@Ford165 - June 2016

@Ford
Connecting Europe · June 2016
FIESTA TURNS 40!
EVOLUTION OF AN ICON
HOW WE WON
LE MANS ‘66
CHRIS AMON INTERVIEW
PREMIUM
ATTACK!
ALL-NEW EDGE TAKES
ON EUROPE’S BIG GUNS
Editorial
EDGE GIVES US PREMIUM APPEAL
Our cover story this month focuses on the
European launch of the all-new Ford Edge, a
product that marks a significant milestone in
our evolution in Europe.
Edge is the flagship of our range, enabling
us to compete in the rapidly growing upscale
SUV sector - ground which has proven very
profitable for Audi, BMW, Mercedes and
Volvo.
Taking on these established, premium
marques requires a very special product
and Edge is certainly that. In fact we’re so
confident that this car can compete with, and
win against, the premium brands, we chose to
launch it in the Bavarian heartland of some of
our competitors and, as we had hoped, media
reaction has been very strong.
You can read what the press are saying
inside but, just to give you a flavour, the British
Sun labelled it ‘#Ford’s Big Daddy SUV’, while
Top Gear described it as ‘brilliantly refined,
and truly, marvellously quiet’.
Edge represents the very best in Ford
engineering and design, offering unrivalled
refinement, technology and quality at a price
that undercuts premium competitors.
Interior space is a particular strong point,
with class-leading second-row head room
and shoulder room greater than larger competitors including the Audi Q7 and Volkswagen Touareg. Front row passenger space is
also among the best in class, as is the 1,847
litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats
folded.
Edge also will be available with SYNC3,
which allows drivers to control their connected smartphones, audio, navigation, and
climate functions with more conversational
voice commands. SYNC3 will then be rolled
out across models including Mondeo, S-MAX
and Galaxy.
When we look back on vehicles we have
launched in the past year we should feel very
proud. We’ve introduced Mustang – Europe’s
best selling sports coupe – and the amazing
Focus RS which has just won Car of the Year
at the prestigious 2016 Vehicle Dynamics
International (VDI) Awards.
Auto Express in the U.K. recently compared
RS with the much more expensive BMW M2.
The verdict? “It drives, handles and stops just
as well as the BMW. The fact that it’s £16,580
cheaper to buy than the M2 and more cost
effective to run seals the deal. This is a great
fast Ford that’ll go down in history.”
The lines between premium and non-premium are becoming increasingly blurred.
We’ve seen with RS and Mustang that
although we are not a premium brand, when
we play to our strengths, we can beat the
premiums by offering exciting, desirable and
profitable cars that consumers are proud to
own and drive.
The Mustang owners and RS owners I talk
to are just as passionate about their cars as
BMW M or Audi S drivers and I’m confident
consumers will feel just the same about Edge.
Please do take the opportunity to drive one
during our upcoming Employee Drive this
summer. You won’t be disappointed.
Jim Farley
Executive Vice President and President, Europe,
Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company
I’d like to sign off by reminding you that
Le Mans is just around the corner and that
Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team will be
running four GTs at the famous La Sarthe
circuit in France.
Inside you will find an exclusive interview
with Chris Amon – one of the drivers who
steered the original Ford GT to that fabulous
maiden victory at Le Mans back in 1966.
As Chris says, endurance racing is the ultimate test of man and machine and Le Mans
is the ultimate endurance race. So when the
race starts on June 18th I hope that as many
of you as possible get behind the team and
cheer the GTs on. We’ve got the car, and we’ve
got the drivers. With a little bit of luck and
your support we can make history again.
Content
04 News in Brief
14 Fiesta
06 Cover
16 Sales & Marketing
10 WEC
18 External View
News and views from the world of Ford
Edge arrives in Europe
Spa review & Le Mans guide
Ford’s small car is 40
Survey reveals SUV appeal
Social media roundup
12 Interview
Ford News
Included with
this issue
between pages
10 and 11
@Ford Europe June 2016
Executive editor:
Predrag Zezelj, [email protected]
Writer: Peter Noble Copy editor: Rick Franks
Design: Manfred Müller, Alexander Bertrams,
Anke Hansen Production: Zetweka, Print &
Production Management, Cologne
Digital Reproduction: purpur, Cologne Print:
NEEF + STUMME premium printing, Wittingen
Published by Ford of Europe,
Communications and Public Affairs
Le Mans legend Chris Amon
remembers 1966
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 3
News
News
NEWS IN BRIEF
AWARDWINNING
FOCUS RS
IN HOT
DEMAND
The all-new Ford Focus RS has won Car
of the Year at the prestigious 2016 Vehicle
Dynamics International (VDI) Awards. The
Ford Performance team that developed
the high-performance hatchback also has
won Dynamics Team of the Year at the VDI
Awards.
A jury of 23 independent automotive
journalists from around the world praised
the Focus RS for “handling characteristics
the opposition can’t match” and its “pure
driving pleasure”.
Demand for the high-performance
hatchback is accelerating fast, with 6,200
vehicles already ordered by European customers – almost double Ford expectations
– and the Nitrous Blue paint colour among
the most popular options.
“We set the bar high for the Focus RS, to
deliver a world-beating hot hatch worthy
YouTuber unlearns mobility
Ranger fan sets hoverboard
record
Ford Ranger fan and Flyboard Air inventor Franky Zapata has smashed the
world record for the longest uninterrupted flight on a hoverboard.
Looking like something out of a Sci-Fi
blockbuster, Zapata travelled 2,253
metres through the air on his hoverboard - that’s 1,977 metres further than
the previous record distance.
Zapata made the incredible flight
over the harbour of Sausset-les-Pins, in
the south of France, supported by two
all-new Ford Ranger Wildtrak pickups.
