THE ERROR OF OUR WAYS
Page 28
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I MUST point out a number of errors in your Frankfurt Show report of the Ford Econovan (CM, September 21).
While it is true that this vehicle is manufactured by Mazda, it is important to stress that it is manufactured uniquely for Ford. That is to say it is significantly different from the Mazda parent vehicle.
First, this vehicle is unique to Ford in Europe; it is not sold by Mazda and it is therefore very misleading to refer to it as a Mazda.
Second, a number of significant changes have been made to the vehicle to enable it to meet European legal requirements. The brakes: the scats and the seat-belt anchorages, for example, have all been changed as a result of a combined engineering programme between Ford and Mazda. The specification level too, is different; the grille treatment is unique to Ford and two sliding side load doors are fitted as standard (Mazda fits only one).
Finally, neither Ford nor Mazda market this vehicle at 900kg payload — all versions are 800kg payload.
Please bear these points in mind in future mentions of the Econovan. G. R. GRACE
Truck Information Ford of Europe Brentwood, Essex