Now that the Ford Fiesta has officially launched in the U.S., the automaker’s breakthrough “Fiesta Movement” social media campaign has moved on to new challenges—and so have the vehicles involved. In fact, Ford recently donated 43 of them to the Team O’Neill Rally School in Dalton, N.H., to kick off the only manufacturer-supported learning opportunity of its kind in North America: The Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience.

One- and two-day sessions will be available, for beginner and advanced students, with the focus on actual in-car, on-course learning experiences in rally-prepped Fiestas. It’s a perfect fit according to Jamie Allison, Ford’s director of North American Motorsports, because of the “Fiesta’s nimble driving dynamics and precise handling attributes.” And Allison isn’t just reading from an ad agency’s press release. The Fiesta is so agile and responsive that Ford Racing is campaigning it in the elite World Rally Championship series, where the company won manufacturers’ titles in 2006 and 2007, as well as in this year’s Rally America.

“Ford has always been very active in the rest of the world as far as rally goes. Driving the Fiesta is like driving an expensive German car. It is the coolest Ford I have ever driven and I have driven almost every Ford product in the world,” said Tim O’Neil, the five-time North American rally champ who oversees the O’Neil driving school. “To grow rally in North America, we need people who want to compete to have access to a light, reliable, strong car that is inexpensive, easy to maintain and easy to get parts for. I think Fiesta will be an affordable option for the clubs and drivers.”

Of course, the Fiesta will be an equally attractive option for owners who stick to the pavement, too. The all-new Fiesta starts with an MSRP as low as $13,320 and an EPA line as high as 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined—better than some hybrids—while offering impressive new technologies such as Ford’s PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission and the SYNC in-car connectivity system.

In other words, the new Ford Fiesta is an ideal choice for today’s customers regardless of whether they’re driving around the block or in training to become the next Ken Block.

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Starting with the all-new Ford Fiesta, Blue Oval fans will soon have an all-new way to customize their rides: Dealer-installed vinyl-wrap graphics in a wide range of designs and colors. From flames to flowers and from bubbles to ninja blades, the graphics will add a heavy dose of custom cool to just about any Ford product—without customers having to go to the expense of paying for a custom paint job.

Here’s the way it works: Drivers visit FordCustomGraphics.com to view all the different wrap styles and colors, and also configure a virtual model of their favorite Ford to see exactly how it will look with the graphics in place. Once they’ve made their choices, customers are steered to their local dealerships to place the actual orders. Finally, the wraps are quickly and professionally installed by dealership technicians, and then it’s time to show off the goods.

The graphics themselves are made by 3M specifically for Ford, using the same kind of premium vinyl found on today’s ubiquitous full-vehicle promotional wraps. But Ford took the production in-house for added quality control, and the results are designed to provide the highest levels of real-world performance—and have a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty to prove it. That means they’re safe for most car washes, won’t leave a residue if they’re removed, and are specially treated with a “clear over laminate” for added durability and protection against the potential fading effects of UV light. According to Ford, the wraps will last from three to five years under normal conditions.

Fiesta wraps will debut with 18 different styles in five different colors each, with the Mustang and F-150 next in line for the vinyl-wrap treatment. Eventually, Ford plans to offer the graphics for all of its products, with up to 50 designs available for each vehicle. There will even be a unique set of “Drive Green” graphics tailored for Ford’s growing number of hybrids.

Consider it an easy—and affordable—way to add the “vinyl” touch to Ford’s already eye-catching lineup.

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This time, it’s both. The 2011 Ford Fiesta was just ranked #1 on the list of “2010 Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000,” as put together by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.

The decision was based on things like safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort and technology—”the same set of criteria that consumers use,” according to KBB.com’s editors—but then also took into account the Fiesta’s “cool factor.”

That’s a commodity in no short supply lately at Ford, especially after the all-new Fiesta iced its position as the most fuel-efficient car in its segment. It recently notched ratings of 29 mpg city and a hybrid-like 40 mpg highway in EPA fuel-efficiency testing.

The Fiesta is no dorky econobox, though. The high-style subcompact also shows off nimble handling, a progressive “kinetic design” exterior, and an ergonomically crafted interior. Switchgear and vehicle controls in the center stack were designed specifically to provide the same user experience as a mobile-phone keypad, while the amazing Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system takes mobile phones—and a whole lot more—to a whole new level of interactivity.

The Fiesta is also out racking up further “cool” points this summer through deals with two of the country’s hottest music festivals. The car was the title sponsor of the aptly named “Movement” electronic music festival, held annually in Detroit, the birthplace of techno. In addition to supporting three days’ of electronica from both international stars and homegrown talent, along with plenty of musicians who were both, Ford showcased the Fiesta lounge for cooling off over the Memorial Day weekend and let three Motor City artists work their magic on the Fiesta with bold, audience-attracting results.

