H Ford στο δικό της press event σήμερα στη Φρανκφούρτη Mondeo Vignale Concept. Με το πρωτότυπο αυτό, η μπλε οβάλ εταιρία θέλει να δείξει σε όλους εμάς τη μελλοντική premium, πιο ακριβή και κομψή έκδοση εξοπλισμού που θα παρουσιάσει η εταιρία και ιεραρχικά θα τοποθετείται πάνω από την Titanium X.
Η έκδοση Vignale θα είναι διαθέσιμη από τη στιγμή που θα κυκλοφορήσει το νέο Mondeo (μέσα στο 2014) και αργότερα θα είναι διαθέσιμη τόσο στο νέο S-Max όσο και στο Edge. Η Μπλε Οβάλ πιστεύει ότι το μερίδιο αγοράς της έκδοσης θα κυμανθεί σε 10 με 15%, το οποίο έχει υψηλότερες απαιτήσεις.
Με βάση το concept η έκδοση θα διαθέτει ελαφρώς αλλαγμένο εμπρός προφυλακτήρα με ενσωματωμένη χρωμιωμένη μάσκα. Χρώμιο ακόμα έχει τοποθετηθεί στις χειρολαβές και στα καλύμματα των εξωτερικών καθρεφτών, ενώ πατάει σε νέες ζάντες διαστάσεων 20 ιντσών ειδικά σχεδιασμένες για τη συγκεκριμένη έκδοση.
Περνώντας στο εσωτερικό η καμπίνα έχει ντυθεί με υψηλής ποιότητας δέρμα, ενώ στο εξοπλισμό διαθέτει μονάδα Wi-Fi και βαλίτσα με ραμμένο το σήμα Vignale.
Το αυτοκίνητο αφήνει ένα όμορφο οπτικό αποτέλεσμα σε όποιον το κοιτάζει και μακάρι η έκδοση παραγωγής του να μην διαφέρει σε πολλά σημεία.
[Πηγή: Ford]
[learn_more caption=”Δελτίο Τύπου”]
FORD INTRODUCES ‘VIGNALE’ – A NEW PRODUCT AND OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Ford of Europe announces plans to launch Vignale – a unique exclusive product and ownership experience – in early 2015
- Ford reveals new Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept – an initial vision of how unique interior and exterior design touches, premium craftsmanship, exclusive specificationandtechnologies might be combined
- The first Ford Vignale model will be based on the all-new Mondeo, with others to follow
COLOGNE, Germany, 4 September, 2013 – Ford of Europe plans to launch a new exclusive product and ownership experience in Europe called Vignale.
Ford’s initial vision for Vignale (pronounced: Vin-ya-lay), the Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept, features unique design elements, high quality craftsmanship, exclusive specification and advanced technologies.
“Vignale represents the highest expression of the Ford brand in Europe from both a product and from an ownership experience perspective,” said Stephen Odell, Ford president of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept showcases the features that customers tell us they want in terms of styling and quality, advanced technology and exclusivity.”
Ford presented the new Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept in four-door saloon and estate body styles, both featuring 20in Vignale alloy wheels with in-depth detailing and high-quality finish, “Vignale” badging, chrome door handles and mirror caps, mesh grille, unique front bumper and fog lamp design, and exclusive “Nocciola” dark brown coachwork.
It also features quilted trim, chrome lower mouldings, leather armrests, and exclusive seating with “Vignale” detailing and high-quality, soft-touch leather that extends to the steering wheel, instrument panel, centre console, door top-rolls and centre arm-rest. Embossed scuff plates and luxury floor-mats enhance an ambience that combines traditional coach-building with contemporary design and material trends.
Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch in-car connectivity system will enable integration of smartphones and deliver wi-fi capability, while new-generation adaptive LED headlamps enhance visibility and vision.
Ford continues to develop a unique interpretation of modern luxury and design, and this year it was the first auto manufacturer to participate in the world’s leading furniture design show – Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan. The company’s design DNA and the influence of furniture and fashion trends was reflected in Ford Design’s bespoke chair, lamp and watch displayed at the event.
“Influences that range from architecture to fashion combine to give the Mondeo Vignale Concept a sense of high quality and a feeling of timelessness – alongside the very latest advanced technologies,” said Stefan Lamm, exterior design director, Ford of Europe.
With the full Vignale experience more than 18 months from commercial launch, Ford will roll out further details of both product and consumer benefits in the coming months.
Ford Vignale, which starts with the Mondeo Vignale saloon and wagon in early 2015 and will be extended to further models, responds to an increasing trend towards time-saving services, and reflects demand for high-end Ford products. Higher specification models currently account for more than half of Ford’s large car sales in Europe.
Vignale is also inspired by exclusive services from beyond the world of automotive. These include VIP air-travel services that offer chauffeuring, dedicated check-in and security and clubhouse access; and exclusive banking and credit card services with dedicated relationship managers, reward points, concierge services and partner brands such as hotel chains, restaurants and entertainment venues.