Taking four years to design, develop and
perfect, the jet-propelled hoverboard
flew at an average 55 km/h (34 mph),
and a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph)
to cover the distance in three minutes.
http://s.fordmedia.eu/hoverboard
®
of the Rallye Sport badge with the most
exhilarating and dynamic RS driving experience yet,” said Tyrone Johnson, vehicle
engineering manager, Ford Performance.
“Ford Performance is honoured to receive
two awards from Vehicle Dynamics International, and proud to have developed a
car that sets new standards for affordable
hot hatch performance.”
The annual VDI awards recognise the
best ideas, technology innovation and
achievements in vehicle dynamics development. Ford now has won six VDI awards
– more than any other manufacturer –
including four Dynamics Team of the Year
awards. This year’s double success follows
a similar achievement in 2013, when Ford
won Dynamics Team of the Year and Ford
vehicle dynamics specialist David Put won
Dynamicist of the Year.
Ford Mustang is crowned
COTY in Spain
Ford has been named Car of the Year in the
Schibsted Engine Awards in Spain. Mustang
also won the Best Sports Car award and Ford
received the award for Best Online Advertising Campaign.
Jesús Alonso, CEO of Ford Spain, collected
the award at a ceremony which took place in
the Hipodromo de la Zarzuela in Madrid.
The Schibsted Engine Awards are based on
the votes from users of the various internet sites operated by the publishing group,
including coches.net, together with a jury of
experts. The 150,000 votes cast by users led
to the selection of three finalists from each
category.
When Ford challenged YouTube legend and
inventor Colin Furze to unlearn mobility, he
didn’t disappoint.
First he asked his legions of followers
for ideas. Then, after 16,000 chipped in
with suggestions, Furze disappeared inside
his garden shed, rolled his sleeves up, and
emerged with a fully functional hoverbike.
“You wanted me to fly so I’ve made
this,” said Furze. “It has no steering, it’s got
no brakes, it’s got two accelerators and
not even a seat, but it shows someone
with no engineering qualifications and no
experience of flying can make something
that actually leaves the ground. The whole
unlearn philosophy is to try new things and
go in new directions and I definitely think I’m
doing this.” http://s.fordmedia.eu/
homemadeHoverbike
Ford is the first vehicle manufacturer to formulate and test new foam and plastic components using carbon dioxide as feedstock.
Researchers expect to see the new biomaterials in Ford production vehicles within five
years.
Formulated with up to 50 per cent CO2based polyols, the foam could be employed in
seating and underhood applications, reducing
the use of fossil fuels in Ford vehicles and
increasing the presence of sustainable foam
in the Ford’s global product portfolio.
“Ford is working aggressively to lower its
environmental impact by reducing its use
of petroleum-based plastic and foam,” said
Debbie Mielewski, Ford senior technical
leader of sustainability. “This technology is
exciting because it is contributing to solving a
seemingly insurmountable problem – climate
change.” http://s.fordmedia.eu/co2Foam
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 4
“It goes back to Henry Ford and one of
his favourite quotes: ‘If I asked people
what they wanted, they’d say they wanted
a faster horse.’ We want to transform,
fundamentally, the relationship between
an automaker and a customer.”
Mark Fields
“Ford has once again delivered a
performance car for the people with this
latest Focus RS. Price, practicality and
eye-popping styling mean it carries a lot
of appeal, while it drives, handles and
stops just as well as the BMW. The fact
that it’s £16,580 cheaper to buy than the
M2 and more cost-effective to run seals
the deal. This is a great fast Ford that’ll
go down in history.” Auto Express Online
“Back in those days the top speed of the
GT40 was 100 mph more than some of the
other cars on the track so it could be quite
hairy especially at night in the rain with
mist hanging in the air, bearing down on
these cars when you couldn’t see much.”
Chris Amon, 1966 Le Mans winner
“On the road, Ranger is aggressive, fast
and precise, with brilliant stability on
curves and everything that one needs to
drive safely, including electronic assists
and the SYNC 2 connectivity system.”
Corriere dello Sport
“Edge is a family cruiser with a relaxed
ride, easy steering and decent 48mpg for
such a big bird. As for looks, it stands
out with that macho ‘Superman’ grille.
I like it.” Rob Gill, The Sun
“All those other sports cars - the Porsches,
the Aston Martins, even a Lamborghini
- may have been impressive, but none
was as eye-catching as my yellow sex
machine. I had beaten them all. I was the
sexiest. I had embraced my descent into
a mid-life crisis with gusto. I was already
working out which kidney to sell to raise
the £35,000 I needed to buy the Mustang
for myself.”
Ford celebrates Finnish milestone
Why Ford is capturing CO2
OVERHEARD
Ford Finland has just celebrated its 90th
anniversary. The first Ford car was sold in
a Finnish department store in 1904. Ford
imported cars to Finland from Sweden and
Denmark until 1925, but as demand grew,
Ford Motor Company of Finland Oy was
established in 1926 and became the country’s
first subsidiary of a car manufacturer.
In 1929, Ford Motor Company offered 40
per cent of the shares to Finnish investors.
The offer was a success and share ownership
grew. In 1938 the company became the first
car importer in Finland to list on the Helsinki
Stock Exchange. At the same time, the name
of the company was changed to Oy Ford Ab.
Things came full circle in 2000 when Ford
bought back the shares and left the Helsinki
Stock Exchange after 62 years.
Thousands apply to own Ford GT
Ford has received 6,506 fully completed applications from people hoping to
purchase a new GT.
The number spiked in the last six days
of the initial one-month application
window when 32 per cent of aspiring
owners submitted their forms.
“We’re excited by the amount of enthusiasm fans are showing for the new
Ford GT,” says Dave Pericak, director,
Global Ford Performance. “This initial
application window is just one of many
ways fans and potential owners will
have to connect with our all-new supercar even before it hits the streets.”
Ford is now reviewing applications
from those 6,506 potential supercar
buyers and will start notifying potential
owners in the next two months.
