Ford to Debut Premium Vignale Trim Level

Ford Motor Co. will use this week's Frankfurt auto show to publicly introduce Vignale, a new top-of-the-line trim option the company plans to role out across much of its European lineup beginning in 2015.

Vignale models will include exclusive exterior and interior trim along with a price 10%-15% higher than Ford's current top-of-the-line vehicles in the region. The company says the option aims to retain customers who want a more distinctive vehicle but also attract would-be buyers of more expensive Audi or BMW models.

The marketing move mirrors similar efforts by other European carmakers, notably with PSA Peugeot Citroen's Citroen DS models and Renault's upcoming Initiale Paris line.

Ford plans to debut Vignale as a €3,000-€4,000 option on the next-generation Mondeo midsize sedan in two years. Other large vehicles, including the S-Max minivan, will add the trim level later.

The company predicts the Vignale package eventually will account for about 10% of its sales in Europe.