Another Teaser! Ford's EcoSport Concept

December 19th, 2011 - "black-knight" - CheersandGears.com

As we've mentioned before, teaser shots are all the rage these days with automakers. Defining details of future production and concept cars are deliberately hidden and buried by very low lighting -- such has become a signature hallmark of these photographs. Ford, though, is taking another direction for their latest teaser, this time of their upcoming EcoSport concept.

Instead of a profile, front three-quarter, or rear three-quarter sketch or photograph that you can barely make out, Ford simply took a head-on shot of the car and cropped it to reveal part of the grille and a headlight, as well as the tumblehome of the glasshouse. They actually left the lighting alone for this one and what's left to look at in the photo appears to pretty much be standard-spec Ford design.

Don't bother looking for the EcoSport at the Detroit Auto Show next month, though, because chances are Ford probably won't sell it here. Instead, look for this Fiesta-based small crossover to take a bow at the upcoming Dalhi Auto Expo in India and appear in the European and Central and South American markets in addition to the Indian market where it will replace the European Fusion and a Fusion-based crossover of the same name.

The press release from Ford is on page two.

Ford to Preview All-New Global Vehicle at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012

Ford will use Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi for the global preview of an all-new vehicle, providing the first glimpse of another next-generation vehicle for India and other global markets

Ford's all-new vehicle will join a showcase of 12 vehicles on display to capture the attention of customers

The Ford stand will use the latest technology to deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers

NEW DELHI, India, Dec. 19, 2011 – Visitors to the Ford stand at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi next month will get the first glimpse of an all-new vehicle planned for introduction in India and other global markets in the near future. With expected attendance of 1.4 million visitors, Auto Expo 2012 is an ideal location to showcase the newest Ford product.

This next-generation vehicle will take centre stage on Ford's high-tech and interactive stand, which will cover roughly 1,400 square meters. Highlights planned for Auto Expo 2012 include comprehensive safety and quality displays, a 3D theater, live shows and a crowd-sourced, interactive driving game.

The new vehicle will be the latest One Ford global product, a vehicle designed to help expand Ford's footprint in the world's fastest-growing auto markets, including India. It will be the second of eight products Ford plans to bring to India by mid-decade.

Fleet of Ford Vehicles on Display

Also on the Ford stand will be the Ford Figo, the All-New Fiesta, the Ford Classic and the Ford Endeavour.

The Figo has already sold around 130,000 units since its launch in March 2010. While the Figo has only been in the Indian market for a short time, it has become the country's most awarded car ever, and has garnered industry-wide recognition as a great value-for-money vehicle, which is exported to close to 30 international markets.

The Ford Classic, as it is known today, has established a strong foothold in the Indian market by winning more than 120,000 customers with its on-road dynamics and best-in-class fuel efficiency, while the Ford Endeavour is a popular all-action SUV.

The All-New Ford Fiesta four-door sedan, soon to be available with the new best-in-class PowerShift automatic transmission, also will be on display. A premium offering in the B-car segment, it is another positive step in Ford's strategy to bring the latest technology to customers in India. Compared to traditional four-speed automatics, the PowerShift transmission can improve fuel economy by up to 9 percent, depending on the vehicle.

Ford Stand Bursting With Activity

The Ford stand will take advantage of the latest technology to deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers.

A major highlight will be allowing the audience to take control of a vehicle on a large LED screen – virtually. Using a motion-sensing camera, the crowd will collectively be able to control the vehicle as it rolls along the road, and unlock information at each bend. The display will prompt the crowd to lean left and right during a short drive as it shows highlights of the route.

Photos from this event will be taken during each game and uploaded to a Facebook gallery, where visitors can tag themselves.

Ford also will have a Figo Theatre that allows customers to sit inside the car and watch a film played on a plasma television in front of the windscreen. The video will explain the Figo's Smart technologies.

Another theatre, in 3D, will showcase the technologies Ford takes advantage of in designing, developing and engineering its vehicles. Guests will navigate a virtual car interior under the guidance of a Ford engineer.

A Quality Touch Table will provide guests with a hands-on opportunity to feel the quality of the materials used in Ford vehicles, while a Green Touch Table will demonstrate the long-term value of Ford's green technology, delivering on Ford's commitment to provide customers with low total cost of ownership.

A Fiesta body shell also will be on display, giving visitors an opportunity to discover the engineering features that make the Fiesta safe, sturdy and secure on the road.

Guests will be entertained by a local magician who will perform on the stand, telling Ford's safety stories in a fun way.

Auto Expo 2012 runs from January 7-11 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.