Ford's model plans revealed

Ford insiders have revealed to What Car? that the company is planning to release a raft of new models over the next 18 months.

First to arrive in autumn 2011 is an updated version of the Fiesta supermini. There won't be any cosmetic changes, but it will get updated entertainment systems and a more efficient Econetic model.

Next up in summer 2012 are the Fiesta-based B-Max compact MPV and the Focus ST hot hatch. Production versions of both will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Ford is also expected to announce more plans for its three-cylinder, 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine at the Frankfurt show. It will be used first in the B-Max, but is expected also appear in the Fiesta and Focus.

Later in 2012, the Fiesta is due a mild face-lift, with minor cosmetic tweaks, inside and out. The upgrades are likely to coincide with the launch of the Fiesta ST hot hatch, which is due to be unveiled in concept car form at Frankfurt.

An all-new Kuga SUV is also expected in the second half of 2012. It will closely resemble the Vertrek concept car that made its debut at the Detroit motor show earlier this year and will be the second example (following the Focus) of Ford's plan to produce global models. Although it will be sold in European markets as the Kuga, it will replace the current US-market Escape and retain the name.

The C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid model will be launched in late 2012. An all-electric version of the Focus is due in the UK in 2013.

An all-new Mondeo will arrive in early 2013. Its styling is likely to be strongly influenced by the Evos concept car that will be the star of Ford's display at Frankfurt. A concept car version the next Mondeo is due to be revealed at the Detroit motor show in January 2012.