According to Automotive News, Ford CEO Alan Mulally revealed that the company is looking to introduce a new value-priced B-segment car. Mulally explains, "We are looking around the world at opportunities to offer a car priced below the Fiesta.
Dubbed "Value B," the next minicar will share the same physical dimensions at the Fiesta but, crucially, will cost significantly less than Ford's top-selling model model in Europe.
The Ford Ka represents Ford's smallest and cheapest European vehicle. However, the Ka is built on the Fiat 500 platform under contract with the Italian brand. So far, the Ka has been distributed exclusively to selected markets due to a lack of global appeal and demand. However, Mulally believes that Ford's next minicar has what it takes to be sold worldwide to complete the "One Ford" global mission.
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To maximize cost effectiveness, the "Value B" minicar will utilize Ford's global architecture as well as a combination of sourced parts worldwide. The minicar will also most likely be using the 1.0 liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost powerplant.
Ford's latest B-segment announcement is big but the American automaker is not alone in what appears to be a growing trend. Rather recent and interesting B-segment debuts include the Fiat 500, Scion iQ, and Chevrolet Spark. In fact,Toyota established youth brand Scion in 2002, Renault established the Dacia value brand in 2004, and Nissan established Datsun to Scion spearhead new emerging markets. A testament to the lucrative market, the investments from all three paid dividends.
According to Mulally, Ford will not be creating a new brand to rival Scion, Dacia, or Datsun. "The eventual model will bear the Blue Oval," he said.
Bold, timely, and ambitious, Ford new model will be carefully scrutinized by the industry. Stay tuned as we reveal more informatioin on the North American-spec "Value B" in the months ahead.