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 5
Scott Coomber, Dailymail.co.uk
“The Edge has a difficult assignment.
The segment is full of luxury models,
especially German ones, and the few
existing outsiders play a secondary role.
It is a car that costs 50,000 euros, and in
this price range, the nameplate carries
weight. And yet, the Edge has all of the
qualities it needs to compete.”
Claire Bal, La Stampa
Edge
UPSCALE EDGE
COMPLETES
FORD SUV LINE-UP
Ford is taking on Europe’s
premium SUV manufacturers
with the all-new Edge. Gunnar
Herrmann explains why Audi,
BMW, Mercedes and Volvo
should all be worried
New Edge will go head-to-head against Audi Q5, Mercedes GLE and other premium products
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 6
Where better to introduce the all-new
Ford Edge to Europe than right on the
doorstep of one of the biggest players in
the premium SUV sector?
Last month, just a stone’s throw from
BMW’s headquarters in Munich, Ford hosted
more than 480 media from 21 countries for
the official launch of Edge in Europe.
And for three whole weeks, Edge turned
heads in the city, on autobahns and in
rural Bavarian villages as road testers put it
through its paces both on road – and off.
Ford is betting big on the all-new Edge.
As the company’s flagship SUV, this most
premium of Ford products has the likes of
Audi Q5, BMX X3, Mercedes GLC/GLE and
Volvo XC60 firmly in its sights.
“The German marques and Volvo have
done very well in this sector up until now and
we want a piece of the pie,” said Gunnar
Herrmann, VP Quality and New Model
Program. “Here in Munich we’re launching a
vehicle that more than holds its own against
premium German and Swedish opposition
and offers much better value for money, too.”
Ford plans to sell more than 200,000 SUVs
in Europe this year – a 200 per cent increase
compared to 2013. Consumer demand for
SUVs is growing; last year the SUV segment
became the best-selling segment in Europe
for the first time with a 24 per cent increase
year-on-year. Registrations of vehicles in the
Edge’s mid-size SUV segment grew 42 per
cent year-on-year.
“Clearly, this sector provides us with a
great business opportunity but to succeed
we needed to deliver a vehicle unlike
anything we’ve ever offered in Europe,”
added Herrmann.
“Although Edge has a massive following in the U.S., before we could
launch in Europe we had to revaluate every aspect of the car and
then refine, tweak and modify to ensure Edge ticks all of the boxes for
customers on this side of the pond. It was a long development process
and we were determined to get it right.”
Here in Europe, Edge is available in Zetec, Titanium and Sport
series – and with a choice of 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine with
six-speed manual transmission, or 210PS bi-turbo 2.0‑litre TDCi diesel
with six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.
It also comes well-equipped as standard, offering Ford intelligent
all-wheel drive, Active Noise Control, Forward Alert with Pedestrian
Detection, Ford DAB Audio with SYNC connectivity, privacy glass and
19-inch alloy wheels.
Other innovative features available include Adaptive Steering, which
automatically optimises the steering response according to vehicle
speed, making it easy to manoeuvre at low speeds, while remaining
precise and intuitive at higher speeds; and Front Wide View Camera,
which makes restricted visibility junctions or parking spaces easier to
negotiate.
Cutaway reveals Edge’s architecture
Gunnar Herrmann, VP Quality and New Model Program joined the media drive
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 7
Edge
MEDIA VERDICT
“What really sets this product apart from the rest is the level of
refinement built into the vehicle,” said Herrmann. “Edge sets new
standards in its class for interior space and it features high quality
materials throughout. Also, it offers comfort and convenience features
including heated and cooled front seats and a panoramic roof.
The Active Noise Control feature, which works like noise-cancelling
headphones to counteract unwanted noises in the cabin, really
enhances that perception of quality.
“Of course, Edge also has to drive better than rival
products so we’ve really raised the bar for driving
dynamics, and steering feel”
Because great attention has been paid to minimising ride and
powertrain noise vibration and harshness, Edge allows premium
class travelling and a very unique and rewarding driving experience.
“We will also be introducing an Edge Vignale in Europe in the
future which will provide even greater levels of luxury for customers
seeking the ultimate premium SUV package.”
Available to order now, all-new Ford Edge will arrive in European showrooms this summer having already travelled more than
6,000 km by truck, train and ship.
Europe-bound Edges are manufactured at Ford’s Oakville
Assembly plant on the banks of Lake Ontario in Canada. Then
they’re shipped by rail more than 700 km south to Newark Port.
From there, each Edge is driven onto huge ships which typically
take up to two weeks to cross the Atlantic to Bremerhaven in
Northern Germany.
Finally, the vehicles are loaded onto car transporters, ready to
be driven to any one of Ford’s huge network of dealers throughout
Europe.
“We have very high hopes for this product,” added Herrmann.
“It is spacious, high-tech and handsome and it represents the very
best of Ford design and engineering excellence. The journalists I spoke
to on the launch are convinced it will shake up the upscale SUV sector.
They also said that Ford right now has its best product line-up ever.
I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of Edges on Europe’s roads in the
near future.”
“The Ford Edge is the quietest large SUV
around and feels like a luxury saloon on
the motorway with near silence at a 70mph
cruise. The suspension is excellent too, giving
a superb ride that’s not even ruffled by big
potholes or poorly surfaced roads. Ford says
the Edge is designed to meet demand for a
more upmarket SUV. And it certainly feels a
premium car. The interior may lack the design
flair of something like an Audi, but the quality
is impeccable, plus it feels like a well finished
and solidly built.” Honestjohn.co.uk
“The Edge is an impressive family car and a
lot of SUV for the money. When you consider
that most people needing space and value
from the Ford range would otherwise have to
opt for an S-MAX, then it is clear the Edge –
which is better looking, feels roomier inside
and is more refined – is going to prove a real
winner for the Blue Oval.”
