Ford Unveils the next generation Fiesta, and evolution of the current version rather than an all out new model.

• Ford unveils the next-generation Ford Fiesta in four production variants – upscale Vignale, sporty ST-Line, stylish Titanium and Active crossover – at “Go Further” event  in Cologne
• Company outlines latest findings on life-enhancing qualities of self-driving cars, announces testing of autonomous cars on European roads will begin next year
• Multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine will be the first three-cylinder engine in the world to enhance fuel efficiency with innovative cylinder deactivation technology
• Ford GT and heritage Ford GT40 race cars join exclusive LEGO Speed Champions range of models celebrating Ford’s emphatic win at Le Mans in 1966 and 2016

Ford Motor Company today delivered the global debut of the next-generation Ford Fiesta at a special “Go Further” event in Cologne, Germany.

Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company, was joined by Mark Fields, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company, to unveil four new production versions of the next generation Fiesta to an audience of 2,500 dealers, employees and media at the company’s Cologne Niehl manufacturing facility – the home of Fiesta.

Supported by members of the Ford teams from around Europe who have helped to transform the company, Ford at Go Further also:

• Revealed new research that underscores the potential for Ford’s self-driving vehicle technologies to improve quality of life for customers and announced testing of autonomous cars on European roads will begin next year
• Unveiled distinctive and sporty new Ford Transit Custom Black Edition and Sport series vans; as well as the new Ford Edge ST-Line sports utility vehicle (SUV)
• Announced new cylinder deactivation technology for the the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost – an industry first for a three-cylinder engine
• Revealed that the Le Mans-winning 2016 Ford GT and 1966 Ford GT40 race cars will be available as part of the exclusive LEGO Speed Champions range of models

“Four years ago, at the first Go Further event, Ford promised a leaner, smarter business in Europe with great products and new technologies – and we’ve over-delivered through the talent, ingenuity and passionof our people,” Farley said.

“We have delivered an all-new SUV line-up; set the performance car segment alight with our Focus RS and Ford Mustang; strengthened the backbone of our business with our award-winning commercial vehicle range; and re-written the rulebook on compact engines with our 1.0-litre EcoBoost – and that’s before we get to the next generation Fiesta.”

Not one, not two, but four fun-to-drive Fiestas

Ford revealed four distinctive production variants of the next generation Fiesta: the stylish Fiesta Titanium, the Ford Performance-inspired Fiesta ST-Line, the upscale Fiesta Vignale and the Fiesta Active crossover.

Featuring an elegant exterior, ergonomic interior that offers a floating high-definition touchscreen and Ford’s sophisticated SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, Fiesta also will be the first Ford to deliver a premium B&O PLAY Sound System.

The expanded Fiesta range will offer more personalisation options to customers than ever before, and enhances the sporty, fun to drive character that has delighted generations of customers.

The next-generation Ford Fiesta debuted with a spectacular unveil to music performed by the award-winning DJ Yoda assisted by a “YuMi” collaborative robot. Ford is among first auto makers to develop a new, closely integrated approach to car workers and collaborative robots working together on the assembly line. DJ Yoda and “YuMi” performed a setlist of tracks from 1976 onward in celebration of Fiesta’s 40^th anniversary this year.

Smart Mobility for improved quality of life

A new Ford-commissioned European survey* has revealed that that drivers believe enjoying passing scenery, catching up with family and friends, and reading a book are among the main perceived benefits of travelling by self‑driving car.

Ford also announced the company will expand testing of autonomous cars to European roads next year, in addition to extensive testing in the U.S.

Ford is currently expanding into both an auto and a mobility company by pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility – its plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience data and analytics. The company is committed to making self-driving cars available for millions of people and earlier this year announced plans to triple its autonomous vehicle development fleet making it the largest of all automakers.

New Transit Custom Black Edition and expanded Sport series

The dynamic new Transit Custom Black Edition van offers four eye-catching colour schemes with contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side stripes, and unique black 17‑inch alloy wheels.

