Ford is at the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas with three very significant models: the new Fusion, the Focus Electric and the Evos Concept. The new Ford Fusion - revealed just a few days ago at the 2012 NAIAS - is a prime example of the ‘One Ford’ global strategy that the Blue Oval has adopted as its business policy: the car has been developed on the same platform that will also generate the Mondeo (Ford Fusion’s European twin) and Lincoln MKZ, an operation that rationalizes and optimizes the costs but not to the detriment of the quality of the models. Accordingly to CarScoop website, the implementation of this policy is going even faster than what Ford expected: originally, the carmaker was aiming at reducing its total number of platforms to 11 units by 2014, but apparently they will be able to go down to just 9 platforms by the end of 2013. The move will allow Ford to produce 85% of its global output with these 9 architectures only, with positive effects for both its finances and the overall quality of the vehicles.
The Ford Fusion is clearly inspired by the Evos concept - which was introduced to the world at the last Frankfurt Motor Show - and represents an evolution of the stylistic language known as Kinetic Design. Measuring 4.50 meters in length, 1.97 in width and 1.36 in height, the model boasts a pretty sleek figure that shows how the carmaker is trying to adapt to the rules of a globalized marketplace, rather than trying to adjust to the requirements of a single area. This is also the reason why the new Ford Mondeo will basically turn out to be a mere ‘clone’ of the Fusion: this will allow for a more organic development of just one model, as opposed to do that for two utterly different cars.
The Evos had introduced a new design pattern for the front end, dominated by a large grille that we find quite reminiscent of the typical Aston Martin styling, and that has been adopted - among others - by the Focus Electric as well. This environment-friendly version of the popular hatchback is expected to make its debut on the market by 2013 and is powered by an electric motor delivering 125 hp with 245 Nm of peak torque, fed by a ion-lithium battery package (courtesy of LG-Chem) located at the back of the vehicle. However, none of what has been written so far in this article explains in full why Ford Motor Co. is at one of the most important electronic fairs of the planet: to find that out, click on the ‘Continue reading’ link below.
View the full Ford at the 2012 CES photo gallery
The main reason why Ford is at the 2012 International CES in Vegas is to introduce the latest evolution of its own SYNC system, which will be offered as an optional extra for European vehicles too starting this year. The newest version of Ford’s factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system is now fully integrated with the MyKey system and receives a number of the new functions, such as the ability of recognizing over 10,000 vocal commands in 19 different languages, the possibility of installing a wi-fi hotspot and connecting all sorts of video and audio devices through its USB and aux decks and SD-card reader.
For those who do not remember it, the MyKey system is a sort of electronic parental control device for teen drivers that sets certain parameters such as vehicle’s top speed and maximum audio volume without giving drivers the chance to change them. Only by the holder of a certain key can do that, as well as impose safety-belt use, earlier low-fuel warnings and set programmed sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 mph, making sure that young drivers have these functions permanently enabled. The My Key is by now part of the standard equipment on most Ford models.
The updated Ford SYNC system also uses Ford’s own Emergency Assistance, which identifies exactly where an accident has taken place before calling 112 (or any other sort of emergency number) in the local language with an introductory message and exact coordinates.
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