• Thailand debut of internationally-acclaimed new Ford Fiesta that will be built locally at AutoAlliance Thailand's Rayong plant
• Two E20-capable petrol engine choices will be offered – a 1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre
• The 1.6-litre model comes with an industry-exclusive six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission – a first-time application in Ford's small cars in Asia
• Driver-airbag and ABS breaking system is standard on all models
• Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, and a voice control system are unique hi-tech gadgetry in this segment
• A stunning and world-renowned 'Quick Change Show' will be performed for the first time in ASEAN to celebrate the Fiesta reveal
• "Feel the difference" with the full Ford lineup that includes special Focus, Escape, Everest and Ranger models

BANGKOK, Thailand, March 25, 2010 – Ford Motor Company’s new Fiesta sedan makes its ASEAN debut at the 31st Bangkok Motor Show. Two models of the Thailand-built global compact – a Highlight Silver four-door sedan and a Chilli Orange five-door hatchback – take centre stage at the automaker’s display, kicking off the show that runs from March 26-April 6.

The dynamic new Fiesta will be available with two I-4 E20-capable petrol engine configurations, with displacements of 1.4 and 1.6 litres. The 1.6-litre variation boasts a Duratec Ti-VCT (Twin-Independent Variable Cam Timing) which makes for a responsive and fuel-efficient driving experience.

The new Fiesta also will be the first Ford in ASEAN available with an advanced new six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission. This is the first time that Ford's PowerShift gearbox is applied in small cars in Asia. The six-speed PowerShift will deliver the fuel efficiency of a manual gearbox with the convenience and ease of a premium automatic transmission, as well as shift smoothness, unmatched power and torque, and best-in-class fuel efficiency.

The new Fiesta features a number of passive and active safety systems, including the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which is standard on all PowerShift models. A driver-side airbag and ABS breaking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are standard equipment on all models.

The new Fiesta will also feature cool and hi-tech gadgetry that is unique to its segment – including Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, and a voice control system.

“The new Fiesta has been making waves wherever it’s sold around the world and it will certainly make its mark in this growing segment in Thailand and ASEAN. Customers will love it for its kinetic styling, driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and advanced technology,” said Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president, Ford Thailand.

Slated for introduction in Thailand in the third quarter of 2010, the new Fiesta will be built locally at AutoAlliance Thailand's new USD 500-million passenger car production facility in Rayong.

“The exciting Fiesta will be exported throughout the entire ASEAN region, as well as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, further demonstrating Ford’s commitment to grow our business profitably in the region,” added Saroj.

With more than 500,000 sales across the globe since its introduction last year, the new Fiesta has proven to be one of Ford’s most popular models. Available in both four- and five-door configurations in Thailand, Fiesta provides an excellent balance for customers looking for a traditional sedan or the flexibility provided with a hatchback. Both models provide generous interior proportions and can easily accommodate five adults comfortably.

On the exterior, Fiesta’s exclusive kinetic design is bold and expressive. With pronounced wheel arches, the Fiesta is well planted and conveys motion even while standing still.

Visitors to the Ford stand can view a Fiesta cutaway of the body shell display, which highlights the numerous efforts behind making Fiesta one of the safest compacts on the road. It includes various types of ultra-high and high-strength steel – which are colour-coded to show where they are used in the structure of new Fiesta – helping to deliver superior crash protection and safety.

To celebrate both the Fiesta hatchback and sedan reveal, a world-renowned 'Quick Change Show' will be performed at the Ford stand during the first weekend of the Bangkok Show – on March 26-28 – with professional artists putting on their dazzling and magical routine for the first time ever in ASEAN.

The Ford stand will also feature the complete lineup of Ford vehicles in Thailand, including accessorised versions of every nameplate.

Ford Focus models on display at the Bangkok show will include a new "Finesse" trim package. A special matte-black “Monster” Focus with black wheels also will be shown at the show.

Both Ghia and Sport Focus models, equipped with TDCi 2.0-litre diesel engines, can be viewed at the Ford stand.

Ford also will display a Ranger Hi-Rider XLS, which will be fitted with special accessories, including side steps, bed liner and attractive 'Hi-Rider XLS' graphics.

Fans of sport utility vehicles will be able to interact with accessorised versions of the Ford Escape and Everest at the show.

Visitors can get detailed information on vehicle specifications, special options, promotions and pricing on all models at the Ford stand.

Ford also will unveil consumer incentive programmes on selected models:

• Ford Focus (all Benzene models): 20% down payment, 48-month instalment payment, 1.99% interest and free one-year first-class insurance
• Ford Ranger: 25% down payment, 48-month instalment payment, 1.99% interest and free one-year first-class insurance
• Ford Everest and Ford Escape: 25% down payment, 48-month instalment payment, 2.29% interest and free one-year first-class insurance

In lieu of the one-year first-class insurance, buyers can opt for a free five-year scheduled maintenance programme.