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Ford Wows with Exciting New China Line-Up; SUVs and New Focus Displayed at Auto China 2012

explorer auto china 2012

  • 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
BEIJING, April 23, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today 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. 
 
"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 EcoSport and the Full Range of SUVs
 
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. 
 
Technology that Goes Further
 
Ford's global leadership in technology is highlighted at Auto China 2012 with the global launch of the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Ford's first three-cylinder engine brings technology breakthroughs that deliver power, fuel efficiency and low carbon dioxide emissions through turbo-charging and direct injection, while offering power and performance that will rival a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. 
 
To be built and manufactured in China, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine builds upon Ford's global sustainability solutions and extends the family of Ford EcoBoost engines available in China to 1.0-, 1.6- and 2.0-litre.
 
A Ford Stand Pulsating with Excitement
 
The Ford stand at Auto China 2012 has been transformed with more smart, green and safe technology displays than ever, with interactive features sure to deliver an engaging, lively and fun experience for visitors and car enthusiasts.
 
A major highlight is the Crowd Game, allowing the audience to take control of the all-new EcoSport virtually. Using a motion-sensing camera, the crowd can collectively take control of the SUV as it drives down the road, unlocking information along the way. The display screen shows the EcoSport on the road and the crowd will be prompted to lean left or right steering the vehicle toward its destination. A quick replay at the end of the journey allows for photos of participants to be uploaded onto a personalised website where visitors can view themselves and share with friends.
 
The interactivity on Ford’s 2012 show stand extends beyond the Crowd Game audience virtual participation to include the Living Connected Experience. Through the use of augmented reality; visitors can drive with motorsports star Ken Block and actually become part of the action as Ken drives around participants, making them part of the scene on a big screen
 
The EcoBoost Touch Table provides participants with a hands-on opportunity to experience the benefits of the EcoBoost engine technology and to recognise the long-term value of Ford's green technology for fuel-economy-minded consumers, delivering on Ford's commitment to customers and to the environment.
 
The Explorer Cutaway gives visitors the opportunity to see inside the body shell of a premium Explorer SUV, exposing the myriad engineering and technology features that make it safe, sturdy and secure on the road.
 
Guests and families can be entertained by a magician who performs regularly on the stand, communicating Ford's safe-driving messages in a fun and informative way.
 
The Ford display also features the first-ever Blue Oval Card at this year’s show, offering visitors a more focused, personalized experience they can share with their family and friends. Visitors can register at the Ford stand to receive a Blue Oval Card, which they can then use to access relevant content throughout their time on the Ford stand. Visitors can also capture videos that play on the Ford stand, and share an on-stand photo with their friends online
 
The Auto China 2012 international automotive exhibition takes place April 27-May 2, 2012 in Beijing at the China International Exhibition (Jinganzhuang).

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

 
Ford's wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and investment in China include Ford Motor (China) Limited, Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., Ford Automotive Finance (China) Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. Nanjing Company, Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., Ltd. and Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd.
For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com and www.ford.com.cn