FORD AT THE FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

"The future is bright at Ford," said Ford of Europe President Nick Scheele. "Ford is extending its reputation as a leader, not only in delivering products that provide outstanding driving pleasure but in laying the groundwork for personal mobility well into the future."

Ford Fiesta
Ford�s new product unveilings at the Frankfurt Show are led by the new look Ford Fiesta and Fiesta Sport.

The Ford Fiesta Sport showcases the distinctive new front-end introduced for the whole Fiesta family. Under the skin, the three-door Sport model takes the acclaimed driving dynamics of Ford�s small car to levels worthy of a sports coup�, as well as introducing a potent, 100bhp 1.6-litre engine to the range. All Ford Fiestas feature new headlamps and a wider front grille, combined with the crisp lines of a new bonnet, front wings and bumpers, echoing design cues on other recent Ford vehicles.

Further improvements across the Fiesta range include new head-and-chest side airbags (standard in Germany and selected other markets, optional elsewhere), and the introduction of an improved version of Ford�s continuously variable automatic transmission, which is ideal for low-effort driving around town.

Ford Cougar ST200
The exhilarating new Ford Cougar ST200 also makes its debut on the Frankfurt stage, promising another treat from Ford for driving enthusiasts when it becomes available early next year. The Ford Cougar ST200 combines the sporty, free-revving, 200bhp, 2.5-litre V6 engine from the acclaimed Ford Mondeo ST200 with unique suspension settings optimised for agile handling. The result is a car that should be exceptionally responsive and rewarding to drive.

Ford Mondeo
The revised Ford Mondeo range, shown at Frankfurt for the first time, is the story of adding value to the car that brought superior driving dynamics to the family motorist. The new model line-up features added equipment and features across the range. Ford Mondeo�s new Clearwave diversity antenna technology, available in selected markets, provides a solution to the radio reception problems that are a common complaint among drivers across Europe. The system uses dual antennas one traditional external antenna and one mounted in the rear windscreen combined with dual receivers to virtually eliminate multipath distortion and audio dropouts experienced in many European regions.

Ford Focus
The Ford Focus, Europe�s acclaimed Car of the Year 1999 and winner of Germany�s prestigious Golden Steering Wheel award, is under the spotlight again at Frankfurt, as Ford continues to demonstrate the distinctive New Edge design and package, innovative Control Blade suspension system and many other features that have helped it change the public�s perception of what cars of this size and price can provide.

More than 500,000 Ford Focus cars have now been built in Europe, and North American production has started for the car�s launch there this autumn.

Ford Focus now gains important new options and enhancements, including an advanced Electronic Stability Programme and Electronic Shift Control automatic transmission.

The Ford Focus�s driving dynamics and control have been universally praised, but the new Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) option enhances stability and road-holding still further in extreme situations, where the driver may be pushing the car beyond its limits.

A highly sophisticated, four-speed, Electronic Shift Control (ESC) automatic transmission system is now available for Ford Focus. Fuel economy and performance are close to those of the equivalent manual transmission models, while the system�s shift quality and speed of response set new standards for this class of vehicle. The new ESC automatic transmission is available on Ford Focus models with the 1.6-litre gasoline engine.

Ka Design Study
Ford Ka extends its emotional appeal with a new design study at Frankfurt. The shimmering silver Eye of Ka design study is inspired by the symbol of protection from Egyptian mythology, the eye of Horos. The Eye of Ka features a black interior with silver leather seats trimmed in black neoprene. Unique bolted-spoke, composite 14-inch wheels and low-profile tyres give the Eye of Ka a purposeful, machined look.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Ford Motor Company also demonstrated its global commitment to alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) - there are more than 1 million Ford AFVs on the road world-wide - with three production models on exhibit at the Frankfurt Show, the Ford Focus 1.8L AFV, the Ford Mondeo AFV and the Ford Transit AFV.

Also featured is the high-performance Ford Mondeo ST250 ECO, a 250bhp bi-fuel concept vehicle powered by a special supercharged 3.0-litre version of Ford's Duratec V6 that can run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as well as unleaded petrol. The Ford Mondeo ST250 ECO Concept is proof that high performance and environmental responsibility aren't incompatible.

The full Ford AFV story is supported with an exhibit highlighting the environmental benefits of alternative fuel vehicles, and the proven technology that makes them work.

Lincoln Blackwood
The Lincoln Blackwood concept vehicle, making its first European appearance at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, is the result of a brand combining detailed knowledge of its customers with non-traditional thinking to create a brand new product niche. I.e. it's weird....

Inspired by the runaway success of its Navigator sport utility vehicle, Lincoln decided to further explore the idea of combining the comfort of an American luxury sedan with the versatility of a sport utility vehicle. The outcome was the Lincoln Blackwood, the �ultimate utility vehicle.�

The four-door, four-passenger Blackwood debuted in December 1998 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Response to the wood-clad luxury utility vehicle was so strong Ford has decided to put it into production.

The Lincoln Blackwood�s appearance at Frankfurt is for more than novelty value. According to Mays, the processes that led to its successful development are being used by Ford Motor Company on a global basis to extend the character of its brands and could result in even more concepts that create their own niches in future.

Powered by a 5.4-litre V8 engine and riding on 19-inch solid-cast polished aluminium wheels, the Lincoln Blackwood has a truly unique appearance. At the rear of the four door cabin is a fully enclosed pickup bed covered with more than 6 square meters of wenge, a dark, dense striated wood from central Africa.

A brushed aluminium strip defines each band of wood, adding to the overall luxury look. The use of the wood is designed as a modern twist on traditional American �woody,� which used different-coloured wood strips between larger wood bands, according to Mays.

