FORD'S GLOBAL BRANDS ON VIEW FOR 1ST TIME IN BEIJING; NEW CONCEPT UNVEILED TO BROADEN PRODUCT LINE-U - Speak Easy - Off Topics - Team Focus - Come On In And Enjoy The Company!
FORD'S GLOBAL BRANDS ON VIEW FOR 1ST TIME IN BEIJING; NEW CONCEPT UNVEILED TO BROADEN PRODUCT LINE-UP
BEIJING, June 8 - With its global brands assembled together for the first time in Beijing, Ford Motor Company today unveiled a concept version of the all-new Ford Focus.
"We're doing more than introducing a concept car," said Mark Schulz, executive vice president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. "We're building a automotive company. And we're doing that by showing China the fuller capabilities of Ford Motor Company around the world. Over time, we want our China operations to resemble what we have established in Europe and North America. But to do that, we need to let the Chinese consumer know the kind of company we are and the kind of cars and trucks we build all around the world. This display at Auto China 2004 shows the design and technological capabilities of Ford in greater depth than has ever been seen here before."
On display at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing is a broad range of the cars and trucks that Ford designs, builds and sells in North America, Europe and Australia.
Joining them are Ford Motor Company's global luxury brands. Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover are present at the Beijing show for the first time and join Volvo, a regular participant.
Mark Fields, executive vice president Ford of Europe and the Premier Automotive Group, said, "The Chinese market represents a great opportunity for Ford Motor Company's premium brands. We are expanding our product display significantly at this show, led by the Aston Martin DB9, the all-aluminum Jaguar XJ, the Land Rover Discovery 3 and the Volvo S40. We are offering all-new premium products to Chinese customers, with strong, authentic brands and leading-edge technology."
In addition to these are displays from Ford's longstanding partner, Mazda which is enjoying a parade of new products around the world along with its best financial results in ten years.
"This is an exciting time for all of us in China," said Mei-Wei Cheng, Ford vice president and chairman of Ford Motor China. "There is nothing like seeing a new car or truck for the first time. It's something you remember for a very long time. Now, as never before, the Chinese consumers can experience what we have to offer and appreciate the capabilities that stand behind fine Ford products like the Mondeo, Fiesta, Maverick and Transit that are already on sale here."
Also making its debut at Auto China 2004 is the Ford Mondeo 2.5-liter V6, the newest member and flagship model of the best-selling Mondeo products in China. "After the public launch in February, the Mondeo that we now build in China has been selling very well and is regarded by news media as 'setting a new higher standard for the mid-size sedan in China,'" Cheng said. "The Mondeo 2.5-liter V6 has an outstanding powertrain and is loaded with attractive features that Chinese customers like. I am confident Mondeo 2.5-liter V6 will further enhance the success and help elevate the Ford brand to a new height."
"We brought many cars and trucks to this show that are not sold in China to see the reactions from consumers," Cheng said. "If the interest and demand are there, we will do all we can to make them available," Cheng said.
"When you look at all of these together, you really can appreciate what Ford does every day around the world," Schulz said. "Take the Ford GT - the pace car for the entire company - for one. And what could be more American than the Mustang? If these weren't enough, we have the technologically advanced Maverick Hybrid that offers a real breakthrough in both fuel economy and emissions. Everything is here - excitement, the latest technology, tough trucks, the ultimate in luxury, and yes, affordable dependable transportation like the Fiesta and Focus. We've brought to Beijing our very best. I think that, over time, more and more Chinese consumers will be very pleased to do business with us and our dealers," Schulz noted.
The following cars and trucks are on display at the China International Exhibition Center:
Aston Martin
Aston Martin Vanquish, Aston Martin DB9, "James Bond" Vanquish.
Ford
Ford Focus concept, Mondeo 2.5L V6, Mondeo Ghia X, Fiesta 1.6L, 2005 Maverick XLT sport utility, Maverick Hybrid sport utility, Fusion Plus, Ford C-Max, Territory, Falcon, Ford GT, Mustang GT.
