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Official Press Release Information Below
News Release
Ford Fiesta, the most successful new car ever introduced in Europe, will go on sale at Ford dealerships in the United States later this summer, William P. Benton, a Ford Motor Company vice president and division general manager, announced today.
"Fiesta offers sports car feel in a quality-built, small-car package," Mr. Benton said. "It's a car that must be driven to be appreciated, and test drives for dealership customers will be a major part of our introduction program.
"Fiesta represents the most extensive new-car program in Ford Motor Company history - an $800-million, seven-year investment in research, design, development and new plant facilities.
"Our effort already is starting to pay off in Europe where discriminating car buyers have given Fiesta an overwhelming vote of confidence. In fact, European Ford dealers sold more than 118,000 Fiestas during its first six months on the market - the highest introduction sales total for a new-car nameplate in Europe's history.
"Our dealers are equally enthusiastic about the German-built Fiesta that soon will be added to their line of fuel-efficient small cars. Fiesta is certain to further strengthen our reputation as America's small-car headquarters."
Built to exacting standards at Ford of Germany's Saarlouis assembly plant, the front-wheel-drive Fiesta is powered by a four-speed, floor-mounted manual transmission and performance-proven 1.6-litre Kent overhead-valve engine.
Fiesta's driveability is enhanced by rack-and-pinion steering for more precise control and a MacPherson-strut front suspension system for improved directional stability. Heavy-duty shocks, stiffer spring rates and a rear stabilizer bar are optional.
In addition, Fiesta's long list of standard equipment also includes Michelin steel-belted radial tires, front disc brakes, bright aluminum bumpers, high-back bucket seats, carpeting and a fold-down rear seat.
Air conditioning, tinted glass, a rear window wiper/washer, sporty cast aluminum wheels and power front brakes are major options.
Fiesta will be offered in one model - a three-door hatchback - with four trim levels: standard, Decor, Sport and Ghia.
Fiesta's Decor Group Option includes trim and functional extras such as intermittent windshield wipers, an electric rear window defroster, a rear-seat package tray, fully reclining low-back bucket seats, special cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl upholstery, woodtone instrument panel appliques, bright window moldings and black bodyside tape stripes.
The Fiesta Sport Group Option includes Decor Group features as well as a tachometer and trip odometer, sports suspension system, four-spoke steering wheel, "S" bodyside tape stripes, bright wheel trim rings and bolts, extra-wide 4.5-inch wheel rims, and distinctive Cadiz cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl seat upholstery.
A Ghia package offers special sound insulation, 155SRxl2 Michelin steel-belted radial tires, velour cloth-and-vinyl upholstery, a visor vanity mirror and vinyl-insert bodyside moldings in addition to a number of features standard on Decor and Sport models.
An attractive, fun-to-drive car, Fiesta also has many serviceability and practical convenience features that are unavailable on other cars in its size and price range.
Fiesta's clutch and brakes are self-adjusting, for example, and the steering system, suspension ball joints and front wheel bearings do not require scheduled maintenance. From fuses and bulbs to bumpers, brake rotors and exhaust systems, the Fiesta reflects designed-in simplicity of replacement and repair procedures. Owners also will enjoy the advantage of readily available parts and service through a nationwide network of 5,200 Ford Fiesta dealerships - more than any other import car.
Function and economy were basic Fiesta design considerations. Built on a 90-inch wheelbase, Fiesta weighs less than 1,800 pounds. If 1977 emission-control standards are carried forward into 1978, Fiesta is expected to achieve a highway mileage rating of more than 40 miles per gallon and a city rating of about 33 miles per gallon.
Fiesta's front-wheel-drive and transverse-mounted engine design place more weight over the driving wheels for good traction, and saves space that translates into additional room for passengers and luggage. For maximum passenger comfort and roominess, Ford planners used six-foot-tall mannikins to establish Fiesta's interior dimensions and seating package. Rear seating is exceptionally good with more leg room than in most other cars in Fiesta's class.
Driver and passenger visibility is excellent because of the car's short hood, slim roof pillars and rear door glass. The hatchback door extends down almost to the rear bumper for easy loading and unloading of groceries or luggage. Even with the rear seat in an upright position, Fiesta has nearly seven cubic feet of usable luggage capacity, and with the rear seat down there are 29 cubic feet of cargo space.
ISSUED BY THE PRESS OFFICE - FORD MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
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