Ford Ka Concept Developed & Debuted in Brazil, Will Likely Start Production Next Year

TTAC Staff
by TTAC Staff

The importance of South America to Ford Motor Company’s plans can be seen from the fact that chairman Bill Ford went to Brazil to introduce the Ka Concept, an entry level hatchback for urban consumers in Brazil and other global markets, particularly developing countries. FoMoCo says that the car was developed by Ford Brazil. Of course, the Ka Concept is a concept car in name only and when the production Ka arrives next year it should be very close to what was revealed this week. It’s also very similar to the small sedan whose spy shots TTAC featured recently that our sources tell us will be the Ka sedan.

Speaking at a ceremony at Ford’s Northeast Industrial Complex in Camaçari, Bill Ford said, “Ford has a long history in Brazil, bringing development, jobs and growth to the region. As an integral part of our global growth strategy, we are committed to bringing world-class products to Brazil and to helping the region create global vehicles for the rest of the world.”

Ford expects global demand for sub-B segment vehicles to grow to 6.2 million units by 2017, an increase of 35%, outpacing the expected overall industry growth rate by 12 percent.

“The Ford Ka Concept is aimed at customers in growth markets who want and expect more,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas for Ford Motor Company, who joined Bill Ford on the trip to South America that will include the centennial celebration of Ford’s operations in Argentina. “It will delight consumers with its sleek design, clever technology, attention-to-detail quality and superb craftsmanship. It also shows the continued importance of our South American design and engineering capabilities to serve markets around the world. It’s truly another global design and engineering milestone for Ford.”

The new Ka, according to Ford, will have best in class interior design with electronic features and craftmanship not normally found on “attainable” cars. The automaker says that the Ka also will have best in class air conditioning, an important feature for emerging markets since many of them have relatively warm climates. South America and South Asia are expected to make up 44% of the global sub-B compact vehicle segment by 2017.

TTAC Staff
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  • Motormouth Motormouth on Nov 15, 2013

    I was in Sao Paulo to cover the launch of the first (and previous) Brazilian iteration of the Ka, which was based on the original platform (rather than the Fiat 'Mini' architecture). I'm guessing this is the same, a new tophat hiding a knackered, mid-90s subframe, with all the inherent weaknesses. If I'm correct in this assumption, it's pretty cynical how major OEMs ignore advances in materials and related safety that have happened over the past 20 years. With an old-for-new model combined with Ford's premium pricing strategy, they're laughing all the way to the bank.

    • See 1 previous
    • Motormouth Motormouth on Nov 19, 2013

      @Marcelo de Vasconcellos Thanks for the info, Marcelo, I'm glad that Ford has decided to open its wallet a little further and go for a true update. I understand that time is about to be called on the ancient Fiat Uno as well, which is good news for every new car buyer in Brazil that gives half a toss about vehicle integrity.

  • Daniel g. Daniel g. on Nov 15, 2013

    Hi marcelo, check this photos: http://www.mundoautomotor.com.ar/web/2013/07/03/toyota-etios-preventa-exclusiva-de-1000-unidades-a-un-precio-de-89-200-pesos/ the other model with the trunk look diferent http://todosobremaquinas.blogspot.com.ar/2011/01/kia-picanto.html ok the lights are diferent but the horizontal line in the 5th door is the first idea to come with me. my original idea of the post: ford make the same path of the other, try to make their own version of gol, more o less is the market they want. they invent and make ecosport (in reality kia sportage came first http://laplata.olx.com.ar/kia-sportage-4x4-diesel-97-iid-536883133)something diferent, and the market likes (in brasil the big factorie is more o less for this models) they import the new ecosport to other markets (india for example) and is a success. just ford try a little hard.

    • Marcelo de Vasconcellos Marcelo de Vasconcellos on Nov 16, 2013

      whre you're coming from, but the Ka looks wider than the Picanto in the back. Would have to see in person to make a definite call, but yes, after looking at the Picanto's pics again, I think the general theme is very similar.

  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
  • Ajla If I was Ford I would just troll Stellantis at all times.
  • Ronin It's one thing to stay tried and true to loyal past customers; you'll ensure a stream of revenue from your installed base- maybe every several years or so.It's another to attract net-new customers, who are dazzled by so many other attractive offerings that have more cargo capacity than that high-floored 4-Runner bed, and are not so scrunched in scrunchy front seats.Like with the FJ Cruiser: don't bother to update it, thereby saving money while explaining customers like it that way, all the way into oblivion. Not recognizing some customers like to actually have right rear visibility in their SUVs.
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