The Ford Fiesta is a true best-seller and long-liver of the world automotive industry. It has survived 40 years and seven generations. Ford sold over 16 million Fiestas since 1976 – it is one of the most popular supermini cars in history.
Born in Europe
The Ford Fiesta was born in Europe. Even the U.S. Mark I Fiesta was built in Cologne, Germany. It was originally developed under the name “Bobcat” and approved for development by Henry Ford II in September 1972. Interestingly, the name Fiesta belonged to GM when the car was designed, as they had used the name for the Oldsmobile Fiesta in the 1950s. It is said that it was freely given for Ford to use on their new supermini. Ford’s marketing team had preferred the name Bravo, but Henry Ford II vetoed it in favor of the Fiesta name.
Ford built an all-new factory near Valencia, Spain and a trans-axle factory near Bordeaux, France for Fiesta assembly. That’s where the first Fiestas were made, and the production continues to this day.
In the United States, the Ford Escort replaced both the Fiesta and the Pinto models in 1981. However, in 2010, the Mark VI Fiesta was introduced worldwide, including North America, in 2010, making it the first Fiesta to be sold in the United States since the Mark I was discontinued at the end of 1980.
2016 Ford Fiesta © Ford Motor Company
Made in Mexico
Ford Fiesta cars that are sold in the United States since 2010 are made at Cuautitlán Stamping and Assembly Plant (CSAP) located in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. Modifications for the Ford Fiesta production included a vast expansion of the facility, construction of five new lines of high-productivity presses, incorporation of 270 robots and in-line measuring systems, as well as incorporation of adjustable ergonomic platforms in the upholstery area and new paint facilities.
Cuautitlán Stamping and Assembly Plant has previously manufactured the F-150, F-200, F-250, F-600, F-550, F-650, F-750, F-800, P-350, P-400, W-250, W-350, W-650, W-750, X-250, X-350, X-650, X-670, X-750, Ford LTD, Mercury Grand Marquis, Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Ford Tempo, Mercury Topaz, Ford Contour, and Mercury Mystique.
2016 Ford Fiesta
In the United States, MSRP for the Ford Fiesta S Sedan starts at $14,090. The most advanced high-performance ST model with a 1.6L EcoBoost® engine that delivers 197 horsepower will cost you no less than $20,970. As a proud member of the Ford Performance Family, it boasts aluminum pedals, available race-inspired RECARO® leather-trimmed front seats and special ST design elements.
