The Ford Mondeo

i dont understand why companies have different lines and models for different parts of the world. wouldnt it be more cost efficient have a line of say 10 different cars all over instead of all the R=D it takes for each separate line?
 
Because Ford and Ford Europe had traditionally had two different line-ups and management. Most of the time, the European Fords did not sell very well in America. A lot of the time it had to do with American's not interested in spending that much money on a smaller car.Recently, the ONE FORD program means that we'll see more world cars sold on both continents.
Cars like the Focus, the Fiesta, and all of the Focus derived cars as well.
 
You guys did have a somewhat similar offering to the Euro Mondeo of the same time, between 1995 and 2000. (Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique)
 
There are different standards set in the different parts of the world. Safety and lighting are two that come to mind. An American car often fails Euro safety standards and vice verse.

Same with lamps. American lamps and Euro lamps are quite different as to what is mandated.

Next, you have a different buying public. Tastes and preferences can be generalized across cultures. Buick sells well in China, Chevy here and Opel in Europe.

Taxes are different. We have relatively cheap gas tax and emissions are different standards. Over there, they are penalized based on CO2 output and even have a displacement tax.

Throw different management teams on top and it becomes a mess. Alan Mulally is doing that "One Ford" where the company is trying to get all the Ford badged vehicles to be closer in terms of these things. I think you will see some consolidation soon with things like the new Focus and Fiesta.




stlunatic said:
i dont understand why companies have different lines and models for different parts of the world. wouldnt it be more cost efficient have a line of say 10 different cars all over instead of all the R=D it takes for each separate line?
Click to expand...
 
A friend of mine had a '95 Contour GL V6. He imported the Mondeo badges from the UK, was kinda cool......for a contour.
 
Sure you wouldn't prefer the Ford Ka, Pete? :D

Ford_Ka_42.jpg
 
Calabrio said:
I heard the the SVT Contour was a great car that no one knows about.
Can anyone confirm this?
Click to expand...

yeah it was ok, the eng and trans were a good combo, just had the typical contour problems......like 28 recalls and most relating to the car catching fire!! the car knew is was an abomination and was trying to kill itself
 
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