The Transit Custom Sport series van with signature twin bonnet stripes can also now be ordered in a much wider choice of bodystyles, including van, kombi and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions. The Tourneo Custom people mover can be specified with the same Sport package.

These striking new Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom models are powered by the game-changing 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine, and Tourneo Custom is also now offered with new features and technologies including a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, a unique-to-segment rear air suspension system, and attractive new 17-inch alloy wheels.

Ford also revealed the new Ford Edge ST-Line SUV – which joins the Ford Fiesta ST-Line, Focus ST-Line, Mondeo ST-Line and Kuga ST-Line models – delivering Ford Performance-inspired styling, high specification and powerful engines.

Award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost inspires industry-first innovation

Ford powertrain engineers have defied industry expectations to deliver cylinder deactivation technology that will improve fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions for the multi-award-winning 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine, without sacrificing refinement.

Ford’s compact and powerful 1.0-litre EcoBoost will be the first three-cylinder engine in the world to feature cylinder deactivation. The technology can disengage or re-engage the cylinder in 14 milliseconds – 20 times faster than the blink of an eye – and combined with advanced solutions to counteract vibrations, will be imperceptible to drivers in terms of operation and engine performance.

Ford GT racers join exclusive LEGO range

Ford and The LEGO Group have joined forces to offer the 2016 Ford GT and 1966 Ford GT40 race cars as part of the exclusive LEGO Speed Champions range of models, featuring iconic high performance road and racing cars.

The two new buildable models follow in the tyre tracks of the popular Ford Mustang and Ford F‑150 Raptor pickup sets already on sale, and celebrate Ford’s motor racing achievements in the world-famous Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race.

Ford made an historic return to Le Mans this year, taking victory with the new Ford GT race car exactly 50 years after recording a 1-2-3 clean sweep at the 1966 race.

Ford Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Dirk Müller and the full WEC team – Andy Priaulx, Harry Tincknell, Olivier Pla and Stefan Mücke– represented Ford’s victorious 2016 Le Mans team at Go Further, where both the 1966 and 2016 race cars were on stage.

Further special guests joining Ford executives and European team members to celebrate the company’s contribution to sport included Sennan Fielding, a 20-year-old star of the Ford British F4 championship that features single-seat race cars powered by Ford’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

New Ford video shows some of the world’s best drone pilots tackling a unique and challenging course involving a Focus RS, a Mustang & a robot.

• New Ford video shows some of the world’s best drone pilots tackling a unique and challenging course involving a drifting Focus RS, a smoking Ford Mustang – and a robot
• Drone racing stars Luke Bannister and Brett Collis also pilot their drones under a Ranger pickup and through a B-MAX car, navigating remotely with the help of special goggles
• “Dronekhana” was filmed at Ford’s European HQ in Cologne, Germany, the city that this week hosts Gamescom – Europe’s biggest interactive games trade fair. Ford, also this week, will target gaming GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title with the Ford GT supercar

Ford has brought together one of the world’s most exciting new sports and some of its finest fast cars to create a new video called “Dronekhana”.

Two of the planet’s best drone pilots tackle a unique obstacle course that includes a drifting Focus RS, a smoking Ford Mustang, and a robot. 

Pilots Luke Bannister and Brett Collis navigate their drones remotely with the help of special goggles, which provide a first-person view as they fly under the Ford Ranger pickup and through the Ford B-MAX’s pillarless doors. 

A rig of 36 GoPro cameras captured the drones mid-action in a style made famous by the 1999 film The Matrix.

“It’s basically like stepping into the cockpit. It was a tough course and we had some mishaps – but at least the Mustang’s all right, that’s all that matters,” said 16-year-old World Drone Prix champion Luke Bannister who took on the course with Tornado XBlades team mate and fellow Brit, Brett Collis, 22.

