Ford Motor Co. — punctuating its aspirations for China’s growing small-car market — unveiled a new Focus sedan concept today in Beijing.
The concept, scheduled to go into production later this year, is a harbinger of Focus models destined for Europe, China and Asia Pacific.
Ford chose the Bejing auto show — called Auto China 2004 — to introduce a new Focus concept because it sees China and the Asia Pacific region as fertile sales territory.
“China and Asia Pacific are now the epicenter of global growth,” said Mark Schulz, executive vice president for Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa operations. “This show is a key competitive arena for the new-generation Focus.”
The automaker trails rivals in entering the booming Chinese market. Last week, Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford told Wall Street analysts that China will account for 90 percent of the industry’s global sales growth.
The concept car assures the Focus will be a part of Ford’s lineup well into the next decade. Sleeker and more muscular than the current car, the Focus concept is based on a vehicle platform — chassis, suspension and frame — also used for the Mazda3, a pair of small cars from Volvo and the Ford Focus C-Max, a small wagon.
The Focus sold in North America is not due for a significant redesign until 2007. “It’s now a decent product,” said Guido Vildozo, market analyst with Global Insight Inc.
Ford will consolidate North American Focus production in Wayne next year.
Source: The Detroit News
The concept, scheduled to go into production later this year, is a harbinger of Focus models destined for Europe, China and Asia Pacific.
Ford chose the Bejing auto show — called Auto China 2004 — to introduce a new Focus concept because it sees China and the Asia Pacific region as fertile sales territory.
“China and Asia Pacific are now the epicenter of global growth,” said Mark Schulz, executive vice president for Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa operations. “This show is a key competitive arena for the new-generation Focus.”
The automaker trails rivals in entering the booming Chinese market. Last week, Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford told Wall Street analysts that China will account for 90 percent of the industry’s global sales growth.
The concept car assures the Focus will be a part of Ford’s lineup well into the next decade. Sleeker and more muscular than the current car, the Focus concept is based on a vehicle platform — chassis, suspension and frame — also used for the Mazda3, a pair of small cars from Volvo and the Ford Focus C-Max, a small wagon.
The Focus sold in North America is not due for a significant redesign until 2007. “It’s now a decent product,” said Guido Vildozo, market analyst with Global Insight Inc.
Ford will consolidate North American Focus production in Wayne next year.
Source: The Detroit News