#cologne

Rolling off the assembly line at Ford‘s plan in Cologne, Germany yesterday was the six millionths Fiesta model – a Vision Blue Sport edition intended for a German customer. Show above next to an original Fiesta, this seventh-generation model celebrates 31 years of production in Cologne, with Fiestas dating back to 1976 in Europe.

In total, more than 13 million Fiestas have been sold, with other manufacturing plants in Europe (located in Valencia, Spain; Ford’s Dagenham plant in the United Kingdom, and the Saarlouis plant in Germany between 1976 and 1980) making up roughly the other half of all models produced.

It took Ford 10 years to sell the first one million Fiesta models, but the current model has already sold 750,000 units in just 18 months.

Ford has just begun Fiesta production in Nanjing, China and Rayong, Thailand, with the first model set to roll out of the Ford Cuautitlàn Plant in Mexico (destined for the North American market) in the next few weeks.

According to recent statistics, the Fiesta is poised to break into the Top 10 best selling cars of all time, with the Chevrolet Impala currently in 10th place with 14 million units sold. Ford already has three of the Top 10 spots, with the Model T, F Series and Escort.

The current Fiesta is set to go on sale in North America this summer, powered by a 120-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. Ford rates the car’s fuel economy at 29/38-mpg (city/hwy) for the manual, and 30/40-mpg for the six-speed automatic. Pricing starts at $13,320 for the sedan and $15,120 for the hatch. See our review of the new Fiesta by following the link below:

2011 Ford Fiesta: First Drive

Official release after the jump:

A recent sighting of the Lamborghini Estoque concept car in Cologne, Germany has reignited rumors that the Italian automaker might still be planing to launch its wild four-door.

Having recently emerged from bankruptcy protection, General Motors is hoping those who though the Old GM stunk will prefer the odor of New GM.