Named in tribute to the YouTube phenomenon Gymkhana, starring Focus RS consultant Ken Block, “Dronekhana” was filmed at Ford’s European headquarters in Cologne, Germany, the city which this week hosts Gamescom Europe’s biggest interactive games trade fair. 

It follows previous “Snowkhana” videos that have become a festive Ford tradition.

Ford has also invited five gamers from across Europe to Cologne to try to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “Longest video marathon on a racing game”, in Forza Motorsport 6. 

They face a two day stint behind the wheel of a virtual Ford GT race car to take on the simulated Le Sarthe circuit used for the Le Mans 24 Hours – where the real-life Ford GT race car won earlier this year. To set a new record, the gamers will need to race for more than 48 hours 1 minute – starting at 14:00 C.E.T on Tuesday Aug. 16. 

If successful, a presentation will be made to the record-breaking gamer on the Microsoft stand, at Gamescom, on Thursday.

First ‘Job 1’ DB11 engine off the line marks start of full production.

• New 5.2L twin-turbo V12 engine begins a new chapter in AMEP’s 12-year history
• First ‘Job 1’ DB11 engine off the line marks start of full production
• Approximately 40,000 V12 engines built at AMEP since 2004 opening

The introduction of a new Aston Martin engine is always something special. When that engine has been created for a new Aston Martin model it’s a true landmark. Today at the Aston Martin Engine Plant (AMEP) in Cologne, Germany, just such a landmark has been reached with the DB11’s new 5.2L twin-turbo V12 entering full production.

Designed in-house this new engine develops 608PS and 700Nm of torque, making DB11 the most powerful production DB model ever. It’s also the fastest and most accelerative, too, with a top speed of 200mph and a 0-62mph time of just 3.9sec., while intelligent cylinder bank activation and stop-start technology ensures that potency is matched by greatly improved efficiency.

Opened in 2004, the AMEP is a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility created solely for the production of Aston Martin power plants. Workplace for over 100 highly-trained employees, the 12,500 sq metre production hall is divided into four distinct areas: One for the machining of the engines’ cylinder blocks, one to machine cylinder heads, an assembly area where a team of specialist technicians meticulously hand-build the engines and one for receiving components and shipping completed engines.  Production of the 6.0L V12 and 4.7L V8 engines will continue at AMEP.

To ensure the highest levels of quality and consistency, one engine assembly technician will build each engine, following the process through from start to finish. It takes a total of 8 hours to build one V12 engine and the AMEP has a production capacity of 8,000 engines a year. Once completed, each engine undergoes stringent cold and hot testing within the AMEP facility, and only when it has satisfied the various test criteria is it released for shipment to the Aston Martin Headquarters in Gaydon.

Brian Fitzsimons, Aston Martin Chief Engineer, Powertrain, says of the new engine entering production: “To see this new engine go into full production at AMEP makes me very proud. Designing and developing the 5.2L twin-turbo power plant has been an all-consuming passion for me and my team. Knowing that the end result would be built with meticulous care in a truly state-of-the-art facility such as AMEP was an added motivation. It’s a hugely exciting time to be an engineer at Aston Martin, not least because this is just the beginning for the new twin-turbo V12.”

Dr Andy Palmer, Aston Martin President and CEO, commented: “AMEP is one of our great success stories and one of the jewels in the Aston Martin crown. To have the ability to design and then manufacture our own high-performance engines in-house is something very special. It gives us ultimate control of quality and that all-important character for which Aston Martin cars are renowned. I have no doubts that our new twin-turbo V12 is the start of an even greater era of success.”

Recommended Retail Price from £154,900 in the UK, €204,900 in Germany and $211,995 in USA, first deliveries of the DB11 are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2016.

ITALY - Ford updates Fiesta with new colours, more efficient engines and updates to the interiors.

