The Story of Ford

Ford Motor Company Ltd is one of the UK's most successful car companies. The Ford Focus has been the top-selling car every year since its famous launch in 1998. And the Ford Fiesta is one of the country's top three favourite cars.

The manufacturer's position at the top of the market is a direct result of its commitment to creating the most stylish and performance-driven vehicles in the country.

It took 20 years of experimentation before Henry Ford perfected his initial vehicle designs. The Model T was the end result. First introduced to the public in October 1908, it was one of the most powerful cars of its time. Capable of reaching speeds of 45 mph, the Model T could travel 25 miles on one gallon of gasoline. The Model T featured a 20-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 100-inch wheelbase. Mass production began in October of soon after, in 1914. At that time, it had produced 308,162 vehicles, more than any other manufacturer in the world.

Part of Ford's success lay in its efficient production methods- to streamline the manufacturing process, the only colour available for the Model T's exterior was black. By the end of its long run in May 1927, Ford had produced over 15 million Model T's. The manufacturer soon replaced the iconic car with another - the Model A. But the Model T had made its impact on the automotive industry.

The vehicle was awarded the Car of the Century Award for introducing the concept of the automobile to the mainstream market. Ford saw the potential for success in the automotive market exporting cars to the UK. Its first assembly plant outside America's borders was built in England in 1911.

Ford has maintained its presence in the UK ever since; the manufacturer has been the country's car market leader for the past 30 years. Ford looks to maintain its position today by incorporating deliver features and modern design details into all of its vehicles.

The 3-door Ka. The compact car features sleek styling, distinctive headlights, and a comfortable and roomy interior. The 50/50 split rear seat gives you even more space for your cargo. The Ka Studio comes with power-assisted steering and a driver's airbag. The Ka Style, meanwhile, features a full-body colour exterior, electric front windows, and a CD player with MP3 compatibility. In addition to the features of the Style, the Ka Style Climate boasts an air conditioner, a heated front windscreen and electrically-operated heated door mirrors. The Ka Finale takes sports styling even further with 14" 5x2 spoke alloy wheels.

The Sportka SE takes sports styling to the extreme, with a 1.6i petrol engine and sporty leather seats. The modern car boasts an interior designed to resemble a cockpit - every important instrument is well within reach of the driver. Its roomy interior has more front shoulder room and more headroom than any previous Fiesta design. The Fiesta Studio comes with tinted glass, Electric Power-Assisted Steering, and an Intelligent Protection System with front, side and knee airbags. The Fiesta Style features 15" wheels with 6-spoke covers, electrically-operated windows, and a fully-adjustable driver's seat.

The Fiesta Style+, meanwhile, is sold with a Smart Quickclear heated windscreen and a manual air conditioning system. With its leather steering wheel and ambient lighting, the Fiesta Zetec is a stylish ride. The Fiesta Zetec S goes even further to satisfy those seeking luxury.

The Zetec S boasts a lowered sports suspension and sports seats, with a perimeter alarm to deter any would-be thieves. The Fiesta Titanium's cruise control, privacy glass and Electronic Automatic Temperature Control ensure that all passengers ride in comfort. And the Fiesta ECOnetic has a combined fuel economy of 76.3 mpg. The 1.6 litre, 90PS Duratorq TDCI engine features a Diesel Particulate Filter, which helps reduce CO2 emissions to a mere 98g/km.

The 5-door Fusion sells for £11,795. With its strengthened bodyside mouldings, the Fusion performs well on-road handling and stability tests. Its elevated seating position gives the driver a clear view of the road, and its stylish and roomy interior gives passengers a luxurious ride.

The Fusion Style model features electrically-operated front windows and a remote central Tocking and tailgate release.

The Style Climate model comes with air conditioning, electrically-operated heated door mirrors and a Quickclear heated front windscreen. The Fusion Zetec Climate boasts sporty styling, with a full-body styling kit and 15" 6x2 spoke alloy wheels.

And the Fusion +, the high-end model, features auto headlights and wipers and dark-tinted privacy glass. the Ford Focus is ever the popular choice on UK roads.