Paul Tan's Automotive News » Ford

New Ford Focus Titanium hatchback sighted at SDAC PJ

Paul Tan — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:57:55 +0000

It looks like the new Ford Ranger isn’t the only car that Sime Darby Auto ConneXion will be busy with this year – a LYN forumer redbull_y2k posted these two pictures of a 2012 Ford Focus Titanium at what appears to be a Chinese New Year Lion Dance program at the SDAC PJ 3S center.

What do you think – looks pretty good eh? I’m not sure what this means though in terms of launch date, as SDAC has a history of bringing in future models for different purposes way before the actual launch date.

For example, before the Fiesta was launched, they brought in a 1.4 liter automatic unit from Singapore for teaser roadshows and we even reviewed that particular car in Driven.

Later, customers also reported sighting the Mondeo EcoBoost and S-MAX EcoBoost at the same PJ 3S center way before the launch.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Join the Malaysia Ranger Challenge to win yourself your very own all-new Ranger XLT 2.2L Manual!

Paul Tan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:28:58 +0000

The Malaysian leg of the Global Ranger Challenge has officially kicked off, giving us Malaysians a chance to put the famous “Built Ford Tough” claim to the ultimate test by taking the new Ranger through tough, real-life challenges.

Submit your ideas for the challenge at the Malaysia Ranger Challenge website, and five lucky entrants will be selected to get behind the wheel to turn their idea into reality.

Not only will these five be the first consumers in Malaysia to test the Ranger T6, the one with the best challenge (as chosen by the public) will drive away with his/her very own new Ranger XLT 2.2L Manual!

Examples of challenges might be testing if it’s comfy enough to camp in it for 48 hours straight, or show what you would tow with it’s towing capacity of over 3 tonnes, or even testing its horsepower and torque by taking it off-road. Be creative about it – you can check out the Global Ranger Challenge of other countries such as Australia or South Africa to get some inspiration.

Entries can be submitted to www.fordrangerchallenge.com.my. Submit your idea in the form of a short story of 200 words or less, or a recorded video. A new Ranger will then be loaned to each of the five finalists, who will carry out their nominated challenge with the help of a professional film crew provided by Ford. Footage will be uploaded to the Global Ford Ranger Challenge website for the public to view and vote.

The winner of the truck will be announced at the launch event of the new Ranger in Malaysia. Additionally, people who vote online will be entered into a lucky draw for a range of prizes. Online voting will happen throughout the month of May.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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New Ford Ranger in camouflage spotted, it’s coming soon!

Danny Tan — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:31:28 +0000

Yours truly was in Shah Alam yesterday when this camouflaged truck came into sight. It was heading towards the Guthrie Expressway, so I stopped at a petrol station to swap seats with my passenger. Camera out and ready, I realised that the “mystery truck” in question is the new Ford Ranger.

Covered in black and white swirl patterns to confuse and distract, we can still see the outline of the Blue Oval logo on the tailgate. In any case, the three square tail lamp design is a giveaway, and looking at the large size of the thing, it can’t possibly be any of the one-tonne pick-up trucks on sale today.

On the Guthrie, we overtook the truck for the side profile and front views you see here. And the front shots confirm that it is indeed the Ranger T6.

Recently, we saw a video of a blue new Ranger towing all its rivals, and now this. Looks like the second quarter 2012 local launch of the new truck is right on track. We will be getting the new 150 hp/375 Nm 2.2-litre engine, paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

The range topping 3.2-litre Wildtrack model is not yet confirmed for now, but we think it’s a matter of time before the fully decked out “ultimate Ranger” hits town.

We have been previously told that the 2.2L Ranger will be competitively priced against rivals, and not far away from the outgoing Ranger. At launch, only the dual-cab XLT will be offered; other cab styles and the XL will come later. The Wildtrak model, if brought in, will be priced to match the Hilux 3.0 and Triton 3.2, despite boasting a longer kit list.

We’ve driven the new Ranger in Thailand already, and think that it’s a truck worth waiting for. Watch out for the test drive report!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Malaysians to take on new Ford Ranger in the “Global Ford Ranger Challenge” – winner drives the truck home!

