Honda Accord Steering Wheel Airbag on 2040-parts.com

Slump in new car sales is worst since February 2006

By Nigel Wonnacot Motor Industry 07 July 2008 12:42 It’s finally happened. The new car market has succumbed to the economic slowdown and punters are staying away from showrooms in droves. Latest figures from industry trade body SMMT showed an 11.9 per cent fall in private sales in June to 83,425 cars.

Ford Mondeo Vignale Concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

With the marques in its erstwhile premium brand portfolio having moved on to pastures (and owners) new, Ford looks a little lacking in the options when it comes to challenging at the plusher end of the global car market. Vignale is the Blue Oval’s response. “A unique upscale product and ownership experience” is how Ford was selling Vignale as the covers came off the Mondeo Vignale Concept car at Frankfurt 2013.

Ford reveals ultra-eco Focus EcoBoost

Ford has revealed Europe’s first petrol-powered five-door family car to dip beneath the 100g/km CO2 mark with the launch of a 99g/km CO2 Focus EcoBoost. The new 100hp 1.0-litre variant will launch next year and, at 67.5mpg, become its most fuel-efficient petrol-engined family car ever. Ford Focus EcoBoost Superchips review (2012 onwards) Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost review (2012 onwards) It means Ford will be able to offer both diesel and petrol versions of road tax exempt Focus – something no other brand is currently able to do.