A new Fiesta model from Ford's highly fuel efficient, low CO2 emissions ECOnetic vehicle range was unveiled at this year's show, along with new Focus and Ranger model lines, a new-look SY Territory MkII range and a new Mondeo wagon variant.
A European-specification Fiesta ECOnetic, which took centre stage on the Ford stand, gave Australian consumers their first look at one of the company's latest, highly fuel efficient and environmentally advanced, ultra-low CO2 vehicles.
"The Fiesta ECOnetic will be added to our Fiesta model line-up towards the end of 2009 and promises to be one of the most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 emitting vehicles ever offered for sale in Australia," Ford Australia President & CEO Marin Burela said
"With the ECOnetic brand, you don't have to sacrifice style or performance to drive an environmentally advanced vehicle – Fiesta ECOnetic is great to look at, just as good to drive and affordable too.
"Fiesta ECOnetic's reduced CO2 emissions come hand in hand with improved fuel efficiency, which means you could reduce your environmental footprint and save money on fuel costs."
The European-specification Fiesta ECOnetic achieves fuel consumption of 3.7 L/100km and CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km, making it the lowest CO2 vehicle both against its homeland competitors and within Ford's entire European model range.
"If the European-spec Fiesta ECOnetic was available for sale in Australia today, it would rank as the most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 emitting-vehicle across the entire local new car market, including hybrid models," Mr Burela said.
Combining Ford's kinetic design styling with high-tech conventional powertrain technology, the ECOnetic models use low viscosity transmission and engine oils, lower drive resistance, improved aerodynamics and super-efficient diesel engines to deliver ultra-low CO2 emissions.
While the European-specification Fiesta ECOnetic model on display will give visitors to this year's motor show a taste of what they can expect from Ford's approach to sustainable mobility, full Australian specification and pricing for the Fiesta ECOnetic will be released at a later date.
"We are continually evaluating our vehicle line-up and looking at ways to develop it further, so we are excited to be able to offer show-goers a unique opportunity to preview the Fiesta ECOnetic ahead of its arrival later this year," Mr Burela said.
"Its introduction to the local Ford line-up will provide a genuine alternative to those customers who prioritise low CO2 emission performance when it comes to choosing a new vehicle.
"It will also enable us to gauge consumer reaction to the broader ECOnetic philosophy, with respect to other fuel efficient, low CO2 emission models that may be considered for the Australian market."
