“Have You Driven A Ford (Sedan) Lately?”….1/18th 2023 Ford Mondeo & 2023 EVOS (Dealer Editions) – by David Houston

Have you driven a brand-new Ford CAR lately (Outside of the Mustang of course)? That was part of a popular ad in the US when I was a kid in the mid-1980s. I believe that ad campaign was launched when the Taurus debuted. Well, if you are indeed driving a new 2023 Ford sedan, most likely you are living in China. Ford has all but stopped global sales of passenger cars to the rest of the world, in favor of the more profitable CUV and SUVs.

It’s really a pity that Ford didn’t think that they should continue their Mondeo or introduce its fastback sibling the EVOS here in Europe or North America. The Mondeo could have easily been a new Fusion or Taurus even stateside in the US and Canada as well. Here in Europe, I personally feel like they could have recouped some additional sales by introducing the EVOS, especially because companies like Citroën & Peugeot felt like they could turn their C5 into the taller C5X fastback and Peugeot with their radically styled 408X to bring in European sales without completely going into a CUV or Crossover. The C5X & 408X both of which directly competes against the EVOS in China are sold here in Europe whereas the Ford isn’t. That just makes no kind of sense to me. I don’t know what Ford was thinking. Those two French automobiles seem to be selling well here. There are people still ready to buy ICE vehicles in Europe and the US for now. A lot of people still have “EV Range Anxiety”. Also, knowing that the New Ford Mustang Mach-e shares similar architecture with the Mondeo/EVOS/Zephyr, It would be easier to gain even more EV sales when it becomes compulsory. People could just switch to a familiar model with a different power source. Ford are trying to push strictly EVs now in Europe, but they are selling themselves a wee bit short, and I think have boxed themselves into a corner. It’s always better to have two strategies if one fails. In 2023, who puts all of their eggs into one basket? I guess that Ford Europe didn’t get the memo there. These days, I also hear a good deal of former Ford loyalist dropping the blue oval’s name in negative light. Seriously, strategy matters.

I’ve added these two 1/18th scale Ford miniatures recently? These 1/18th scale miniatures came out with the debut of the 1/1s in China. They are both CDM marketed Fords. Like so many western brands, the only place where sedans/fastbacks and wagons are still relevant is China. Basically, due to Chinese Dealerships wanting promotionals of vehicles sold there, we are able to get these magnificently detailed 1/18th scale diecast miniatures. Reminds me of what the US dealerships used to do in the 1960s through the early 80s, but usually in plastic and 1/24 scale.

I don’t understand why the rest of the world, even here in Europe, has lost interest in doing highly detailed 1/18th Dealer Edition Promotional Miniatures? 10 years ago, BMW/Mercedes-Benz/Audi were all racing to get 1/18th scale premium releases out to European dealerships. Now, only Mercedes-Benz does consistent releases, with BMW and Audi doing a release every so often. Meanwhile in China, the dealerships can’t get enough miniatures of everything from Renaults to Lexus. So, again, thank You China, otherwise, it looks like the western brands just dropped off the map with regards to the same motivation that they had 10-15 years ago.

Well, I’m grateful that Ford are using this un-named OEM diecast maker as the factory to produce these models. To me, both miniatures feel a lot like ST-Well or KENGFai in hand and functional details wise. Perhaps they could bother even be Gaincor Corp G.C.D.? No important details were out and feeling like Paudi Model on all levels. Perhaps they are the true makers? A pity that my dealer couldn’t reveal which factory he sourced these from.

Both Ford Mondeo and EVOS miniatures feature all opening panels to reveal an accurately detailed interior/engine bay and metal chassis with working suspensions and steerable front wheels. Once in the interior, the seating surfaces are soft to touch wearing correct patterns along with carpeting throughout floorboards and the trunks/hatch areas as well. All door panels are highly detailed with realistic headliners, all huge dash screen panels have realistic graphics and highly realistic center consoles with opening glovebox. Both models feature fabric seatbelts with photo-etched metal buckles. The rear seats fold down for access to the trunk/hatch and carpeted lift upload floor with spare tire and tools below.

All lighting on the exterior looks very accurate with transparent and translucent lenses where applicable. The front grills are both feature perforated front intakes, photo-etched badging, all corporate script is spot-on. Wheels are finished just as on 1/1s in dual contrast finishes. The rear side/back and panorama roof windows are all tinted. Typical high quality CDM details like folding side mirrors/sliding front seats and rotating metal brake discs really help to bring it all together into a very solid, but tidy model.
These miniatures are heavy. They could be used as a paper weight, or perhaps if you need to chuck one at an intruder, that’ll work too…lol You will really appreciate that weighty feeling in your hands, as it gives a sense of quality and presence in your collection. The best part is that these models can be had for well below $100USD these days! What a steal, these are easily $200 plus models’ quality wise.

I highly recommend them. It’s a pity that they aren’t being sold in 1/1 outside of China, it would be refreshing to see more sedans/fastback hatches on roads versus just CUVs or SUVs these days. Then perhaps, European dealerships could have also added these 1/18th scales to their showroom and parts departments. Luckily, with access to sites online, we can order abroad.