Top slot at Ford went to the new Mondeo and C-Max models. But the powerful illumination of the show stand wasn’t bringing any surprises to light: Mondeo is virtually unchanged from the concept that was shown in Paris last year, while C-Max was unveiled in December.

Ford has good reason to hope that the classy-looking new-generation Mondeo will remain the benchmark in its sector as the classic family-size car. Embracing Ford’s current “kinetic design” philosophy, its sculpted hood and large headlights, with their curved upper edges are distinctive and give it greater presence than the outgoing model. Side and rear profiles are also handsome, with the distinctive shape of the rear light clusters also notable.

Message Board: Should Ford bring the Mondeo to the U.S.? Voice your opinion!

Inside is a spacious and luxuriously appointed cabin; standard features on the new car include ESP, follow-me-home lights and air conditioning. Also on offer are premium features such as keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, knee airbags, and a sophisticated interface system utilizing an instrument panel-mounted LCD screen and steering-wheel controls called Convers+. We’re promised that the rewarding driving experience Mondeo has become known for will remain a feature, too.

The fact that the once-vast market for medium-size sedans is in decline doesn’t seem to worry Ford—with Mondeo, S-Max and C-Max all part of the same product family, Ford has its bases covered for many different customer needs.

In contrast to Mondeo’s conventional profile, the new C-Max offers a taller, SUV-influenced stance. This is no SUV, but it offers some of the load space flexibility and the higher driving position that many people admire in those vehicles.

At a time of growing environmental concerns, Ford is keen to point out that today’s diesel Mondeo (a popular customer choice) has 20% lower emissions than the first Mondeo in the early 1990s. Next year, Ford will add a number of ”flex-fuel” vehicles to its range, which can run on conventional oil-based fuels or various mixtures of alternative fuels.

Ford of Europe is profitable, but with its U.S. parent experiencing severe financial problems, the bosses’ minds are clearly mulling over where the future may take them. They revealed that ”a new B-car”—in other words a Fiesta—or Focus-size car will be a world design to be sold in America, Asia and Europe. This car will be designed by a worldwide team led by Ford of Europe, and will come to market in the 2008-2010 time frame.