“Ford Vignale premium services will meet the needs of the customer for whom time is the ultimate luxury,” said Gaetano Thorel, Marketing vice president, Ford of Europe.
FORD AT THE FRANKFURT SHOW, 2013; NEWS CONFERENCE SPEECH
FRANKFURT, September 9, 2013
Stephen Odell – Executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company
Good morning and welcome to this unique Ford Vignale lounge.
And a special welcome to our Ford of Europe employees and dealers watching online.
Almost exactly one year ago, we held our Go Further event in Amsterdam. I believe we will look back on that day as the turning point for Ford of Europe. We decided we were not going to retrench in the face of economic calamity. We decided to accelerate new product development and invest in building the Ford brand the right way for the long term, even if that meant some tough short-term decisions.
This included addressing our costs and manufacturing overcapacity in light of the low industry volumes – and the likelihood of a slow recovery.
Product… Brand… Cost.
Our plan focuses equally on these three areas, leveraging the One Ford strategy, to transform Ford in Europe into a lean and profitably growing business.
So, how are we progressing one year on?
The answer is that we remain committed to our plan, and we are on track to return to profitability by mid-decade. So today, the message is that Ford in Europe is not letting up – not for a moment – when it comes to bringing new product to market, and expanding the blue oval into exciting new territories.
Last year in Amsterdam, you heard us say we would accelerate our new product launches in Europe. Just in the past year since that event, we have launched:
- New Fiesta… Europe’s best selling small car
- Fiesta ST… A homerun with media and customers; and we’ve just increased production
- New B-MAX… already Europe’s number 1 small MAV
- Transit Custom… Last month, the 1-tonne van helped us reach our highest CV share in 15 years
- Tourneo Custom… The first of our new line of versatile Tourneo people movers
- Kuga … We just increased production to more than 100,000 units this year to meet demand
- Focus Electric … the first of three electrified Ford vehicles that will be offered in Europe by next year
We promised 15 new products in 5 years. Well, today I can announce that we are increasing that number to 25 in that same 5 year period. I can’t tell you what all those vehicles will be, but I can promise you it will still include the Ford Mustang – which I’m asked about nearly every day. And still to come this year is the launch of the new EcoSport SUV, the Transit Connect and the Tourneo Connect people mover.
We have a couple of additional pieces of good news to share today.
Last week at the IFA technology conference in Berlin, we announced the launch of 500 special Limited Edition EcoSports, which customers could reserve through Facebook. I’m delighted to say that just 4 days later, all 500 have been reserved.
And, just last night, we received some more good news. Our new Transit Connect was announced as the 2014 International Van of the Year, following on from our win with the Transit Custom last year. That means Ford is the first brand to deliver back-to- back victories in this most prestigious of awards.
We feel rather proud, not only of our International Van of the Year Awards, but also that our 1.0 litre EcoBoost has been named International Engine of the Year for the second year running.
And one last piece of good news. We reported our August sales this morning and they mark the fifth straight month of market share increases for Ford of Europe, and the seventh straight month of retail share improvement.
Looking deeper into the numbers, we see further opportunities to expand the blue oval. We see a large percentage of customers buying S-MAX and Mondeos at the highest specification level, with all the options added. And there’s still an upper 10 to 15% of customers in the market for even higher equipped vehicles. We also see that while the rest of the market has been in decline, the upmarket segment has remained stable.
Together, these insights give us an opportunity to expand our brand further, and create a more upscale product and ownership experience for our Ford customers in Europe. And true to the spirit of Ford, we plan to do that in the most innovative and accessible way possible.
To share our exciting concept development, please welcome Barb Samardzich.
Barb Samardzich – Vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe
Thanks Stephen.
When considering this new opportunity, we looked closely at what our target customers want. We know their time is precious to them. They want to save time – and they want to be rewarded for the time they spend.
As well as an outstanding quality vehicle, they want outstanding levels of personalised service. They are hungry for innovation – and they want the very latest, seamless technology. They see beyond traditional status symbols and luxury labels. They want real substance from their brands, and they want to be made to feel special from the moment they walk through the door.
We see huge potential for this concept – so we think it’s the right time for us to create another breakthrough for the Ford brand, in the shape of our new Ford Vignale. This will be the highest expression of the Ford brand in terms of both the vehicle and the customer experience.
Our vision is to create an entire experience around Ford Vignale that offers customers privileged access to personalised, exclusive and time-saving services. We’re looking to develop a dedicated concierge for test-drives, sales and service appointments. There will be an exclusive website and mobile app, linked to SYNC, providing access to Ford and to the dealer. And dedicated Ford Vignale dealerships will offer customers their own personal consultant.
We’ll also offer our Vignale customers a lifetime carwash and vac, to increase their pride of ownership. We’ll extend the Vignale experience to other privileged services, such as airport valet parking, fast-track through security and access to VIP lounges.
