Ford Snubs UAW, Will Build New Fiesta in Mexico. Eventually.
Ford is bringing the Fiesta back to the US of A (AP via Yahoo!). Lke the Fusion, this American car will be Central American, as in Hecho en Mexico. Looks like UAW President Big Ron Gettlefinger didn’t get far with his argument that Ford’s U.S. plants are “competitive enough that the automaker could make money building its smallest cars in the U.S.” Somehow I don’t think the recent “independent” strike actions at multiple UAW factories bolstered his argument much. The last time Ford sold Fiestas in the homeland they were made in Germany, imported from 1978 through 1980. Almost nobody bought them, in part because Ford dealers didn’t have a clue about selling the silly little things. Although a flop at home, worldwide the Fiesta has been a perennial best selling sub-compact. This latest version will go on sale in Europe, China and other markets before making it’s way back home. Assuming gas prices stay high, the new Fiesta should find a strong welcome at your local Blue Oval dealer. The question is, what is taking so long? Why is China in on the initial roll out while the world’s largest car market (yes that’s still us) has to wait another two years?