How Does The Ford Escort Fit With The "One Ford" Policy
One of the biggest changes implemented by Ford in the post-bailout area is the “One Ford” policy, which calls for an end to regional specialty products. While this has led to Ford’s mainstream lineup moving towards the European Fords that enthusiasts previously longed for, it also means that vehicles like the rear-drive Falcon will get the axe.
In this context, its curious that Ford appears to be launching a C-segment car made just for China. The need to establish a foothold in China presents enough of a case for Ford to deviate from their global product mission, but it still raises our interest given that iconic products like the Mustang are being adapted – some may even say watered down – for global consumption.
In any case, it turns out there’s a bit of a spat between Ford Australia and Ford’s Asia-Pacific divisions, with some claiming that the Escort is in fact a “global” car. The Escort was ostensibly designed with the Chinese market in mind. The rear seat is spacious (as Chinese consumers prefer) and the car is a sedan, rather than a hatchback, but is positioned below the Focus despite also being a C-segment car.
More by Derek Kreindler
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So the "one Ford Policy" is really one of if it makes money in several markets, its one ford, if it doesn't or only specific to one market, then it's a niche product, still allowable under the one ford policy. So what is the "One Ford Policy"? Is it a common design theme, very evident in the euro and Australian fords. Is it a set of common engineering parts, witness the ecoboost 4 cyl engines from focus, mondeo, falcon. That, I think is the One Ford Policy, really one ford parts bin. and a RWD 4 door HiPo sedan just can't be built from the common parts bin. So the Falcon dies along with it's unique (for Ford) rear suspension and the design staff get placed into the global "parts designers" bin. So that Ford designs the next Escort Mondeo Taurus etc.. Not Ford Europe, Ford NA, Ford Australia or Ford Asia/Pacific. That's the One Ford Policy.
One Ford is about running the company as a single global entity, with all of the different regions and operations working from the same page of the same book. I don't think there's anything at all that rules out regional variants based on global platforms. (In fact, I suspect that Ford's global product/platform strategy is going to look a lot more like VW's before long... this might be an early sign of that.)
One Ford is no different than GM making the Cruze and Malibu to be global cars. The Silverado/Sierra and Suburban and all of those still exist. It's just that with Ford, they gave their global car policy a name. It is merely PART of their business plan.
I think a better question is whether Ford would consider selling a version of this Escort in the US. Perhaps they could try it as an inexpensive small FWD coupe with a couple of different engine options (especially since they don't currently have one in its lineup). It might be a nice alternative for buyers like myself who aren't crazy about the four-door sedan or five-door hatchback bodystyles of both the Focus and Fiesta.