Then, from June 10-13, Fiesta was in Manchester, Tenn., for the iconic Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, always one of the top stops on the summer concert calendar. While performers like Dave Matthews, Kings of Leon and Weezer were jamming on the stage, concertgoers were jamming the Fiesta Garage to hear from musicians, chill out and design their own custom t-shirts.

With an approach to customers like that, it’s no surprise KBB.com calls the Fiesta “the best domestic subcompact of all time” and claims “the new kid is already the coolest car in its class.”

Now just imagine the response the Fiesta will get when it actually goes on sale this summer.

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It’s official. The highly anticipated new 2011 Ford Fiesta has been certified by the EPA to achieve 29 mpg city and a full 40 mpg highway—the kind of best-in-class fuel efficiency customers are beginning to expect from Ford.

“The new Fiesta is yet another car in Ford’s lineup that delivers class-leading fuel economy,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. “From Super Duty to Fusion Hybrid and the new Mustang V6, Ford is committed to fuel economy leadership with every new vehicle it introduces in all segments.”

That dedication is readily apparent throughout the Fiesta, from the car’s aerodynamic exterior to its leading-edge powertrain. The engine is Ford’s new 1.6-liter Duratec I4, which boasts features like Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and an advanced accessory drive system that optimizes the efficiency of the Fiesta’s air conditioner. To get the best fuel economy—as well as a surprisingly dynamic driving experience—that powerplant is then mated to a cutting-edge six-speed automatic transmission Ford calls PowerShift.

This gear changer is a true game changer, too: Thanks to advances like its dual internal clutch design, PowerShift lets Fiesta drivers enjoy the ease-of-use of an automatic, the performance of a stick and the fuel efficiency of, well, a Ford.

It all makes for a significant Ford advantage at the gas pumps, especially when compared to what other automakers are offering. The Fiesta’s 40-mpg highway fuel-efficiency rating is 5 mpg higher than that of the Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra Blue or Chevrolet Aveo, 4 mpg better than that of the Toyota Yaris, and a notable 3 mpg more than even a MINI Cooper can attain.

And for those who still prefer three pedals to two, Fiesta’s standard five-speed manual delivers EPA ratings of 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta gets started this summer at Ford dealerships through the U.S.

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Ford has been leveraging social media to promote the 2011 Fiesta through the Fiesta Movement. But as the Fiesta is almost ready to make its appearance in showrooms, Ford is now launching its traditional media movement.

Fiesta ads will begin rolling out this month on radio, television, in print, and even in movies theaters across the country. Ads will feature the tag line “It’s a pretty big deal,” alluding to the array of features available within a small, but relatively affordable package. Ford is making sure to promote the Fiesta not as just another cheap economy car, but rather a higher-end small car.

With a base price of just under $14K, the 2011 Ford Fiesta is competitively priced to take on rivals such as the Honda Fit. Among the features either standard or available on the Fiesta include seven airbags, heated leather seats, push-button start, and even Ford’s SYNC infotainment system. The Fiesta also boasts best-in-class fuel economy with 40 mpg on the highway.

“The Fiesta Movement enabled us to introduce the car to market in a whole new way,” said Matt VanDyke, Ford’s director of U.S. Marketing Communications. “We are continuing that nontraditional approach with a unique advertising campaign designed to get people’s attention by entertaining them as well as educating them about the vehicle.”

The new campaign will be targeting consumers looking to down size, as well as young, urban buyers. Ads will also be aired on urban and adult contemporary radio stations and cable channels such as BET.

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If you want to live life at “Full Throttle,” a 2011 Ford Fiesta is a great place to start. In fact, the Blue Oval’s red-hot hatch is already set to take a star turn on “Funk Flex Full Throttle”—a new MTV show that premieres in May, hosted by hip-hop impresario/custom-car lover Funkmaster Flex.

Each half-hour episode will take viewers on a tour of hip-hop life in the fast lane, with frequent pit stops to check on Flex’s ongoing custom-car projects. Among them: A 2011 Ford Fiesta that will get the full Funkmaster treatment, including an aggressive body kit, unique wheel/tire setup, lowering kit, one of Flex’s signature two-tone paint jobs and a revised interior.

And here’s something else the car will have: One very lucky owner. The only way to throw this Fiesta in your garage is by winning the Funk Flex Full Throttle Giveaway, which can be entered by visiting the FordUrban website by July 2, 2010.

“Whoever wins this vehicle is going to be hitting the streets in a mean vehicle that has some serious technology inside,” said Funkmaster Flex. “Ford really got it poppin’ with this vehicle and showed how you can take a small vehicle and push it to the next level.”

But just importantly, as Flex adds, “the Fiesta is definitely a vehicle that also can stand on its own without having to do anything to it all.”

