Ford Pulling Out of WRC Racing as Title Sponsor
Just a week after MINI announced its exit from WRC racing, Ford is following suit, citing the tough economical times that the company is facing in Europe as the catalyst for cancelling the rally racing program.
Ford Rally tweeted, “”Ford will withdraw from @OfficialWRC as title sponsor after 2012. #FordWRC thanks its fans, drivers and many partners for their support.”
The brand is pulling itself as a title sponsor of WRC, though M-Sport, a partner of the company will continue to run in the league using Ford’s Fiesta. “Ford has a long and proud history in the WRC and this was not an easy decision,” said Roelant de Waard, VP of marketing, sales and service at Ford of Europe. “At this time, however we determined that it was better for the company and the Ford brand to reduce our commitment to the WRC and deploy our resources in other areas.”
In conjunction with M-Sport, Ford will still provide vehicle and engineering support for the M-Sport Fiesta, but the brand will not be running its own car.
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Every time Ford says it doesn't believe in WRC an angel loses its wings..... On a serious note, sad reality of these difficult times. Still love the Fords!
The brand is pulling itself as a title sponsor of WRC, though M-Sport, a partner of the company will continue to run in the league using Fords Fiesta. Ford has a long and proud history in the WRC and this was not an easy decision, said Roelant de Waard, VP of marketing, sales and service at Ford of Europe. At this time, however we determined that it was better for the company and the Ford brand to reduce our commitment to the WRC and deploy our resources in other areas. http://www.bedouingroup.co.uk/agency-quote/