Carmagazine.co.uk
“It is brilliantly refined, and truly, marvellously
quiet. Probably the quietest Ford we’ve
ever driven, in fact. In part, this is thanks
to something Ford calls Active Noise
Control. Have a pair of noise-cancelling
headphones? Imagine that kind of technology,
but on a much grander scale. There are three
microphones inside the Edge. They pick
up unwanted noise from the engine and
transmission and instruct the speakers to emit
“opposing sound waves” to cancel those noises
out. There’s also acoustic laminated glass and
special aero. The result is very little wind or
tyre roar. It’s a bit eerie.”
BBC Top Gear
“The best place to be in the Edge, however, is
behind the wheel, where the driver feels like
the captain thanks to a high sitting position
with good visibility, a light steering system,
and a dual clutch automatic transmission that
shifts gears smoothly.”
Auto Bild
“Comfort and refinement are where the Edge
betters its rivals. On the motorway there’s very “Ford is an expert in terms of tuning
little road noise and, if you order the optional
suspensions, and this applies to the biggest
panoramic roof, hardly any wind noise either.
variant in its SUV portfolio as well. Thanks to
Without this feature, you get roof rails, which
an “intelligent” all-wheel drive system, which
do create some irksome wind whistling above
sends propulsion power to where it is needed
your head. The ride is also very good - at least, most; a clever, comfortable, but not overly
it was on our generally smooth German test
soft suspension tuning, and adaptive steering,
route. You get some fidgeting on rippled road
surfaces, but the suspension absorbs ruts and
ridges well and it’s hushed, too.”
Whatcar.com
“What catches the eye instantly is how well
the Edge conceals its true size with its sporty
exterior. At a length of 4.81 meters and a
width of 1.93 meters, the Edge is anything but
small. Passengers will benefit from its large
size. Those in the front and rear have plenty
of room to move. Those sitting in the front
are treated to a high sitting position, which
is great for long trips, whereas the rear seat
bench with its soft cushioning is like a sofa.”
Auto Zeitung
“Show it a smooth and straight stretch of
tarmac and it’s at its absolute best. Capable,
comfortable and whisper quiet, the Edge also
comes with the trick Active Noise Control
feature, which uses the same principle as
noise-cancelling headphones to mitigate
unwanted sounds like wind and tyre roar.”
Carkeys.co.uk
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 8
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 9
one feels confident and safe in the Edge. This
is also thanks to the safety equipment, which
features up to nine airbags, including a knee
airbag for the driver, and inflatable seatbelts
for the two outer seats in the rear.”
Abendzeitung Munich
“The Ford Edge has a lot of potential is in the
segment of mid-size SUVs. It boasts plenty
of space, decent performance aspects, and a
solid suspension. It’s not cheap, but its price is
justified considering what one gets in return.”
Auto Motor und Sport
“When driven, the Edge is surprisingly
balanced. Ford’s work on the suspension is
noticeable. The vehicle doesn’t feel like a boat,
and the electric steering obeys the driver’s
commands. The Edge enters curves without
marked swaying. It is capable on any terrain.
On German highways, at a speed of 160km/h,
we barely hear aerodynamic noise in the cabin,
which has excellent soundproofing.”
Marca.com
“It has a great physique. Designed for the
U.S. market, it is produced in Canada, and
it has “stage presence” on par with the large
crossovers from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and
Volvo. At the same time, it is cheaper and has
a better entry-level equipment package.”
Corriere della Sera
WEC
LE MANS 24 HOURS
TRACK SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE
16:00–20:00 Free Practice
22:00–00:00 Qualifying 1
TRACK
8.47 miles/ 13.629 kms
MULSANNE
MICHELIN
CHICANE
INDIANAPOLIS
TETRE
ROUGE
ESSES
DUNLOP CURVE
The #67 Ford GT fought hard throughout the
race and took a triumphant second place at
the chequered flag. The best result yet for the
WEC Ford GTs was tempered by the fact that
with just over one hour of the six-hour race
remaining, the #66 Ford GT crashed heavily
exiting Eau Rouge.
German driver Stefan Mücke was behind
the wheel and it was an anxious moment for
the team before his voice came over the radio.
“Everything is okay,” said Mücke after
having precautionary tests at a local hospital.
“I feel okay and it is good to know we have a
strong car. Thank you to the team for building
me a safe car.”
The sister #67 Ford GT had a very different
race, finishing in second place and taking
the best result yet for the Ford Chip Ganassi
Racing WEC team.
“The most important thing is that Stefan is
okay,” said WEC Team Principal George Howard-Chapell. “Typically, he is more concerned
with the car than himself.
“On the flip side it is fabulous to get second
place, which was a fairly unexpected result.
It’s good that it has followed on from the
victory for the U.S. team and a great result for
the lead into the Le Mans 24 Hours.”
Andy Priaulx, Harry Tincknell and Marino Franchitti on the
podium at Spa
The race started well for the #66 Ford
GT as Frenchman Olivier Pla had a strong
opening stint, fighting his way through to
third place by passing two Aston Martins. Billy
Johnson was up next and he continued the
good work before handing the car to Mücke.
The #67 Ford GT also had a strong start
in the hands of Marino Franchitti but 40
minutes into the opening stint the Scotsman
received a tap from behind that sent him into
a spin and to the back of the GTE Pro field.
SATURDAY 18 JUNE
15:00
Start of the 2016
Le Mans 24 Hours
FORZA
MOTORSPORT
CHICANE
SPA BOOST FOR FORD
AHEAD OF LE MANS
The Ford Chip Ganassi Racing
team will start Le Mans 24
Hours boosted by a podium
finish at WEC 6 Hours of Spa
THURSDAY 16 JUNE
19:00–21:00 Qualifying 2
22:00–00:00 Qualifying 3
He quickly recovered and completed his
stint before Andy Priaulx jumped in for his run,
which saw the #67 steadily rise up the order,
taking fourth before Harry Tincknell took over.
