- by Brian Byrne
Ford looking at under-Ka model
06 May 2003: Ford is said to be looking for a partner company to produce a new car smaller than its current mini, the Ka (above).
Although the A-segment in Ireland - exemplified by the Fiat Seicento, and across Europe by the Renault Twingo, not sold in Ireland - is just 2 per cent of the market, Ford believes its Ka is too large for a part of the sales spectrum where cars are actually getting smaller.
The Ka is built on the platform of the former Fiesta, and doesn't have a small enough engine in a segment where a 1-litre is at the top of the scale.
Ford had been intending to build a new Ka on the current Fiesta platform, but it really is too large for any car built on it to make a profit.
One possibility is a Mazda Carol sold in Japan, which was developed for the Ford-owned Japanese company by Suzuki.
But Ford might also consider going it alone. And any new A-segment offering from the company would likely also include a mini-MPV as well as a base 3-door car.
Any development of a new baby car wouldn't threaten the Ka, because the car has been profitable for Ford since it was first launched. And recent developments into niche areas, such as the StreetKa and the SportKa, are likely to prolong the Ka's life.
©2003 irishcar.com