The wenge wood is sealed with a clear epoxy to protect it from the elements and highlight the natural beauty of the grain. The combination of the rich, dark-coloured wood and black, lacquer-finished sheet metal was the inspiration for the Blackwood's name.

The hard top of the rear pick-up bed opens hydraulically to a 45-degree angle, operated by the key fob. Once the cover is lifted, the rear double-door gate can be opened to the sides giving access to the well-lit, aluminium-finished interior of the 1422mm trunk. Two adjacent compartments serve as additional storage space for smaller objects.

Blackwood�s interior is based on the Lincoln Navigator�s, with the addition of wenge wood accents on the steering wheel and instrument panel. A global positioning system is integrated into the floor-mounted centre console. The four bucket seats are trimmed in black Connolly leather.

A version of this uniquely American luxury vehicle concept will go into production at Ford Motor Company's Kansas City Assembly Plant late next year.

Ford FC5 Concept
Ford�s concept for a near-future, fuel cell-powered car features on the Company�s stand at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show. Called the Ford FC5, the eco-friendly vehicle would provide comfortable transport for a family of five.

The Ford FC5 concept offers a realistic vision of what a five-door family car could be offering in about five years time. With electric power from the latest generation fuel cell technology, the car will deliver exceptional fuel efficiency and ultra low emissions, while providing similar range, top speed and performance to today�s gasoline models.

"Ford is a world leader in the application of fuel cell technology, and the FC5 is built around the most advanced fuel cell installation yet developed," says Neil Ressler, chief technical officer of Ford Motor Company. "By locating most of the fuel cell installation beneath the vehicle floor, our engineers have given the design team the freedom to create space for an uncompromised five-passenger vehicle. The Ford FC5 gives a first impression of how this could look."

Practical electric-driven vehicles based on fuel cell technology
Reckoned by many experts to be the most practical technology available for next generation family vehicles, fuel cells generate electricity by electrochemically combining oxygen from the atmosphere with hydrogen from a fuel source. The process is efficient, silent and without combustion. In the Ford FC5, the hydrogen would be extracted from methanol, which is both easy to handle and produces very low emissions.

With methanol, the fuel cell system cuts emissions of greenhouse gases substantially, compared with a conventional gasoline vehicle. Moreover, there are virtually no particulates, carbon monoxide or nitrogen-oxides, which are major contributors to urban smog.

Methanol is a highly practical source of hydrogen too. It is comparable in cost to gasoline and diesel, though Ford Motor Company�s objective is to make fuel cell powertrains 50 per cent more efficient than either.

In addition, methanol is liquid under normal conditions, so refuelling is just like filling up with gasoline. Adding methanol capacity to existing fuel stations is also straightforward, so the necessary infrastructure could be developed swiftly and economically.

Finally, while methanol can be derived from natural gas, it can also be produced from plant material such as seaweed, wood pulp and organic waste (known as biomass sources). These are renewable resources, which would help to preserve the earth�s finite fossil fuel stocks.

Ford FC5 shows fuel cell vehicle operation
The Ford FC5 concept in Frankfurt is designed to illustrate the operation of a fuel cell vehicle that uses a methanol reformer. The entire car bodyshell lifts to reveal the main elements of the innovative power system, starting with the fuel tank for storing the liquid methanol. From here the methanol passes into a �reformer� which extracts the clean hydrogen required.

The hydrogen, as the gaseous fuel, and oxygen, supplied in the form of compressed air, flow separately into the latest generation compact fuel cell stack, manufactured by Ballard Power Systems of Vancouver, Canada. The stack comprises several hundred individual fuel cells, where the hydrogen and oxygen are combined, producing electricity, heat and water.

Each cell generates about one volt. The direct current from the fuel cells is then converted into alternating current, suitable for the Ford FC5�s electric motor.

"We are convinced that fuel cells have tremendous potential as a vehicle power source for the 21st century, protecting the environment without compromising personal mobility," says Ressler.

"But there are still some significant hurdles to be overcome," he continues. "The fuel cell systems are currently heavy and bulky, though they are already shrinking and the Ford FC5 represents another major step forward with this. Expense is the other major problem, but as economies of scale come into play, we�re confident that the cost will come down to affordable levels as we�ve seen with major consumer products from the Model T Ford to the personal computer."

The bodyshell of the Ford FC5 concept on display in Frankfurt has been designed to maximise the customer package. Driver and passenger space would not be compromised to accommodate the fuel cell system, and there would be a large and usable boot, with easy access via the tailgate.

FC5 Concept�s exterior lighting systems were developed in conjunction with Visteon Automotive Systems for minimal package intrusion and efficient operation. Headlamps incorporate high-intensity-discharge (HID) high beam bulbs, and a high-efficiency remote HID low beam system uses fibre optics to pipe light to the custom tailored lightweight lens in the lamp.

FC5�s tail lamps are totally transparent when not illuminated. This is accomplished with high-efficiency LED blade manifold optics which require only minimal package space. The turn signals also use high-efficiency LEDs with special optical diffusers.

Driveable fuel-cell vehicle from Ford too
Though the Ford FC5 is a static display vehicle, Ford already has a road-going fuel cell vehicle under intensive evaluation, with the Mondeo-based P2000 HFC.

Unlike the Ford FC5, P2000 HFC uses fuel in the form of pure gaseous hydrogen. The vehicle produces only electricity and pure water, and there is no requirement for the fuel reforming process. However, there are major barriers to developing a hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, so methanol-based vehicles like the Ford FC5 look much more viable in the immediate future.

Designed & hosted by caint.com