The young Briton had a great on track battle with Mücke before the accident happened
and handed the car over to Franchitti in third
place for the run to the flag.
Despite mounting pressure from a charging
Aston Martin, Franchitti held on to third and
then took second place when the #51 Ferrari
ran in trouble.
“We had some great strategy calls from the
pits,” said Franchitti. “We said we would be
pleased to get a podium finish here so to take
second place is great. That result was for the
team who have worked so hard for these past
few months.”
With Spa done and dusted, all eyes are now
firmly fixed on Le Mans 24 Hours where four
Ford GTs will battle for victory in the GTE Pro
class.
Joining cars #66 and #67 for the world’s
most famous endurance race are the #68
Ford GT line-up of Joey Hand (U.S.), Dirk
Müller (Germany), and Sébastien Bourdais
(France). GT #69 will be piloted by Scott Dixon (New Zealand), Richard Westbrook (U.K.)
and Ryan Briscoe (Australia).
“Le Mans is incredibly close to my heart,”
said Bourdais. “I was born there so it is very
special to go back as the local boy, as I have
done 10 times now. People have not forgotten
Ford’s history and heritage at Le Mans, even
though it was a long time ago.
The excitement around Ford’s return will
make Le Mans even more special for us.
We have new challenges and new rivalries
and we hope the story comes full circle so
that we can repeat history.”
(All times local to event)
ARNAGE
PORSCHE CURVES
FORD CHICANE
FORD GT DRIVER LINE-UPS
#66: Stefan Mücke, Olivier Pla, Billy Johnson
#68: Sébastien Bourdais, Joey Hand, Dirk Müller
#67: Marino Franchitti, Andy Priaulx, Harry Tincknell
#69: Ryan Briscoe, Scott Dixon, Richard Westbrook
HOW TO FOLLOW THE RACE
ON TV
PAN-EUROPE: Motors TV · Eurosport
ON YOUTUBE
ON RADIO
Radio Le Mans
Available at radiolemans.com
ONLINE
live.fiawec.com
www.fordperformance.tv
FOLLOW US
FordPerformance
www.at.ford.com
Jim Farley’s Blog
GOOD LUCK GUYS!
We invited you to send good luck messages
to the Chip Ganassi Racing Team ahead of Le
Mans 24 Hours and you responded in droves
“Let’s evoke the spirit of ’66 and show the
prancing horse who is boss. You can do it.
We’re all right behind you.”
“Keeping my fingers, legs and toes crossed that
Ford wins Le Mans. Wishing everyone at Ford
Chip Ganassi the very best of luck.”
“I really can’t wait for this race. What a fabulous
achievement it would be to recreate Ford
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
#FordLeMans
#FordGT
#LeMans24
history. God speed, and good luck to cars #66,
#67, #68 and #69.”
“Greatness beckons. You can do it boys. Bring
the big one home and make us all proud.”
“Best wishes to all the guys at Ford Chip Ganassi for Le Mans. Go and make history.”
“We can do this. Wishing you all the very best of
luck at Le Mans.”
“#66, #67, #68, #69 – here’s hoping for a
1,2,3,4 at Le Mans!”
“Can’t wait to see all of our Ford GT at Le Mans.
The cars sound so great, I’ll be able to pick
them out in the dark. Best of luck!”
“Good luck at Le Mans to all the Ford Chip
Ganassi Racing Team.”
“Aston, Corvette, Ferrari and Porsche – watch
out! We’re coming to get you. Go Ford!”
“Wishing the drivers, support team and everyone involved with Ford GT a fantastic time at
Le Mans!”
“We’ve got the car for the job and the drivers,
too. Make everyone at Ford proud. We’re all be
cheering for you.”
“Run fast and stay safe. You can do it guys.
We’re all behind you!”
#67 Ford GT leads Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin en route to second place at Spa
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 10
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@Ford Europe June 2016 · 11
“Go, GT, go! Good luck at Le Mans 2016!!!”
Interview
Interview
REMEMBERING LE MANS
MARINO’S VIEW...
@Ford asked Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team
driver Marino Franchitti for his thoughts on the
1966 victory. Here’s what he said
1966 Le Mans winner Chris
Amon reminisces about that
historic race 50 years ago in
this exclusive interview with
@Ford
“
Biography
New Zealander Chris Amon was born
in 1943 and was active in F1 racing in
the 1960s and 1970s. Widely regarded
as one of the best F1 drivers never to
win a Grand Prix Race, he now lives
in the lakeside town of Taupo in New
Zealand’s North Island.
Chris, going into the race, who were your biggest rivals – Ferrari or
the other Ford GT40s?
I was driving with Bruce McLaren in the #2 GT40 and we both knew
our main competitors would be the other Fords. We ran at Le Mans in
’65 in the GT40 and we were so much faster than Ferrari until we had
reliability issues. We knew Ferrari had improved, but so had we, especially on the reliability front, and that proved to be the case in the race.
Tell us about the start?
Bruce drove the first stints. I recall it was damp and we were running
on intermediate Firestone tyres and at 210-220 mph (340-355 km/h)
down the Mulsanne Straight, the tyres were shedding tread. I took over
from Bruce and he spoke to Firestone and they generously said we
could switch to the Goodyears the other GT40s were running. Bruce
said to me we had to drive the doors off the thing so we did.
So what happened then?
Well we were about a lap down but we gradually closed the gap and
then took the lead. At one point we were about a minute ahead. Towards the end of the race we were told to hold station – or back off a
bit. The idea was that the leading GT40s would cross the line together
but in practise it wasn’t possible to have a dead heat. We weren’t sure
who had won initially.
Drivers sprint towards their cars at the start of the race.
