• Automotive News, Wednesday, December 2, 2009 10:43 AM

Amy Wilson reports that Ford is asking selected dealers to gear up for a "Retail Movement" for the launch of the subcompact Fiesta in North and South America next summer. Dealerships that join the movement must agree to conditions such as using social media tools, creating an in-store "Fiesta Zone" to display the car, and running grassroots marketing events.

Part of the program is a dealership training program to educate employees on what small-car buyers are looking for and to create an experience that will have them spreading the news. Ford expects that Fiesta will appeal to 20-something urban trendsetters.

In a separate story, Wilson reports that Ford plans to build additional "B-car" subcompacts beyond the 2011 Fiesta four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles that will be on sale in the U.S. next summer. "It's a portfolio of B-cars," says Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vp of global product development. Ford already sells a three-door hatchback in Europe and other markets, but "the three-door will not come close to explaining the difference," according to Kuzak.

Read the whole story at Automotive News »