And we will select and host a range of events in each market that are tailored to the individual tastes of Vignale customers. In short, Vignale is the very best that Ford has to offer – on every level.
So now, let’s take a look at the product at the heart of the Vignale experience.
VEHICLE REVEAL
Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe
Ladies and gentlemen, this is our vision model for Vignale – based on the all-new Ford Mondeo.
We took our inspiration from the worlds of architecture, fashion and modern industrial design to find an approach that sets us apart from other brands. We wanted to bring more emotion into the design, coupled with world-class quality and craftsmanship.
The Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept features the new face of Ford in its most exclusive form. The mesh grille has a complex, technical design and a sophisticated texture – a key feature that will differentiate Vignale.
There are beautiful chrome finishes throughout, including the frame of the grille, the bar connecting the fog lamps, as well as the lower door mouldings, mirror caps and door handles.
We also have unique 20-inch polished alloy wheels. At the rear, notice the detailing to the lower fascia and exhaust tips. And we will introduce a new, exclusive colour for Vignale – which we call ‘Nocciola’.
When you take a closer look, you’ll see that the feeling of sophistication continues on the inside. We’ve created a warm, luxurious ambiance using all new materials and finishes.
New Vignale seats dominate this stunning interior. They feature an exclusive quilting pattern and the highest quality leather, with fine contrasting inlays that we call tuxedo piping. Leather cladding extends to the instrument panel, door top-rolls, armrests and centre console.
Vignale also comes with a host of technology and safety features that will enhance the in-car experience for customers.
The Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept is a true reflection of our desire to innovate, by listening to what our customers want. We plan to introduce a production version in 2015 – as well as extending the concept to other vehicles in our line up in the future.
But Vignale isn’t the only news we want to share with you today.
Our confidence to expand into upmarket territory has also led us to build on one of Ford’s biggest success stories – the Ford S-MAX.
It first made its debut in 2005 – a true white space vehicle. It provided the flexibility of space along with dynamic and modern styling and driver-focused technologies and handling. S-MAX is unmatched in the market place nearly 8 years on.
And today, we’re taking it to a new level with the global premiere of the new Ford S-MAX Concept. We’ve retained all the unique characteristics that have made S-MAX so successful, but added a new refined dimension in its beautifully crafted design and visionary technology.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to the new S-MAX Concept…
VEHICLE REVEAL
This is our vision for the future of Sport Activity Vehicles. It’s sleeker, sportier and more dynamically styled than ever. The biggest change is to the front end, which reflects the new face of Ford.
Take a look at the high mounted grille, the swept-back headlamps and the foglamps floating in these apertures. The front sweeps seamlessly into the roof, emphasising the ‘dart-like’ profile that our customers love. Notice the feature line running along the side of the vehicle, the muscular front fenders and the beautiful chrome detailing along the sills.
At the rear, we’ve kept the characteristic S-MAX chamfer glass, high mounted tail lamps and bright strip featuring the S-MAX logo. And there’s exquisite detailing to the lower fascia and tailpipe surrounds. This dynamic design surrounds a stylish, spacious and supremely versatile interior.
Here’s Barb to tell you more about it…
Barb Samardzich
Thank you Martin.
On the interior, we’ve developed many of the elements our customers are familiar with, in a new and modern way. The cabin places the focus firmly on the driver.
The instrument panel that cuts back into the centre console, the sculpted door panels and the innovative roof design give a wonderful feeling of space. And the highest quality materials are used throughout. The interior is also highly flexible, with an all-new intelligent seating design offering multiple configurations for up to seven passengers. And a suite of cutting-edge technologies offers new levels of connectivity and wellbeing.
SYNC with MyFord Touch provides WiFi access and integrates with mobile devices, while AppLink allows access to a wide range of smartphone apps. The new S-MAX Concept also features the latest car-to-car communication technology.
That means it will be able to interact with other vehicles and transport infrastructures to gather and relay data, making journeys safer, simpler and more rewarding. This even extends to support the health and wellbeing of the driver and passengers, monitoring their heart rate and glucose levels.
The S-MAX Concept also brings a new generation of automated parking technology that now allows for perpendicular parking. This is all backed up by an efficient yet powerful 1.5 litre EcoBoost engine, offering the optimum in driving performance.
You often hear car companies telling you a product is a game-changer. Well, S-MAX really was – and with this Concept, we’re going even further.
Please welcome back on to the stage Stephen Odell and Martin Smith….
Stephen Odell
Thanks Barb and Martin.
Ladies and gentlemen, the concepts we’ve shared with you today realise our promise to Go Further in Europe, by serving our customers better and helping to enrich their lives through a unique experience of our brand. They take us in an exciting new direction and they will help us to achieve our ambitions to create a healthy and growing business for Ford in Europe.
Thank you for joining us. Please feel free to come and take a closer look at the cars.
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