To make the new B-Max as easy to access as possible without compromising safety, Ford’s engineers moved the high-strength body-structure from the central body pillars and integrated it directly into the doors to ensure excellent crash protection, particularly in the event of a side impact.

Special ultra-high-strength steels, which provide up to five times the strength of conventional mild steel, were used in key parts of the body and doors to create an extremely strong and stiff structure without adding extra weight.

"Door systems like this have been a designer’s dream for many years," said Stefan Lamm, exterior design director, Ford of Europe. "We have taken the concept from an idea on a designer’s sketch pad, to a stylish and versatile product on the showroom floor."

"We set ourselves the challenge of re-imagining the small car," he added. "People are struggling with the spatial challenges of city driving and we wanted to find a new solution."

To complement the easy access system, the B-MAX also features front and rear passenger seats that can be folded flat to create a large, convenient load platform, to accommodate everything from bicycles to flat-pack furniture.

"The door concept means you can load really large items, more than 2.3 meters long, through the side doors," said Ernst Reim, Chief Interior Designer, Ford of Europe. "This makes a trip to the furniture store, or even a day at the beach with your surfboard, more realistic."

The new B-Max is set to make its production-ready debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, before it goes on sale in the UK from September. Ford’s frugal new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, with its advanced combination of 125PS power output and 58.9mpg efficiency, will be available on the B-MAX, as will Duratorq TDCi diesels.

Days after the Focus was named ‘Best in Class’ small family car by the independent car safety organization [full story], Stephen Odell, Chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe, says that the accolade was the result of the brand’s tireless efforts towards delivering safer cars.

Stephen comments: “This award has special meaning because designing and building the safest vehicles possible is a core value at Ford.

“The Focus exemplifies our approach to design cars that both help drivers avoid accidents and protect them when one is inevitable.”

Aside from a five star safety rating, Euro NCAP also gave the Focus four Advanced Rewards in recognition of their fatigue-fighting Driver Alert, Lane Keeping Aid and the crash anticipating Forward Alert and Active City Stop features.

The nod from Euro NCAP came prior to the publication of January’s UK sales figures which saw Ford proclaimed as the biggest selling manufacturer with the two of the most popular models (Fiesta and Focus sold 13,467 between them).

With 15.6% of the British new car market, Mark Ovenden, MD of Ford Britain, said: “Ford’s car range is proving its strong customer appeal, starting the year with a sales performance that extends our lead in total car sales including sales to private customers, an indicator that the quality of our market share also continues to be enhanced.

“We will continue to launch new models and ingenious technologies that meet our customers’ increasingly sophisticated needs.”

Following their success at the ACFO Awards last month where they won in four of the seven categories, Ford capped off November with the prize for Innovation in Car and Van Manufacturing at the Fleet Hero Awards. The accolade was partly in recognition for Ford’s ECOnetic Technology and its fuel saving features.

Organised by the Energy Saving Trust, a group of judges complimented the blue oval for “bringing premium, efficient vehicle technologies at low cost to wider fleet markets” and being the only volume manufacturer to bring products like active grille shutters, smart regenerative charging, lane-keeping aids and automated car parking to this segment of the market.

“Ford is bringing premium, efficient vehicle technologies at low cost to wider fleet markets including cars and vans,” they added.

Read our report on who won what during the ceremony

The novelty and surprise of winning national awards didn’t seem to be getting old for Steve Fletcher, Ford of Britain’s Fleet Operations Manager, who said: “It is very pleasing to be recognised for the high levels of advanced technology that Ford is applying across its vehicle range, not only lowering CO2 emissions but also promoting more fuel-efficient and safer driving.”

The Innovation in Car and Van Manufacturing group was the only category open to a motor manufacturer at an event focussed on fleet management.

Nigel Underdown, Head of Transport for the Energy Saving Trust, commended Ford for their eco-efforts saying: “About half of all new vehicles purchased in the UK are used in fleet operations, so the sector plays a vital part in determining the environmental performance of road transport overall.”

Paul McDermott, Ford’s Collision Repair Manager, was delighted that the manufacturer’s efforts in the accident management field had been recognised.

“The Ford Accident Management programme is aligned with the Government’s recent commitment to ban referral fees and to counteract the high costs of motor insurance,” he explained.

A spokesperson for Bodyshop Magazine added: “Beating two other manufacturers to take the Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year title is testament to the team’s hard work and commitment to aftersales excellence.”

David Cresswell, Auto Body Professionals Club Chairman, said Ford’s win was “very well deserved”.

He concluded: “The Ford Accident Management programme certainly appears to be the right product at the right time.  With no personal injury referral it fits in well with the mood of the market and the Government’s move to ban referral fees.”

Scheduled to appear in showrooms in November, the Ranger scored 89% for overall safety and maximum stars, signalling not just the arrival of the safest pick-up truck ever but also one of the safest vehicles in any category.

