Ford wants to develop a sub-Ka mini.(Cover Story)

Byline: Bradford Wernle

Ford has begun looking for potential partners to produce a true mini to compete with the Fiat Seicento, Renault Twingo and Volkswagen Lupo, sources say.

Ford sources stress that plans are at a very early stage and that an alliance with another carmaker is only theoretical at this point. Ford could also decide to go it alone.

"We have to move the center of gravity of our vehicles," said Malcolm Thomas, Ford of Europe's chief engineer. "There is a macro trend of cars getting smaller. At some point we have to do an A-segment car." ...