Ford’s green lower C02 Econetic model programme could apply on an “almost universal and mainstream” basis to anticipate the European Union’s average 130g/km target in 2012.
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That is Ford of Britain managing director Roelant de Waard’s prediction as the blue oval strives to meet stronger than expected demand for Econetic Focus and Mondeo models.
De Waard disclosed that the company is stepping up work on “other complementary technologies including start-stop and regenerative braking, but they must come at affordable prices within a business case.”
He said: “Over time Econetic should become almost universal and mainstream. But other technologies generate significant additional costs. Government taxation policies can determine when their introduction is right and viable. Consumers and the auto industry deserve clarity for a number of years so we know what costs to expect.”
Econetic’s success, he admitted: “could well generate waiting lists” and meant that “early requests already equal the first year of production and capacity has to be increased to avoid being sold out now.”
De Waard said superior residual values already offset the GBP250 premium charged for Econetic models, whose range will extend to a sub-100gm/km, 1.6-litre new Fiesta variant due next year.
The current Mondeo 1.8 diesel Econetic model generates 139g/km and the 1.6-litre Fiesta version emits 113g/km.
Hugh Hunston