Danny Tan — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:34:52 +0000

Ford will officially kick off the “Global Ford Ranger Challenge” tomorrow (1 February), a unique, worldwide experiential marketing campaign leading up to the launch of the all-new Ford Ranger later this year. The campaign will give Malaysians a chance to put the famous “Built Ford Tough” claim to the ultimate test by taking the new Ranger through tough, real-life challenges.

You can begin submitting ideas for the challenge online tomorrow and five lucky entrants will be selected to get behind the wheel to turn their idea into reality. Not only will these five be the first consumers in Malaysia to test the Ranger T6, the one with the best challenge (as chosen by the public) will drive away with his/her very own new Ranger XLT 2.2L Manual!

Entries can be submitted to www.fordrangerchallenge.com.my or via Facebook. The time frame is from 1 Feb to 15 March, and the finalists will be announced on 31 March. A new Ranger will then be loaned to each of the five finalists, who will carry out their nominated challenge with the help of a professional film crew provided by Ford. Footage will be uploaded to the Global Ford Ranger Challenge website for the public to view and vote.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford’s 1.0 litre EcoBoost mill set to make market debut in March, to be available across the Focus model range

Anthony Lim — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:06 +0000

Ford’s new 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine is set to make its market debut in the UK, across the Ford Focus range starting from next month. The turbocharged, direct injection three-cylinder mill, which was officially unveiled in Frankfurt last year, will be available with two power levels, these being 125 PS and 100 PS.

The 125 PS output tune delivers 170 Nm of peak torque (200 Nm with overboost) between 1,400 and 4,500rpm, giving it the highest power density of any Ford production engine to date. In terms of numbers, this is equivalent in terms of power to the naturally-aspirated 1.6 litre Duratec Ti-VCT engine as found in the Focus, while the torque from the EcoBoost shades the 159 Nm in the NA 1.6 (conversely, the 1.6 Ti-VCT in the Fiesta here has 122 PS and 148 Nm).

After its debut in the Focus, the UK-developed engine is set to feature in the C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and all-new B-MAX later this year.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Fiesta facelift begins testing on public roads

Paul Tan — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:54:32 +0000

The latest Ford Fiesta was first introduced as the Verve concept in the second half of 2007, and went into production as the Fiesta in late 2008. Well, it’s 2012 now, which means it’s just about time for a mid-life facelift for the Fiesta, and we believe this set of photos that our European spy photo provider SB-MEDIEN managed to capture should be the facelifted Fiesta.

There’s not much changes on the rear of this particular test mule – everything looks identical to the current Fiesta on sale. But there seems to be big changes at the front as Ford has piled on the disguise pretty heavy. We can also spot daytime running lights installed in the headlamps, which also look slimmer. The engine hood is also different – it now has four creases on it for a more pronounced ‘nose’, instead of the current Fiesta’s engine hood which is flat.

All of these design cues are reflected on the Ford Fiesta ST Concept which made its debut at Frankfurt last year. The Fiesta ST Concept also had reshaped slimmer headlamps, and an engine hood similiar to that installed on this test mule.

It looks like those new design cues won’t be unique to the ST, as this test mule is definitely not an ST, as if you look into the detailed photos in the gallery below you’ll see that this test mule uses rear drum brakes, which points to a non-high performance Ford Fiesta.

Another interesting fact about this set of spyshots is a snap of the logbook inside the car, which reveals the engine under the hood – it says 1.0 GDI 80hp. This might be a three cylinder normally aspirated 1.0 liter petrol engine with direct injection technology.

A few other engines are planned for the Fiesta, like an EcoBoost version of the 3-pot 1.0 liter that makes either 100 PS or 125 PS in two different tunes. The 125 PS version will probably replace the current 1.6 liter Ti-VCT engine, while the 100 PS version would be a nice replacement for the 1.4 liter.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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VIDEO: 2011 Ford Ranger towing four other rival trucks!