• Ford has announced a series of upgrades to the Fiesta, the best-selling compact in Europe *, which includes new colors (Magnetic Grey, Candy Red and Silver Beige), finishing more elegant and more efficient engines

• With the new 1.5 TDCi, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic version sets a new benchmark in the segment for efficiency, limiting consumption of just 3.2 l / 100 km and cutting emissions to 82 g / km **, 16 g / km less than the previous 1.6 TDCi, while leaving intact the power of 95 horses

• In the first quarter of 2015, Ford has sold over 88 thousand Fiesta in Europe, confirming its leadership among compact cars

Ford has announced a series of upgrades to the Fiesta, the best-selling compact in Europe *, which includes new colors, trim more elegant and more efficient engines. The new colors are available Magnetic Grey, a dark gray but with brilliant metallic sheen, the Candy Red, a red dynamic and vibrant, and the Silver Beige, fine solid metal effect finish.

The update also includes a range of aesthetic finishes that make the environment aboard the most elegant.The exhibition Titanium now includes a newly designed front grille chrome and trim with ecru stitching for the seats, steering wheel, gear lever and floor mats.

With the new 1.5 TDCi, the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic version sets a new benchmark in the segment for efficiency, limiting consumption of just 3.2 l / 100 km and cutting emissions to 82 g / km **, 16 g / km less than the previous 1.6 TDCi, while leaving intact the power of 95 horses. 

The result was achieved thanks to the new design of the combustion chamber, the turbo and the injection system.

"Customers now have the ability to configure your Fiesta with the widest choice of customization than ever, and each model is characterized by efficiency and elegance," said Roelant de Waard, Vice President Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. 

"The engine range includes, in addition to the new 1.5 TDCi, the extraordinary 3-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0, the only engine in history to be nominated for three times Engine of the Year".

In the first quarter of 2015, Ford sold 88,155 Fiesta in Europe, confirming its leadership among compact cars, resulting in the top of the sales charts in 2012, in 2013 and in 2014. 

The Fiesta has been sold in more than 17 million copies worldwide since 1976. In Europe, where it is produced in Cologne, Germany, it is available in 3 and 5 door.

Ford of Europe to expand production of all its best sellers as sales start to grow.

• Ford increases production at its German assembly plants in Saarlouis and Cologne, to meet growing customer demand
• Ford Fiesta production in Cologne to increase in February by 300 units a day to 1,850 vehicles; additional weekend shifts planned
• Ford Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX production in Saarlouis to increase by 240 units per day to 1,770 vehicles
• In 2014, Ford’s European market share rose by 0.2 percentage points to 8.0 per cent in 2014, the highest level since 2011

Ford is increasing production at its assembly plants in Saarlouis and Cologne, Germany, to meet growing demand for several top-selling vehicles. 

From next week, Ford is increasing production of the Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX at the Saarlouis plant by 240 units per day to 1,770 vehicles. The Ford Focus and C-MAX are Ford’s second and third best-selling vehicles in Europe.

In February, Ford’s plant in Cologne will increase production of the Ford Fiesta by 300 units a day to 1,850 vehicles and six additional weekend shifts have been scheduled in January and February. The Fiesta is Ford’s No.1 best-selling vehicle in Europe, and is on-track to become Europe’s No.1 best-selling small car for 2014 for the third successive year.

“We are ramping up production of some of our top-selling models to meet growing demand from Ford customers as well as the normal industry sales increase in the first half of the year,” said Jeff Wood, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe.

Ford last week reported its 2014 sales* increased by 7.3 per cent compared to 2013, outpacing total industry growth. Ford’s total vehicle market share rose 0.2 percentage points to 8.0 per cent – its highest level since 2011. Ford remained Europe’s No.2 top-selling vehicle brand.

This year will be one of the busiest years ever for Ford of Europe in terms of new vehicle introductions. In addition to the full roll out of the new Focus and all-new Mondeo, Ford will launch the new versions of the Galaxy, S-MAX, C‑MAX, Grand C-MAX, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, Focus ST and Focus ST diesel, Mustang fastback and convertible, and refreshed versions of EcoSport, Ranger, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect. The all-new Edge SUV will go into production in late 2015. 

