Milltek Sport is at the forefront of ensuring the continued modification of fast Fords by guaranteeing that every new system it develops for popular models receives full ECE approval. This not only makes them compliant with emissions legislation but also ensures they pass MOT tests, maintaining their legality for road use.
Founded in the 1980s, Milltek Sport has always had a special affinity for Ford vehicles. Whether it’s the XR, RS, or ST models, fast Fords have consistently performed and sounded better with Milltek Sport’s performance exhaust systems. The company’s rapid development and launch of Ford applications have been made possible by its significant investment in its development fleet, ranging from the iconic Sierra RS Cosworth to the latest electrified Puma hybrid and Mustang Dark Horse.
Today, Milltek Sport offers an impressive 370 products for 37 Ford applications, with its portfolio including the only ECE-approved exhaust system for the Mk3 Focus RS. This makes every other performance exhaust for this model illegal for UK road use. The company’s commitment to ECE compliance is a testament to its dedication to future-proofing the UK’s modified car scene.
Milltek Sport’s products for Ford vehicles are among the most in-demand. The company’s extensive lineup includes systems for the full range of 2023 Mustang models and the latest Puma ST, with the catalyst-back systems for the Mk8 Fiesta being particularly popular. Despite the growing number of products for various brands, Milltek Sport’s offerings for Fords remain comprehensive and in high demand.
In the face of tightening emissions legislation and increased scrutiny from the DVSA, Milltek Sport is taking proactive steps to ensure its performance-enhanced Fords remain road-legal. Each new Ford system is developed with ECE approval in mind, and older systems are updated to comply with current legislation. This not only benefits UK customers but also Ford owners across many EU countries, where fitting a non-EC-approved ‘cat-back’ system is illegal.
To make the legality of its Ford applications clear, Milltek Sport has been marking all its exhaust products with their suitability for road use since 2009. Products designed for motorsport are clearly labeled as ‘not for road use,’ ensuring transparency and compliance. The company also works closely with its international dealer network to educate tuning specialists on the rules and risks associated with non-compliance.
Steve Pound, Managing Director of Milltek Sport, emphasized the importance of this approach: “Fast Fords have long been a mainstay of the modified car scene, traditionally being very affordable and having plenty of tuning potential. It would be a huge loss if that was not to continue, and by ensuring all our current and future Ford-based products meet or exceed the relevant legislation, we are doing our best to keep the brand at the forefront of modifying culture. We will always have a strong focus on Ford applications, but it is pointless manufacturing and offering products for road use that are simply illegal – as we have seen, that will only harm the industry and could ultimately lead to people not being able to modify these cars.”
Highlighting the impact of Milltek Sport’s commitment to legal and responsible tuning is its recent collaboration with Devon & Cornwall Police. The police force’s innovative Focus RS, used to engage with the modified car community and promote road safety, was fitted with a fully ECE-approved Milltek Sport exhaust system. This unique collaboration underscores the importance of adhering to stringent ECE requirements, ensuring that performance-enhanced vehicles remain legal and safe for road use.
