Latest Generation Ford Fiesta Reaches Million Milestone in Europe

By: Emily Engelman | Ford Communications Network

COLOGNE, Germany, Feb. 22, 2005 -- The one millionth Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line at Ford's Cologne Assembly Plant on Friday, marking an important milestone for the latest generation of the award-winning small car.

Production of Ford's latest generation Fiesta began in Cologne in November 2001, and it was subsequently introduced to the Valencia Assembly Plant in Spain in April 2002. This was followed by the addition of the Ford Fusion to Cologne production in June 2002, sharing the same assembly line as the Ford Fiesta. In the same year the Fiesta was awarded with the prestigious "Golden Steering Wheel." German ADAC motoring organization rated the Fiesta as the car with the fewest breakdowns in its segment.

The start of production of Ford's new small-car family in Cologne in 2001 also marked the start of a new manufacturing era for Ford in Europe. After its complete redevelopment, the German plant has become a template for modern and flexible car manufacturing in Europe. New flexible manufacturing equipment has also been introduced at Valencia, which is now capable of building four model lines: Ka, Fiesta, Focus and -- since the beginning of 2003 -- the new MAZDA2 as well.

Fiesta production in Ford's Cologne plant totalled 296,700 units in 2004. Together with 82,800 Ford Fusions, the plant exceeded its previous production record by nearly 50,000 units. Valencia also set an all-time production record last year with 449,100 units produced, of which 71,800 were Fiesta.

In 2004, Ford sold 321,500 Ford Fiestas in Europe, in line with the new Fiesta record sales in the previous year, keeping its overall market share stable at 2.1 percent.

Fiesta sales in January 2005 were 27,700 units, compared with 26,200 units in January last year.

The first generation Ford Fiesta was launched in summer 1976. Up to now more than 11 million Fiestas have been built and sold, not only in Europe but around the world. Ford's Cologne plant for example exports its current Fiesta and Fusion production to 36 countries, including New Zealand, Tahiti, Hong Kong and Singapore.

John Fleming, president, Ford of Europe said: "The Fiesta is one of the most successful European small cars ever. Over its 29-year history, it has played a significant role in the development of the European auto industry. We will ensure the Fiesta will continue to play its part in the future, delighting customers and remaining one of the main contributors to a successful Ford of Europe organization."