Suzuki at the Cologne International Motocycle Show.

Suzuki pulled the wraps off its new GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F models at the opening of this year's International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany, as the Japanese manufacturer unveiled several new models and updates that will form part of its 2015 model range.

GSX-S1000 ABS

The product concept behind Suzuki's new super-naked was to provide the spirit of GSX-R in a naked streetbike chassis. Designed for nimble and agile handling, the GSX-S1000 features an all-new frame and utilises engine design and characteristics from the iconic GSX-R1000 K5, famed for its low-down torque and mid-range power.

With knowhow from MotoGP development, the GSX-S1000 benefits from a traction control system boasting three-modes as well as the option to switch the system off completely. ABS is also available, with the bike expected in dealership showrooms in late spring next year.

GSX-S1000F ABS

Also unveiled as part of Suzuki's new GSX-S range, the F variant features all of the benefits afforded to its naked sibling, including an all-new frame, traction control and ABS, but wrapped in a newly designed fairing.

Designed with the same concept in mind, the GSX-S1000F shares the ergonomics and riding position of the naked version, with both aimed at providing a sporty ride on the road, but leaving customers with the choice of added weather protection or sheer naked aggression. It too, is expected in late spring.

Address 110

The new Address 110 is expected to arrive in early spring next year, and brings with it exceptional fuel economy and value. Boasting 139MPG* and a 5.2 litre fuel tank, the Address 110 is set to become the commuting scooter of choice.

Practical touches include under-seat storage in excess of 20 litres that will comfortably take a full face helmet and riding gear, and rear handbrake for use when parked. The Address benefits from a new fuel injection system and reduced overall weight, which comes from sporty, redesigned bodywork and cast aluminium hollow-core wheels.

V-Strom 650XT ABS

Based on the already popular V-Strom 650, which has been the top selling dual-purpose machine in the 650-800cc class in the last decade, the V-Strom 650XT comes with more adventure as standard.

The new V-Strom 650XT takes design cues from the DR Big, the first dual-purpose machine to feature the now standard 'beak' design synonymous with models in the adventure sector. A new beak blends smoothly into the existing front bodywork, with air ducts that channel airflow to the radiator.

Newly designed, lightweight, wire-spoked aluminium wheels aid in the adventure-styling of the new V-Strom 650XT, and shock absorption performance is increased on unpaved roads. Its arrival is anticipated as early as December this year.

Bandit 1250S ABS

Bandit is back for 2015, with the iconic machine on sale in the UK early next year. With the original Bandit models developing a cult following, the latest incarnation uses the newest version of Suzuki's 1255cc inline four-cylinder engine and gets a styling update to bring it into 2015.

After repeated wind tunnel testing, the redesigned fairings, with new radiator shrouds, offer improved aerodynamics, with venting just below the headlights, as well as better wind and weather protection for both rider and pillion.

Inazuma 250F

The A2-licence friendly and ideal commuter, comes clad with a newly designed fairing for 2015, with the Inazuma 250F unveiled at Intermot.

Adding extra wind protection to the popular city-wise machine, which boasts an impressive 85MPG figure, cost conscious commuters can now travel even further in comfort. The new faired Inazuma will be on sale in early 2015, alongside the existing naked machine.

GSX-R1000 ABS

The iconic GSX-R1000, which took the win at the prestigious 24 hours of Le Mans earlier this year in the hands of the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, now comes with ABS as standard for 2015.

As the Japanese brand celebrates its return to the blue-ribband class of motorcycle racing next year, the GSX-R1000 will also be available in the replica colours of Suzuki's new MotoGP racer, the GSX-RR.

*Data resulting from tests made by Suzuki in compliance with WMTC. These tests were conducted by a single pilot with no additional optional equipment. Fuel consumption may vary depending on your riding style, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tyre pressure, the presence of accessories, the load, the weight of the crew and many other parameters