It’s a far cry from the measly two stars picked up last time round in 2008.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP’s Secretary General, commented: “With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is undoubtedly raising the bar of safety in the category of pick-up trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.”

Stephen Odell, Chairman and CEO of Ford Europe, said: “Vehicle safety is a core value at Ford Motor Company and these independent test results confirm that not only is Ranger the highest rated vehicle in its class, it is also one of the highest rated vehicles ever assessed by Euro NCAP.

“No one wants to be involved in an accident but if the worst were to happen, the new Ranger is proven to provide outstanding protection to occupants of all ages as well as pedestrians.”

Unprecedented abuse

The revised Ranger was subjected to 9,000 virtual and 110 actual crash tests – more crash simulations than any of Ford’s prior programs.

Adam Frost, a Chief Engineer for Ford, said they went to sure measures to ensure all parts of the vehicle’s safety performance were optimised.

“The end result is a world class outcome we are all very proud of,” he beamed.

A series of other new models have also been blessed with all five stars from Euro NCAP.

Sharing the stars

Audi’s Q3, the BMW 1-Series, Chevrolet’s Captiva, Fiat’s Freemont, Mercedes’ M-Class, Toyota Yaris, and Vauxhall’s Astra and Zafira Tourer all picked up maximum stars.

Rating 96% in the ‘adult occupant’ category, Hyundai’s Veloster [pictured] also grabbed five stars, making it the sixth consecutive Hyundai to do.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: “The five-star rating for Veloster further demonstrates our commitment to the highest levels of safety for Hyundai customers.

“Veloster is attracting a new audience to the Hyundai brand, combining practicality and ‘fluidic’ design in a unique 1+2 door package. Recognition of its class-leading safety performance will further add to its appeal.”

Commenting on Vauxhall’s five star achievements, Rita Forst, Vice President of Vauxhall Engineering, concluded: “Passenger safety has always been high on our agenda and we are pleased not only to have met the safety standards with Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer but to have surpassed them.”

The fleet sector made up nearly half of the market, contributing 156,634 of the 61 plates on the roads by the end of the month (47.1%), according to figures from the SMMT. Fleet sales were up by 7.3% last month and 4% for the year.

Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said that the September market “outperformed expectations” and despite a shortfall of 0.8% on last year’s figures, represents almost a fifth of the year’s sales.

“We expected 2011 to be a challenging year and we are on track for a full year total of around 1.92 million new car registrations, 5% below 2010,” he added.

Big tickets

Mr Everitt blamed the automotive industry’s difficulties from the last two years on a worldwide discomfort in relation to big ticket items and predicted a significant and trying period where growth would be under pressure.

He added: “SMMT has revised down its 2012 registrations forecast to 1.96 million units; a reflection of the continued weakness in UK domestic demand and the uncertainty across European economies.

“It is important the Government acts to sustain an investment-led recovery and implements measures to encourage more private sector investment in R&D, skills, new plants and machinery.”

The Ford Fiesta is near guaranteed to be the biggest selling car of the year, having shifted 77,198 models so far in 2011 – nearly 10,000 more than its nearest rival and relation, the Focus, which has sold 67,672 units.

Amidst all the debate on whether the brand will be around this time next year, Saab managed to shift 272 cars during September, taking its total this year to 4,177.

Watch the clip below to hear Paul Everitt’s thoughts on the 61-plate’s performance:

Funny guys Jimmy Carr and Jay Leno used Wi-Fi connections generated by two Ford Focus models sat on separate sides of the Atlantic to hold a bandwidth-hogging Skype conversation over their iPads.

By plugging an external USB broadband modem into the vehicle’s media system, any SYNC-enabled vehicle becomes a Wi-Fi hot spot on wheels with a signal that can be can be accessed by five separate devices.

Parked up in Hollywood, Jay Leno said: “Bad cars don’t really exist so car makers are increasing looking for ways to make their models stand out. 

“The one place we spend more time than anywhere except our house or office is the car. It’s not a surprise people want the same gadgetry on the road.”

Plonked outside the Corn Exchange in Norfolk, Jimmy Carr agreed: “It’s great to do something that is cutting edge, to chat about cars, gadgets and have a laugh.”

Christof Kellerwessel, Ford’s Chief Engineer for electronic and electrical systems, said the technology was in recognition of Ford customers needing a reliable in-car net connection.

“Ford is an automaker that is quickly becoming a personal technology company as well,” he commented.

“We’re finding that Ford customers are tech savvy and – while travelling as passengers in cars – they want to be able to use their Wi-Fi enabled devices while on the move.

“Because it will be able to make use of a customer’s existing USB modem device or obtain a connection through a smartphone connected via Bluetooth, SYNC will offer the best value and flexibility for Ford customers.”

