When the all-new Mondeo (hopefully) arrives in Europe later this year, it will be the first Ford vehicle in Europe to feature full LED headlamps, which allowed designers to give it a sleeker look.
“For the new Mondeo we really wanted to exaggerate the slimness of the headlights, and LED technology allowed us to do that. That wouldn’t have been possible with a traditional halogen reflector,” said Chris Hamilton, chief designer at Ford.
Because LEDs are small, they offer designers more flexibility than traditional bulbs when sculpting a car’s headlights, improving the car’s looks. “Slim headlamps can make a vehicle’s exterior appear more determined and aggressive. They help give the appropriate sense of presence and purpose,” said Paul Wraith, Ford design manager.
Additionally, since LEDs emit less heat they allow the use of plastic internal lenses and the components are more easily molded to match the designers’ wishes.
As for the Mondeo’s launch, Ford says the Fusion’s twin will arrive in European markets before the end of the year – that’s more than two years after the Fusion’s debut in the US.
In Germany, for example, customers have been able to place orders since August 1, with the new Mondeo starting from €27,150 ($36,295), including 19 percent value-added tax.
By Dan Mihalascu
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