This was outlawed at Le Mans from 1970 onwards
“
On the podium (from left) Bruce McLaren, Henry Ford II,
Chris Amon and Ken Miles
What was the toughest part of the race for you?
Back in those days the top speed of the GT40 was 100 mph more than
some of the other cars on the track so it could be quite hairy especially
at night in the rain with mist hanging in the air, bearing down on these
cars when you couldn’t see much. I found driving at dawn and dusk
especially tricky because the light was so poor. Another thing was
the cars back then chucked out quite a lot of oil so as the race went
on, and the rain came down, it got very slippery. Our throttle was also
sticking a bit which isn’t what you needed going into a corner.
Did you get any sleep?
I didn’t get any. We were stopping every hour and a half for fuel and
we weren’t allowed to drive for more than four hours at a time. Bruce
could sleep anywhere at any time but I couldn’t. I would take a shower
when I got out of the car and change my overalls because you would
get drenched in sweat driving the GT40. I also had some interesting
conversations with Henry Ford II and his wife, Cristina, during the night.
Tell us about the podium celebration at the end?
I have to admit I was only 22 at the time and I was overawed by the
situation. Henry was on the podium and I believe his wife was also
there. I can’t remember exactly what was said but it was a very joyous
occasion.
Mechanics set to work on a stripped down GT.
During the race the cars pitted every 90 minutes
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 12
So which is toughest – Le Mans 1966 or Le Mans 2016?
It’s difficult to say because the speed differential was higher
in my day and the cars didn’t provide as much protection. The
circuit was also more dangerous. Our cars didn’t have power
steering or paddle shift gear boxes so they were physically
very demanding to drive. You would get huge blisters on your
hand from changing gear. Another thing was you really had
to manage the brakes because at the end of the Mulsanne
Straight they would be cold and then subjected to tremendous
heat as you slowed from 220 mph. There was a real risk the
discs could crack. It was certainly more dangerous in my day
but if you wanted to race, that was the deal. I think today’s
drivers are subjected to much higher G-forces and they also
have to manage different settings in the car so they have more
to think about during the race. At the end of the day, endurance
racing is the ultimate test for man and machine and that hasn’t
changed a bit in the last 50 years.
Was that win the highlight of your racing career?
At the time I was probably more interested in F1 than sports car
racing. It’s been said that I was an unlucky F1 driver because
I should have won a lot of races but the fact is many of my
contemporaries were killed in F1 so I think I’m lucky to still be
around. There’s no question that winning Le Mans with Ford
was a very special moment in my career.
What would a Ford victory mean to you in 2016?
I would be delighted for Ford. I won with Bruce and he wasn’t
with us for much longer after that race so it would be especially
poignant for me personally to see history recreated. I wish the
team all the best.
“
“
“
I’ve got tremendous respect for what Chris and Bruce did
back in 1966 because there’s no question that the sport was
more dangerous in that era. Tiny mistakes can have massive
ramifications at Le Mans, and I think we are very lucky to drive
in such safe cars, as was proven by Stefan’s accident at Spa
Francorchamps.
Chris is absolutely right in that the forces put through our
bodies these days are much higher because of downforce and
sticky tyres. But equally, in Chris’ day, telemetry didn’t exist so
the drivers had to constantly watch the engine temperature,
manage the brakes, manage the gearbox, and so on which we
don’t have to do so much. We have to watch the kerbs and look
after tyres but basically we’re flat out from the moment we get
behind the wheel.
Just like in ’66 the speed differential is one of the most challenging aspects of endurance racing. Down the Mulsanne
Straight, the fastest LMP1 cars will be 30-40 mph (50-65
km/h) quicker than my #67 GT and their headlights are astonishingly bright. It’s tough trying to calculate how fast they are
approaching, especially in low light conditions, which is why
we have radar fitted on the back of the car to warn us when the
LMP1 cars are close behind.
We also have air conditioning which stops us from overheating
which is something Chris and Bruce didn’t have in their GT40.
At Le Mans we will need to refuel every 50 minutes or so and,
just like in ’66, we can only drive for a maximum four hours at
a time.
It is difficult to compare racing from different eras but what I
can say is that endurance racing has always been the ultimate
challenge for a driver. When I started racing my main goal was
to win Le Mans and I’m desperate to do that for Ford on the
50th anniversary. We’re running four Ford Chip Ganassi Racing
GTs at Le Mans this year and it’s down to everyone to be 100
per cent on it and hopefully we can make history again.”
GT#2 in full flight at the famous La Sarthe circuit
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 13
Fiesta Anniversary
Construction of
Ford’s Valencia
manufacturing
complex begins
1973
1974
1975
First production
Fiesta rolls off the
line in Saarlouis,
Germany on May 11.
Valencia builds first
Spanish Fiesta five
months later
1976
Engine production
begins at Valencia;
Fiesta name
chosen
1977
Millionth Fiesta
built for worldwide
sales
1979
Production of
Fiesta in
Dagenham, U.K.,
begins
Ford Board of
Directors gives
go-ahead for
Project Bobcat
1981
Aerodynamic
new Fiesta MkII
introduced
1983
Ford introduces
the new Fiesta XR2
- first 160 km/h
(100 mph) Fiesta
Fiesta RS Turbo
debuts at Turin
Motor Show
1989
1990
Fiesta MkIII launched
- first small car in
Europe with ABS
HAPPY 4O , FIESTA!
Driver airbag
becomes
standard
1992
1993
Fiesta sales in
Europe peak at
648,781 units
TH
The year was 1976, Concorde
made its first commercial
flight Apple Computer was
founded, and, in the Ford
Saarlouis manufacturing
facility in Germany, the first
Ford Fiestas went into
production on May 11
For Ford’s innovative small car, it was
the start of a success story that has now
spanned four decades and gets stronger
every year.
