New Models Unveiled at Geneva International Motor Show

Strategic Insights -

At the Geneva International Motor Show, automotive giants showcased their latest creations, including a new fuel-efficient Focus from Ford Motor Co., a potential sport utility vehicle from Porsche AG, and the lavish Silver Seraph from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The 10-day show is set to open to the public on Thursday, with Ford's new entry-level vehicle, the Focus, aiming to replace the successful Escort.

The Focus boasts a lighter design, resulting in a 25 percent gain in fuel economy compared to the Escort. Production is set to begin in September in Britain and later in the year elsewhere in Europe, with the car being sold in the United States in the fall of 1999. The new design is expected to save Ford $1,000 per car in production costs in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ford Focus features "stretched long curves" and boasts more legroom and headroom in both front and back seats than the Escort.
  • The Focus has a 25 percent gain in fuel economy compared to the Escort, making it a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
  • The new design is expected to save Ford $1,000 per car in production costs in the United States.
  • The Escort will be available for another two years, having been introduced in 1980 and being the best-selling car in the United States in 1982, '85, '87, and '88.
  • The Ford Focus will be available in three-door and five-door hatchback versions, as well as a station wagon and sedan.
  • The Porsche AG is considering adding a sport utility vehicle to its stable of luxury sports cars and is in talks with another German company and a foreign company about building a sport utility vehicle.
  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presented the Silver Seraph, its first completely new car in 18 years, which features a "shouldered waistline" and improved safety features.

Statistics:

  • The Escorte has sold 20 million cars worldwide.
  • The Ford Focus has a 25 percent gain in fuel economy compared to the Escort.
  • The new design is expected to save Ford $1,000 per car in production costs in the United States.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • Ford Motor Co.
  • Porsche AG
  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
  • Chrysler Corp.