The funeral hearse market is usually the preserve of prestige German models, but there's a new hearse on the block in Ireland in the shape of the new Ford Mondeo. Fort Motors in Dublin say Mondeo’s extra height and width makes it an ideal and economical alternative to the traditional funeral vehicle.
Built by Pollmann of Bremen, Germany, and launched recently at the annual conference of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors in Cork, homestead of Henry Ford, the Mondeo funeral car, available this spring, is streamlined and modern, while retaining dignity for solemn occasions.

The Ford blue oval claims a heritage in hearses: Cork-built Fords, notably Granadas and Consuls were popular funeral cars in the 70s, as the previous Mondeo has been in many parts.

“Reliability and space are the key requirements of vehicles in this market,” says Paul Molloy of Fort Motors, Ford dealers and exclusive distributors of Pollmann hearses in Ireland and the UK. “Ease of loading and comfort are further considerations."

The Ford Mondeo was recently crowned Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2008 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association.