Ford Verve China Style
By Michelle Krebs November 19, 2007
Ford unveiled
a second version of its Verve concept, based on a B-segment global platform, at Chinaâs last auto show of the year in Guangzhou Monday.
Signaling the importance of Asia in Ford’s future, this Verve is a four-door notchback aimed at the Chinese market.
Ford revealed its intention for a global B-segment platform at the Frankfurt auto show in September when it unveiled the Euro-edition Verve three-door hatchback. Ford will introduce the next installment of Verve at the Detroit auto show when it unveils the U.S. version.
The Verve unveiled in China is a sporty, coupe-looking four-door notchback that uses the same kinetic design that has been used by Ford of Europe in its concept and production cars, including the Iosis concept that set the stage for the production Mondeo. The Verve marks its first use on a small car.
“First it was the hatchback and now a very exciting and dynamic
notchback,â said Martin Smith, Fordâs executive director of European design and the so-called father of kinetic design, as he introduced the Verve in China. âLooking at these concepts together, you can just imagine how exciting the successor to the Ford Fiesta will be when it hits the market.â
Both the Euro Verve, which will eventually replace the Ford Fiesta in Europe, and the China Verve are on display side-by-side at the Guangzhou auto show this week.
Ford has not said what its plans for selling the Verve are except that it will study reactions to it by Chinese consumers. Yet, Ford executives are optimistic the Verve will win their approval.
“These two Verve concepts demonstrate how confident Ford is in its direction and its appeal to consumers here in China,†said Phil Spender, chief operation officer of Ford Motor (China) Ltd.
Spender said, “The picture of Ford's big plans for the small-car segment is becoming clearer.†Ford’s global small car will be designed in Europe, engineering in Germany and manufactured globally.
Photos by Ford
1- Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe, unveils the second edition of the Ford Verve concept at the Guangzhou auto show in China.
2, 3 - Front and back sides of the China-introduced Ford Verve.
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C'mon Verve! The looks of the verve are outstanding when compared to the little boxes the competition comes out with. Shows Ford can get the job done.
C'mon Verve! The looks of the verve are outstanding when compared to the little boxes the competition comes out with. Shows Ford can get the job done.
The Verve looks outstanding! I hope it is introduced in the US Market as well as Europe and Asia. I believe it would sell very well in most markets.
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