Ford shows off concept for new subcompact

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. has taken the wraps off a new subcompact concept car that likely will be the basis of a new small vehicle to be sold around the world.

The Verve concept, designed in Europe, competes in what the industry calls the "B-Car" segment of the market, one that is popular overseas but features vehicles that are smaller than most compact cars sold in the United States.

Ford officials said that, while the rounded Verve is still a concept, elements of it probably would be built into the next generation of subcompacts for distribution worldwide.

Derrick Kuzak, head of global product development, said Ford planned to launch a new subcompact between 2008 and 2010.

"It's very representative of what you'll see" in the new vehicle, he said.

Ford already is planning to build the vehicle at a factory being erected in Nanjing, China, spokesman Said Deep said. The company would not say where else the car would be built or when it would come to the U.S. market.

It will officially be unveiled next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford said.