That’s a statement the new Ford backs up with a bold design, dynamic engine, advanced six-speed automatic transmission, versatile interior and the ability to reach 40 mpg in highway driving—to name just a few of its distinctions that helped make the Ford Taurus so popular. In addition, the Fiesta will be available with Ford’s groundbreaking SYNC in-car connectivity system, giving drivers voice-activated control over a wide range of tech toys.

Putting all this and more into a package that starts at just $13,320, Ford gets the Fiesta started later this summer at dealerships across the country.

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Although Ford has already released fuel economy estimates for the all-new 2011 Ford Fiesta, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially released fuel mileage numbers today, confirming expectations that the Fiesta would become the most fuel-efficient car in its class.

According to the EPA, the new Ford Fiesta delivers 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. These estimated are based on the Fiesta that’s equipped with Ford’s six speed PowerShift automatic transmission. Among the competitors beat by these numbers include the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris.

“We worked hard to deliver the class-leading fuel economy Ford is becoming synonymous for,” said Steve Pintar, Fiesta chief nameplate engineer. “To be the only vehicle in the segment to deliver 40 mpg is something we feel consumers will appreciate.”

Although the standard Fiesta will come with a five speed manual transmission, the base model is still good for 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. When it reaches showrooms this summer, the 2011 Fiesta will carry a starting price of $13,320.

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Ford has just begun production of the all-new 2011 Fiesta at its state-of-the-art facility in Mexico. The facility once produced trucks, but has since been converted for assembling Ford’s new compact car, creating at least 2,000 jobs in the process.

Ford’s Cuautitlán Stamping and Assembly Plant (CSAP) will produce both the four-door sedan and the five-door hatchback Fiesta models that will be sold in showrooms in the United States, Canada, as well as Mexico. Attendees at the plant’s ceremonial launch included Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa and Governor of the State of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto.

“Our investment in Cuautitlán brings ‘One Ford’ global vehicles to life in North America and allows more customers to experience even more of our high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president of Canada, Mexico and South America operations and Global Marketing. “Small cars  are the fastest-growing product segment around the world, and Ford is answering the call with fun-to-drive new cars such as Fiesta, Fusion and the new Focus that is coming soon.”

Already on sale in Europe and Asia, the Fiesta will arrive in U.S. showrooms by late June.

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The first leg of the Fiesta Movement definitely paid off for Ford, helping to grab plenty of cheap word-of-mouth exposure for the upcoming compact car. And, Chapter 2 of the Fiesta Movement continues to fuel impressive results as the arrival date of the Fiesta nears.

Since its launch, the Fiesta Movement has garnered over 6.2 million YouTube views, more than 750,000 Flickr views and nearly 4 million Twitter impressions.

All of this has dealers such as Memphis Ford extremely excited. For a vehicle that has hasn’t even reached showrooms yet, those numbers are quite impressive and certainly indicate the level of anticipation for this model.

“The second Fiesta Movement mission will facilitate some exciting opportunities for local bands who will help us bring Fiesta to life in their markets,” said Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances manager. “The agent teams, bands and followers are going to have a great time promoting and attending the concerts!”

With the help of the Fiesta Movement, 125,000 people that have already expressed an interest in purchasing the 2011 Ford Fiesta, which goes on sale this summer from the starting price of $13,320. Marlboro MD Ford dealers believe its price point will be one of its best advantges in the ever-crowded compact car segment. Combining a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg with fun driving dynamics and a vibrant design, the Fiesta should provide a number of unique qualities that the compact car segment desperately needed.

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The new Ford Fiesta S1600 is sporty hatchback variant of the standard Fiesta equipped with the 118 horsepower 1.6-liter Duratec, but it comes with a bodykit and other sporty embellishments that make this car especially sexy. Sadly, the Fiesta S1600 is only on sale in the UK – at least for now.

Based the Fiesta’s appearances on the auto show circuit here in the U.S., it seems as though Ford has every intention of making the Fiesta available with bodykits and performance components. With a rapidly expanding lineup of turbocharged EcoBoost engines, it’s likely that one of these engine will make it into the Fiesta by 2012, and perhaps be used in a high-performance Fiesta model as well.

“Based on the popular Fiesta Zetec-S – with a generous standard specification that includes alloy pedals and Quickclear windscreen – the sporty Fiesta S1600 interior adds heated, stitched leather sports seats with standard side-airbags, leather steering wheel, handbrake cover and gearknob, plus Motorsport-branded floor mats and scuff plates,” Ford said in a statement.

Like other subcompact offerings, the Ford Fiesta will be positioned as a sporty alternative to other traditionally demure vehicles in this segment. And while early accounts of the Fiesta’s performance seem to hint that the car lives up to the hype in terms of its responsiveness and handling, we’re still hoping to see a performance model that’s specifically directed at the Mazdaspeed3 or the Volkswagen GTI rather than aiming for the performance of the Honda Fit.

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