U.S. House of Represenatives subcommittee meeting became a forum for Ford to advocate on behalf of harmonized vehicle standards, as the US and EU continue to discuss a possible free trade deal.

Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s President of the Americas, said that harmonized standards would allow Ford to cut costs in areas like design, manufacturing and engineering. Ford is aiming to homogenize its lineup across the globe under its “One Ford” plan, eliminating regional models where necessary. Vehicles like the Edge and Mustang will be engineered for world markets in their next generation, while regional models like the rear-drive Falcon, sold in Australia and select world markets, will be killed off.

Automotive News reports bi-partisan support for the measure. Rep. John Dingell, whose Michigan congressional district encompasses Dearborn, where Ford is based, offered support for the measure, while Rep. Terry Lee, who chairs the subcommittee on commerce, manufacturing and trade noted “positive effects that pursuing a regulatory mutual recognition standard could have on the domestic automotive industry.” Translation: if this goes through, we may just get the Focus RS.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

More by Derek Kreindler

Comments
Join the conversation
27 of 124 comments
  • 360joules 360joules on Apr 12, 2013

    Awesome! When can I put down my deposit for a Skoda Superb Estate with the big diesel?

  • RobertRyan RobertRyan on Apr 12, 2013

    @MeaCulpa They only sold 600 Cadillacs in Europe two years ago. FSeries Pickups would a extremely unprofitable venture at best. Maybe 200? per year.I saw only 7 US Pickups when I went to Europe in 2010 Ford ,GM and Chrysler/Fiat should sell a Cut away(Cab Chassis)variant of Vans that could use the Cummins, Ford 6.7 and GM 6.6litre Duramax diesels The Cab Chassis could be used as a Motorhome, Light Truck, Armoured Car, Bus or heavier Ambiulance, Fire Brigade or Police Tenders in Europe and Asia.

    • See 21 previous
    • DenverMike DenverMike on Apr 15, 2013

      @Robert Ryan - Just for the record, what's with the full on jihad on full-size trucks from a couple truck loving guys? They're what, 10% bigger than what you drive? Personally I love trucks of all shapes, sizes and OEMs. But I can't help but feel it's less about trucks and really all about their country of origin. Which is it?

  • Car_guy2010 Car_guy2010 on Apr 12, 2013

    I don't think our Aussie pals will appreciate the premeditated murder of rear wheel drive Falcons. I don't blame them. Perhaps a compromise could be worked out where those Falcons could become American icons once again?

    • RobertRyan RobertRyan on Apr 12, 2013

      @car_guy2010 You have to convince Mullaly of that. We know they could the basis of a US sedan just like the Holden VF has become the Chevrolet SS.

  • RobertRyan RobertRyan on Apr 12, 2013

    @Meaculpa "Don’t expect the full size pickups to sell like hot cake in Europe. They do hold some appeal for a subsection of the population, most often due to tax reasons, but generally speaking they are a bit too thirsty and a bit too big" I agree. My question what US vehicle will sell in largish enough numbers. My feeling Jeep is holding all the cards?

Next