Ford to cease platform sharing with Mazda

[Zenmervolt]

That's cus people think American cars suck and since Mazda is Japanese that it has to be good and since the latest Fords have been good they assumed they were Mazda cars.

In case you don't know, Ford Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr MKZ, Mercury Milan are all rebaged, previous gen Mazda 6 with Ford stickers applied to it.

Case in point.

 

[Arkaign]

Umm the platform was developed by Ford AND Mazda.

True, ditto with the Mazda3, which was actually based entirely on a Ford UK developed platform (C1), which has now been used in the Volvo C30 as well. A new gen of this platform underpins the new global Focus that we will get next year, so weirdly the Focus will leapfrog the Mazda3 in tech.

 

[thedarkwolf]

http://detroitnews.com/article/2009...01/Ford--Mazda-to-remain--long-term--partners

 

[videogames101]

I laugh at the massive fanboyism and brand loyalty in the auto industry.

 

[adlep]

Case in point.

I am not sure what you are talking about.

From Wiki:

"Just as before the Mazda 626 was renamed to Mazda6 Atenza, Ford continues to use the Mazda's G-series platform for the basis of a number of its CD3 platform coded vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ, Lincoln MKX, and a range of SUVs and minivans. Ford also plans to offer a hybrid powertrain on the platform. The official Mazda chassis codes are GG (sedan/hatch) and GY (wagon) series - following the 626/Capella in its GF/GW series."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda6


I know it is hard but:

1. Mazda 6 was first. It was a very good car.
2. Ford twisted Mazda's arm and got the rights to use the platform to develop their own "products".
3. Ford Fusion is a stretched Mazda 6 with Ford stickers applied to it.

Those are facts. You may not like them, but that won't make them disappear.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Not sure how much twisting Ford had to do since at the time Mazda =ed Ford. Just like Mazda didn't have to do much arm twisting to use Ford v6 engines.