In an economy that was slowly getting
back on its feet after the oil crises of the
early 1970s, the compact and economical
Fiesta was an immediate success with
Europe’s motorists.
Introduced as “the little car that thinks
big”, the all-new Fiesta was Ford’s first entry
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 14
into the European small car segment that it
came to define, and Ford’s first front-wheel
drive model to feature a practical hatchback design.
As sales increased, Fiesta production also
started at a purpose-built manufacturing
facility in Valencia, Spain, in October 1976.
Since those early days, the Fiesta has
driven into the hearts of millions of people
around the world – from learner drivers
to motor sport legends – and has set the
1996
Production of MkV
Ford Fiesta begins in
Cologne and Valencia
2001
New Fiesta
MkIV launches
2004
150 PS Fiesta ST
launched – most
powerful Fiesta
to date
2005
Fiesta JWRC
Concept revealed
at the Geneva
Motor Show
benchmark for stylish and practical small
cars, as well as sporty hot hatchbacks like
the Fiesta XR2, Fiesta RS Turbo, and the
200PS Fiesta ST200 - the most powerful
production Fiesta ever.
Today, more than 11,400 variations of
the Fiesta are available to order in Europe,
manufactured at Ford’s vehicle assembly
plant in Cologne, Germany.
2008
Fiesta makes North
American debut at
the LA Auto Show
2009
All-new Fiesta
MkVI unveiled at
Geneva Motor
Show
New 182 PS Fiesta
ST goes on sale
2011
2013
Fiesta celebrates
35th anniversary
with 15 million
sales worldwide
Over the past 40 years, the Fiesta has
succeeded by giving motorists what they
want: great style, advanced technology and
features, and efficient powertrains – qualities that continue to define the Fiestas of
today.
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 15
2014
Fiesta is Europe’s
best-selling small
car for the fourth
year in a row
2015
Ford debuts twotone Fiesta Red
Edition and Black
Edition models
2016
Fiesta celebrates
40 years of
production - more
than 17.6 million
sold
Marketing
Who are the Quintastics?
Those in their fifties are now increasingly likely to continue to
follow active pursuits, and the key attributes Quintastics associate with a modern SUV have become more important:
• Over the past few years, a high driving position has become more
important for 81 per cent of those aged 50-59, with 65 per cent
associating that feature most with SUVs
• For 63 per cent, getting where they want to go – in the city or the
country - has become more important, a feature that 54 per cent
associate with SUVs
• For 44 per cent, a car that supports an active lifestyle has become
more important, a feature that 44 per cent also associate most
with SUVs
WHO’S DRIVING THE SUV BOOM?
A new Ford-sponsored survey shows that mothers
with young children, Millennials and active
50-somethings are behind the phenomenal
popularity of SUVs in Europe
Who are the Modern Mums?
MODERN MUMS
Mothers with children at
home
Modern Mums that see SUVs
do this better than other car
What Sets Modern Mums Apart?
91%
want a car that will
keep their family safe
Modern Mums considering purchasing an SUV
1 in 3
59%
Sales of SUVs have quadrupled in Europe since 2005 and are expected to keep rising thanks to their growing popularity with an unusually
diverse group of buyers.
Once the choice of a select few ski buffs and outdoor enthusiasts,
SUVs have been embraced by “Modern Mums,” mothers with young
children, Millennials, 17- to 34-year-olds, and “Quintastics,” a media
buzzword for active and youthful 50-somethings.
Who are the Millennials?
Millennials that see SUVs
do this better than other car
want their car to convey
their success in life
Millennials considering purchasing an SUV
23%
37%
What do Millennials see in SUVs?
Modern Mums believe SUVs have a high
driving position that lets me see the road
67%
Modern Mums say that SUVs make them
look and feel sexy
1 in 3
MILLENNIALS
Ages 17-34
What do Modern Mums see in SUVs?
Modern Mums say SUVs have plenty of space
for the things they need
What Sets Millennials Apart?
Modern Mums think SUVs are safe
and perform well, even in bad weather
48%
Millennials consider SUVs to be more sporty
and fun to drive than other types of vehicle
41%
Millennials say SUVs are the kind of
vehicles they want to be seen in
Millennials say SUVs make them feel
powerful when they drive
45%
Millennials believe SUVs are perfect
for an active lifestyle
For Millennials, the SUV is a symbol of success:
• For 47 per cent, driving a car that they want to be seen in has
become more important over the past few years, a feature that
37 per cent most associated with SUVs
• For 45 per cent, driving a car that is sexy has become more important over the past few years, a feature that 35 per cent most
associated with SUVs
• And for 36 per cent, driving a car that makes them feel powerful
has become more important over the past few years, a feature
that 45 per cent most associated with SUVs
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 16
50%
QUINTASTICS
Ages 50-60
Quintastics that see SUVs
do this better than other car
want a car that will take
them anywhere
Quintastics considering purchasing an SUV
1 in 4
54%
What do Quintastics see in SUVs?
Quintastics say SUVs make them feel
powerful when they drive
Quintastics believe SUVs are more
environmentally friendly than other types of cars
31%
33%
Quintastics say SUVs can go anywhere,
in the country or the city
Quintastics consider SUVs to be more sporty
and fun to drive than other types of vehicle
“For all kinds of people the SUV works because it offers a one-stop
solution, just like a smartphone that also can be a camera, media
player, and torch. An SUV can offer a capable approach to weekend
adventures and a stylish and practical school-run option, with great
visibility when pulling up to the kerb,” said Roelant de Waard, vice
president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe.
EUROPEAN SALES MOMENTUM CONTINUES
Ford sales across its main 22 European markets increased by
4.6 per cent in April, to 126,972. For the year-to-date, the increase
was 7.5 per cent, to 521,581.
