Ford’s C1 chassis will be sold Stateside, after all

Newswheel staff :: 26 July 2007 :: Filed under Hatchback, Mini MPV / People carrier, Ford, Ford Focus

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New small-car focus for Ford?

Ford’s really rather excellent C1 chassis underpins several winning products including the second generation Focus and C-Max compact MPV. So, it’s more than a little odd that the ailing US auto giant has so far declined to offer any C1-based models to US customers. However, reports now suggest that former England cricketer Ford’s incumbent bigwig Alan Mulally has had a change of heart. Both the 2nd gen Focus and the C-Max will be in US showrooms no later than 2011…

Just in time for both models to be feel thoroughly dated, you might think. But Ford has to start somewhere – due to the weakness of the dollar, importing cars based on the C1 simply doesn’t add up financially. Our American friends will therefore have to wait patiently for Ford to set up production lines in North America (allegedly Ford’s facilities in Mexico and Wayne, Michigan will be used).

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