Ford reveils 2012 Ford EcoSport and 2012 Ford Focus ST, Ford Explorer and Ford Kuga
Ford Motor Company unveiled four exciting new vehicles at Auto China 2012, pulling out all stops to capture the attention of thousands of Chinese consumers at Asia’s largest and most important auto show and delivering on its promise to introduce 15 new vehicles in China by 2015.
Three sport utility vehicles – the all-new EcoSport, the all-new Kuga, and the Explorer – were unveiled, taking centre stage on a stand packed with stunning Ford vehicles and new, smart technologies.
Ford, which already provides the very popular Ford Edge for Chinese SUV fans, has signalled its intention to take leadership in the important SUV car class in the dynamic Chinese auto market.
• Ford’s “15X15” promise– With four new vehicles,Ford delivers on aggressive growth strategy of bringing 15 new vehicles to China by 2015
• SUVs – EcoSport, Kuga, Edge, Explorer –signal Ford’s ambitions for China and that Ford is serious about taking leadership in this segment
• Focus ST –Truly global performance car, building on the heritage of previous ST models, evolved to allow drivers around the world to experience all that the ST badge represents
• 1.0-litre EcoBoost launch in China – Ford continues to deliver global sustainability solutions
“We are working hard to secure the avid interest of Chinese car enthusiasts with these new and exciting Ford vehicles loaded with green and smart technologies,” said Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.
“With the opening of our latest state-of-the-art brand new manufacturing facilities in Chongqing and the continued, rapid expansion of a family of vehicles in every class that Chinese consumers want and value, Ford is committed to China.
“We are ready to demonstrate aggressive growth this year in China, the most exciting car market in the world.”
Also unveiled on the Ford stand at the show was the Ford Focus ST five-door hatchback, the first truly global performance car to be introduced by Ford in China.
Focus ST builds on the heritage of previous ST models introduced in Europe and gives Chinese drivers the opportunity to share the exhilarating performance, harmonious balance, excellent handling, and sporty design Ford’s ST badge represents. With innovative technologies throughout, the Focus ST is very fuel efficient too.
Still further, and in addition to the four new vehicles unveiled at Auto China 2012, Ford gave front stand attention to the New Focus, the China-built, just-introduced sporty mid-size car, which provides an irresistible driving experience and is loaded with new, smart technologies.
With a May production launch just days away, the New Focus will be built at the new, ultra-modern USD 500 million Chongqing 2 Plant.
In a major advancement, Ford‘s award-winning, hands-free, voice-activated in-car connectivity system SYNC with Mandarin will be offered to customers in China with the introduction of the New Focus.
Ford’s four SUVs are the centrepiece of a showcase of vehicles on display to bring Ford‘s extraordinary and celebrated SUV lineage to the attention of customers at the most important auto show in the Asia Pacific and Africa region.
The Kuga, the EcoSport, the Edge and the Explorer all appeal to Chinese consumers, by offering versatility and practicality for urban use.
The all-new Ford EcoSport, the latest One Ford global product to be revealed in China, is expanding Ford‘s footprint in the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic auto markets.
The clever and fun-to-drive new small SUV – which will be produced at the ultra-modern, flexible Chongqing assembly plant – is the perfect fit for today’s urban adventurer, offering voice-activated smart technologies, impressive horsepower and great fuel economy from an EcoBoost engine.
Generous space for passengers in the cabin and loads of luggage in the rear is also available.
The all-new Ford Kuga is a smart utility vehicle offering clever technology including a motion-sensing hands-free tailgate, SYNC with MyFord Touch, Lane Keeping Aid, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®).
The smart features provide a family ownership experience that is safe, convenient and recreational. Chinese consumers will be impressed with the Kuga’s intuitive nature, with advanced software and sensors placed in 25 locations which make it an adept and motivating off-roader, fully capable of analyzing drive path conditions.
The Ford Explorer is the iconic Ford SUV, with its brute power characteristics, generous space and meticulous attention to craftsmanship. With a luxurious and premium driving and cabin experience, replete with class-leading in-cabin technology and the Terrain Management System, the Explorer is an efficient and effortless city and highway vehicle.
The Explorer offers the highest level of safety detail, including the world’s first second-row inflatable seatbelts, side curtain airbags, BLIS, post-crash alert system and Collision Warning by Braking support as just some of the many examples of safety technology embedded in the premium vehicle.
The Ford Edge – available to Chinese consumers now – is the “all-rounder crossover” SUV offering on- and off-road dynamism, detailed safety and entertainment features and great fuel-saving qualities.
Source: Ford