Ford Registrations: April 2016
38%
Practical considerations are a high priority for “Modern Mums”,
as is style:
•O
ver the past few years, a car that keeps their family safe has
become more important for 91 per cent, with 59 per cent associating this feature most with SUVs
•F
or more than 80 per cent, good performance in bad weather,
and on bad roads, has become more important, a feature that 63
per cent associate most with SUVs
•F
or 56 per cent, great looks and style had become more important, a feature that 48 per cent associated most with SUVs
Nearly one in three “Modern Mums” are considering an SUV for their
next car, as are one in four Millennials, and one in five Quintastics,
according to a new Ford Motor Company-sponsored survey of 5,000
people in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK who own a car or
who intend to buy one in the next 12 months.
Ford released the survey data at its pan-European launch for the
new Ford Edge SUV in Munich.
The survey highlighted that perceptions of SUVs have changed
dramatically. Of those surveyed, 82 per cent said that SUVs are no
longer just a luxury vehicle and have become more fuelefficient and
environmentally-friendly over the past five years. Nearly all recognise
that SUVs are now available in a wide variety of sizes and options.
The survey also shows that recognised SUV strengths are becoming
increasingly important to car buyers. Of those surveyed, 82 per cent
said keeping their family safe has become more important, and 52 per
cent identify that feature most with SUVs. Further, 78 per cent said
performing well in bad weather has become more important, with 57
per cent identifying that feature most with SUVs.
Across Europe the survey revealed that those in Italy (31 per cent)
and the UK (28 per cent) are the most likely to be considering an SUV
as their next car.
What Sets Quintastics Apart?
Total vehicles by country:
higher/ lower than 2015
A - Austria
B - Belgium
CH - Switzerland
CZ - Czech Republic
D - Germany
DK - Denmark
E - Spain
F - France
FIN - Finland
GB - Great Britain
GR - Greece
H - Hungary
2,479
4,037
1,557
1,378
26,457
2,008
6,877
9,717
1,195
31,659
390
1,240
I - Italy
IRL - Ireland
N - Norway
NL - Netherlands
PL - Poland
P - Portugal
S - Sweden
RUS - Russia
TR - Turkey
RO - Romania
EUROPE 22
EDM
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 17
13,307
1,578
1,134
2,532
2,655
704
1,830
3,876
9,665
697
126,972 (+5,633)
2,643 (+193)
External view
Your Voice
FORD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Here’s a selection of social media comments about
Ford from around the world:
AUTONOMOUS CARS –
YOUR VERDICT!
Last month we asked whether autonomous cars are the next
big thing, or too techy? Here are just some of your replies:
Facebook
istory made for Ford Motor Company - the all-new Ford
H
GT won at Laguna Seca. Drivers Ryan Briscoe and Richard
Westbrook Racing will go down in history as the ones to do
it for Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Teams.
Ford Performance
un to drive and stylish, the Ford Fiesta is one of Kelley Blue
F
Book’s Coolest Cars under $18,000. CNN Money
I t’s not every day I get to ride a skateboard powered by a 1.0L
EcoBoost engine. Watch the final experiment I helped Ford
Motor Company conduct: The Superior Skateboard.
Dolph Lundgren
I love Ford. I love Ford Focus. Shinichiro Takizawa
pparently driving while wearing a Drug Suit is not
A
the safest thing. Thanks Ford Driving Skills for Life.
Mark in the Morning
“I don’t care if they are too techy as long as they work. I’m all for
autonomous cars.”
“If planes can fly themselves, why shouldn’t cars drive themselves.
Change is coming and, as Mark Fields said, it will happen faster
than people think.”
“I have major reservations about autonomous cars from a safety
perspective. I’m not convinced that they will always make the
right decision when faced with an obstacle, for example.”
“What’s not to like about a car that does all the hard work for
you. I’d buy one straight away as long as it isn’t prohibitively
expensive.”
“I get why people would want one but I just like driving too much
to even consider one.”
“Not for me, thanks. I’ve just brought a V8 Mustang and I absolutely love driving it.”
“I think Autonomous cars make a lot of sense in urban environments where speeds are relatively low but I wouldn’t want to be
driven on a motorway by one. What if the software crashes?”
I am simply blown away by Ford’s Technologies.
Thyron Conrad
“It would certainly make the commute to and from work less
stressful.”
Twitter
“Like them or loathe them, they are coming so we’d all better get
used to the idea.”
I am surprised more people aren’t as impressed as I am
about the fact that Ford is turning *THE AIR* into car parts.
@mcwm
“One of the best things about driving a Ford is the actual driving
experience. It’s what sets our cars apart from competitor vehicles.
My concern is you lose that, you dilute our identity.”
Caught an Edge in Electric Spice today @Tristan-Young
e drove the new £30k #FordEdge earlier this week. First
W
impressions are very good indeed @_HonestJohn
“I think they are a brilliant idea and I don’t buy into the theory that
they are unsafe. Nearly all accidents are caused by poor decision
making and human fallibility so if we take that out of the equation we potentially have a much safer road system.”
hank You @forduk for building a cracking car. Absolutely
T
loving my #FocusRS What a car...!!! @RyanMDJ
“Autonomous cars are the future. I would like to see autonomous
trucks on roads too.”
017 @Ford GT will sport carbon-fiber wheels to match its
2
lightweight body @DigitalTrends
he world is going crazy for this #Unlearn what can be done
T
in a shed Homemade Hoverbike https://youtu.be/soxxPyaAT1k via @YouTube
@Colin_Furze
icked up this beast from @FordUK this morning, thanks
P
guys! Amazing car! #FordMustang @FordPerformance
@Harry Tincknell
THIS MONTH’S QUESTION:
Which former Ford nameplate would you most
like to see revived in Europe?
Send your replies to [email protected]
or via internal post to D-NX/2A.
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 18
Moment
12.05.2016
Ken Block visits Saarlouis
plant, where the Focus RS
is built
@Ford Europe June 2016 · 19