The Transit SportVan is based on the popular 260, short wheelbase model with front wheel drive, with 140PS 2.2-litre TDCi diesel engine and a six-speed transmission. The exterior features Moondust Silver paintwork, Le Mans-style graphite bonnet stripes, twin exhausts, 18" graphite colour alloy wheels, low profile 235/45 tyres, front and rear lower spoilers, side skirts and extended wheel arches. Standard safety features include ABS, ESP and driver and passenger airbags.

Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Anthony Ireson, said: "Demand for our Transit SportVan has been exceptional so we are delighted to now offer this latest edition. Transit remains as popular as ever with more than 40,000 sales so far this year and this SportVan gives customers the chance to own a really special Transit."

Features inside the van include velour trim, air conditioning, Sony radio/CD with DAB with remote steering-column-mounted controls, Bluetooth, cruise control, power windows, powered and heated mirrors, leather steering wheel, tinted glass, leather gearshift knob and a perimeter alarm are also standard.

Additional standard equipment includes power deadlocks, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, front fog lights and a load area protection kit. Optional are leather seats, Satellite Navigation FX system with 5" colour screen and a rear view camera with cab-mounted 7" LCD colour display monitor. LED cargo lights in rear and LED daytime running lights are available as a dealer-fit accessory.

The international electricity and gas company has brought in 80 Fiesta Edge ECOnetic models on the basis of its impressive fuel economy (78.5mpg) and sub-100g/km CO2 (95g). The new additions will be used primarily by recruits to the National Grid’s engineering training programmes which combine academic study with on- and off-the-job instruction.

Fleet Operations Manager David Morse said Ford’s ECOnetic line ticked all the right boxes: “Our ‘user-chooser’ company car scheme was not appropriate for such a large number of new, young engineers.

“Ford was successful in the tender process and the Fiesta ECOnetic fitted the bill perfectly.”

Stephen Gafson, Ford’s Direct Sales Business Manager, agreed: “The Fiesta Edge ECOnetic is a perfect choice for the job. This was a very competitive tender and one which Ford is delighted to have won.”

Inchcape and Ford dealer GK Group of Chesterfield have been responsible for supplying the fleet additions. National Grid trainees will use them to travel between university and college and the National Grid training centre at Eakring, near Newark in Nottinghamshire, as well as to various sites around the country to undertake managed field experience.

The British manufacturer attended the first of 37 B&Q TradePoint roadshows recently at the renowned DIY chain’s Bolton store.

Each two-day roadshow exhibits around 30 equipment supply firms showing off stock to builders, plumbers, joiners, and other tradesmen.

With thousands of customers registered at every B&Q TradePoint using some form of commercial vehicle on a daily basis, Ford say the chance to meet new customers and strengthen existing relationships was too good to miss.

“It is a great opportunity for Ford to meet trade customers and to demonstrate the attributes and benefits of Ford ownership,” commented Steve Clary, Ford’s CV Director.

“Ford is an event sponsor, and at each event we will be displaying a variety of vehicles, including of course Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect.”

This latest addition will pump the school’s vehicle count to around 3,850. The Focus joins the Ford Fiesta, providing a worthy choice of cars for learner drivers.

Sarah Dopson, AA’s Head of Group Fleet, said the Focus would make the “perfect stablemate” for the Fiesta.

“Not only is the new Ford Focus attractive to us in terms of its cost-effectiveness, but it is also ideal as a car for tuition purposes and learners are attracted to the AA Driving School as a result,” she said.

Ian Watson, Ford’s direct sales manager, believes the new Focus has the ability to impress just as much as the Fiesta.

“The car in which you learn to drive leaves a lasting impression on you and Ford is of course delighted to have been associated with the AA Driving School on an exclusive basis for many years,” he commented.

“We’re sure that the new Ford Focus will prove every bit as popular with students as the Ford Fiesta and the previous Focus.”

Ford’s exclusive supply deal with AA Driving School goes back to 1998. The British manufacturer is currently in a three-year deal with AA to provide over 8,000 cars.

The countryside management provider and long-time Ford customer had intended to only bring in 97 vehicles but bumped its order into triple figures in order to commemorate the centenary.

Many of the Ford Fiesta Vans, Rangers, Transit and Transit Connects ordered from Gordons of Bolton have been adapted for horticultural and arboricultural jobs. 

Stuart Darbyshire, Commercial Director at Glendale, said: “The team at Gordons Ford knows exactly what we require from our fleet, what specifications we need, and provide an excellent service to us through the life of a vehicle.

“The relationship between Glendale, Ford and Gordons spans many years and is testament to the quality of the product and the service they provide.”

As the largest specialist ‘green service’ provider in the UK, 90% of Glendale’s 650-strong fleet bears the blue oval.