No other B-car is built in the U.S. No one is stupid enough to do that. There are several C-cars built here, though, so it’s no surprise that Ford can produce its Focus here. If the Fusion could command a slightly higher price, Ford could build the Fusion here as well. But first, Ford needs to get profitable. And that will benefit our economy much more than continuing losses but building the Verve here.

I question Ford’s ability to continue to scream “Buy American!” when more than 50% of their vehicles (on sale in America) are built in either Mexico or Canada.

Nothing against our neighbors (especially since they seem to build better quality vehicles than we do…), but Ford’s hypocrisy is going to run its course….straight into the ground.

On the other hand I’m fairly confident Ford will find a way to uglify it before it goes retail.

Check out the not-for-North America Mazda2 (UK) for a rough approximation of the size & specifications of the upcoming Verve.

But Ford needs to sell cars in and to the real world. There, drivers and passengers want to sit comfortably and to see out. They need space to stow their stuff. Parents must cope with child seats. Insurance costs less when the hood isn’t the first point of contact and the windshield doesn’t stretch over the front wheels. Trendy tires lose appeal when one learns the price of a new set.

Perhaps I’m being unfair. Maybe the Verve is intended only for rich college kids, and Ford has decided Henry I was wrong to go for volume.

Aw, I thought the same thing w/my VW. All my Mexican friends would have to do is push buttons and pull levers to produce a vehicle w/the same quality as ones built on the Continent.

Right? Wrong!!!

Here’s what I know:

1 – No. The Verve concepts are based on the Demio (Mazda2).

2 – Yes, it will arrive in Europe before North America. The chassis will be the same for both NA and Europe, but have different design elements incorporating “local flavor”.

3 – Not very likely. FoE is heading up the design of the Verve for NA. From what I gather they’re keen on keeping the “kinetic” design elements as the dominate theme. But they will incorporate some of the more sedate “bold” styling cues. The NA Verve concept already reflects this.

2) Sure, as a replacement for the current Fiesta. It is a subcompact. Not a Focus replacement at all, the Focus just got a refresh in Europe.

3) Maybe some non-functional vents too?

1) Does it have anything to do w/the Mazda 3 redesign/platform/drivetrain, etc?

2) Will this veh in some form arrive in Europe? If so, what class (certainly not subcompact) and will it be a Focus replacement?

3) What are the Vegas odds FoMoCo will graft a hideous “Edge” grill onto this thing?

I like the looks of the Verve, but Ford’s last 20 years of recalls and quality leaves me not wanting to seriously consider it when it releases.

Ford and Mazda make their product decisions together. Ford/Mazda would be stupid not to utilize the superior platform engineering skills available with the Mazda organization.

Given that the Mexican-built Fusion/Milan/MKZ score well in reliability surveys, we can hope for similar results from this car.

As for the name – “Verve” is uncomfortably close to “Versa.” Perhaps Fiesta would be better.

Too bad it’s not already in production, as we’re going small car shopping in the near future.

I would prefer it to be built in the US—-but lets face it Ford needs to make money on this car and if the build quality and reliability of the Verve is as good as its Mexican built cousin (Fusion)—Ford will do OK by this one.

Jaje—-really doubt Ford will wrap themselves in the flag on this one—they have the Mustang and F150 for that duty.