Ford Snubs UAW, Will Build New Fiesta in Mexico. Eventually.
Ford is bringing the Fiesta back to the US of A (AP via Yahoo!). Lke the Fusion, this American car will be Hecho en Mexico. Looks like UAW President Big Ron Gettlefinger didn't get far with his argument that Ford's U.S. plants are "competitive enough that the automaker could make money building its smallest cars in the U.S." Somehow I don't think the recent "independent" strike actions at multiple UAW factories bolstered his argument much. The last time Ford sold Fiestas in the homeland they were made in Germany, imported from 1978 through 1980. Almost nobody bought them, in part because Ford dealers didn't have a clue about selling the silly little things. Although a flop at home, worldwide the Fiesta has been a perennial best selling sub-compact. This latest version will go on sale in Europe, China and other markets before making it's way back home. Assuming gas prices stay high, the new Fiesta should find a strong welcome at your local Blue Oval dealer. The question is, what is taking so long? Why is China in on the initial roll out while the world's largest car market (yes that's still us) has to wait another two years?
More by John Horner
Comments
Join the conversation
I think the original Fiesta was manufactured in Spain.
DWFORD: The new Ka in Brazil is "unique" 'cause it's cheap. It's based on the platform of the Fiesta circa 1990, at least in the front part, but the back part is more like the Ka which is from about 95. They use the suspension from that old Fiesta, the transmission from the SUV thingy you mentioned (called an EcoSport and in reality just a simple Fiesta hatch with a more robust design on stilts). It's a FranKAstein of cheap bin parts. It's also selling relatively well. Though I bet someone at Ford lost his job. This is because its increased sales have come mostly out of its bigger (and more expensive and profitable) brother's share (LOL and shaking head). The old Ka sold about 3000 units a month and the Fiesta 9000. Now the Ka is up to 7000 units a month (and maybe they are increasing production to keep up with demand) but big brother Fiesta is down to the old Ka's 3000 a month. Don't see any conquest sales for them then!
FromBrazil: ....and they almost brought those 2 here to the US. Even Mark Fields figured out that was a bad idea.
Ford really needs to drop the name "Fiesta" for this car. It makes it sounds about as safe to drive as a Mexican birthday pinata.