Ford has confirmed the new Mondeo, revealed earlier this year, will not reach customers until 2014, almost a year later than originally expected.
However, in order to sustain the ageing current model, Ford engineers are continuing to work on improvements that will see the car’s strength in fleet continue.
Speaking to BusinessCar, Ford’s UK marketing director, Anthony Ireson, said: “The 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine won’t go in, but there will be some changes to make the car more efficient.”
Engineering changes do not usually happen so late in a car’s model cycle because they are not worthwhile and resources are generally diverted to the new version.
However, Ford needs to keep the Mondeo going longer than expected due to the 2014 closure of its plant Belgium, where the current model is built. Production is expected to move to Valencia, Spain.
When questioned about the future for the Mondeo, Ireson said he was more concerned about the market penetration of prestige brands in the large family segment than he was of incoming brands such as Kia and Hyundai.
This is a point proved by the sales figures: BMW‘s 3-series is the seventh best-selling car in the UK, with both it and the Mercedes C-class ahead of the Ford Mondeo.
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