2013 Ford Econoline E350 Xlt 12 Passenger Van on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Ford Figo concept unveiled in India

Ford has officially unveiled the Figo Concept at the 2014 Auto Expo in New Delhi. While it may wear a concept badge, we'd argue this little sedan, which is under 12 feet long, looks ready to replace the current Figo and do battle with other B-segment cars in the world's emerging markets.
"With the Figo Concept, we are showing that choosing a compact sedan does not mean compromising on premium design or smart solutions," said Kumar Galhotra, Ford's VP of engineering, global product development. That premium design includes Ford's familial, trapezoidal grille and Fusion-esque headlights in front, while the rear end reminds us of the last-generation Focus Coupe. While that car wasn't exactly attractive, the chopped off tail looks pretty nice on this smaller car. And if you really don't like the looks of the Figo Concept, just remember - it looks better than the current production model. Aerodynamically, the Figo's shape is quite slippery, which means reduced wind noise and improved fuel economy.
As for the "smart solutions" touted by Galhotra, the narrow confines of Indian streets make driving even the tiniest cars a challenge. To give the Figo Concept a one-up on the competition, Ford has fitted power-folding mirrors that sport a "flexible architecture," which should stand up well to bumps from cars, people or bikes. We don't have any interior images, but Ford is promising a large cabin, that includes a dock that can accommodate a phone or MP3 player, allowing either to be controlled through the car.

Ford profiles surprisingly affluent Focus ST buyers

It comes as no surprise when Ford says that 32-percent of Focus ST buyers are under 35, but we weren't expecting this: the average annual salary of Focus ST buyers is $127,000. Twenty-two percent of non-ST Focus buyers are under 35, while their average annual salary is $67,000.
We like the Focus ST because it has 252 horsepower, is genuinely fun to drive and offers great value for performance-minded car enthusiasts; facts that are not lost on customers, it seems. Ford says that the Focus ST has the highest percentage of conquest sales for a non-hybrid model it sells, and that the top-four trade-ins are from Honda, Chevrolet, Mazda and Toyota. Demand for the hot Focus is strongest in Los Angeles, Detroit, Houston and Orlando.
"[The Focus ST is] having this kind of halo effect for other vehicles we'd hoped for when we invested in the ST brand," says John Felice, vice president of US marketing, sales and service, because it's helping to boost sales of other Ford vehicles.

Ford supports bid for Detroit Rallycross race with Motown-minded Fiesta ST vid

As Ford continues its cheerleading effort to help bring the 2014 Summer X Games to its hometown of Detroit, MI, it has released footage of its 2014 Fiesta ST Rallycross car on location at some of the city's well-known landmarks. This video appears to have been shot around the same time as the previous X Games Detroit video was made, but it focuses 100-percent on rally car action.
With Ford Racing driver Andreas Eriksson behind the wheel, this Fiesta ST lays down some serious rubber atop Detroit's Cobo Hall parking structure, at Belle Isle and around the Michigan Central Depot. Detroit isn't alone in the bid for a three-year X Games contract as Chicago, Austin and Charlotte are also hoping to play host. The winning host city is expected to be announced this summer. Scroll down for Ford's two-minute video showing the Fiesta ST Rallycrossing through the Motor City.