Paul Tan — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:08:06 +0000

Ford Malaysia has a pretty good track record when it comes to fun and creative ways to promote the popular Ford Ranger truck, which some consider the “bread and butter” of Ford in Malaysia before the successful launch of the Fiesta hatchback.

Reader Hafiz spotted this latest generation Ford Ranger that’s yet to be launched in Malaysia while he was driving his Proton Satria Neo. It didn’t have any disguise on, but it wasn’t just being driven around for testing purposes either.

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion actually had the blue Ranger tow a total of four black trucks – from the rearmost truck in order we have the previous generation Ranger, the Mitsubishi Triton, the Toyota Hilux, and the Isuzu D-MAX! The feat looked so incredible that Hafiz thought he was looking at a Ford F150 at first, not a Ranger which is a segment below.

The most powerful turbodiesel latest-generation Ford Ranger available uses a five-cylinder 3.2 litre unit that puts out 200 PS and strong 470 Nm of torque. That’s more torque than some of the strongest diesel trucks and SUVs in Malaysia! A smaller engine is also available – a 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with 150 PS and 375 Nm of torque, not bad for an engine down 300cc on capacity compared to its rivals.

Looks like a brilliant teaser campaign to me, although when we asked Sime Darby Auto ConnneXion, they claimed they were just testing towing payload for JPJ-type approval We still think it’s some kind of intentional teaser though!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford’s Malaysia sales up by 145% in 2011, led by Fiesta

Danny Tan — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:04:01 +0000

Ford today announced that 2011 retail sales in Malaysia rose 145% from the previous year to 7,188 vehicles. This big jump represents the brand’s best annual performance since 1997. Ford is distributed here by Sime Darby AutoConnexion.

Unsurprisingly, the fantastic result owes a lot to the popularity of the Ford Fiesta, the sharply styled and feature rich B-segment global car. 2011 was the first full year of sales for the Fiesta, which found 4,297 new homes.

Before the Fiesta, the Ford name here has been synonymous with “Ranger” for the longest time, and sales of the pick-up truck rose more than 17% to 2,274 units. Sales of the C-segment Focus also increased 58% from the previous year to 263 units.

“This is an outstanding achievement for both Ford and our partner Sime Darby AutoConnexion, and highlights the unmatched commitment we have to our business and our customers in Malaysia,” said David Westerman, Regional Manager, Asia Pacific, Ford Export & Growth Operations.

Last year, Sime Darby AutoConnexion launched the S-MAX MPV and the facelifted Mondeo, both powered by 2.0-litre Ecoboost turbocharged engines. 2012 will see the local launch of the all new Ford Ranger “and other segment defining products,” teased Westerman.

Could the new Focus be one of these “segment defining” cars? Thai production of the new Focus will begin around mid-year at the company’s new plant at Rayong, and the C-segment entry could sneak in before 2012 comes to a close.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Thai production of new Ford Focus to start in mid 2012

Danny Tan — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:01:42 +0000

Whenever a Ford topic crops up, there are sure to be requests for new models and complaints that we’re not getting what Europe or US is getting. Once again, it’s not as simple as cherry picking any model from any market – local Ford reps must follow their principal’s global direction and masterplan. Here’s some of the plans revealed, and it will cheer some of you hankering for the new Focus.

Bangkok Post reports that Thai production of the new Focus will begin around mid-year at the company’s new plant at Rayong. This US$450-million facility is part of Ford’s aggressive expansion strategy in Asia Pacific and Africa. The Focus meanwhile, is a “One Ford” product, a global car to suit all markets.

The C-segment car was first built in Germany in December 2010, before production started in Michigan, USA. Mid last year, production began in St. Petersburg, Russia. Now is the turn of Thailand for ASEAN, and a new Ford factory in Chongqing will supply the vast Chinese market this year.

The current Focus sold in Malaysia and Thailand is imported from the Philippines, which will cease to make the car once production shifts to our northern neighbour.

The report adds that the Focus will make an appearance at the Bangkok International Motor Show in March, with an official launch planned for mid-year. Apparently, there will be no TDCi option, just 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol engines at launch.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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New Ford Fusion previews next-gen Mondeo for the world

Danny Tan — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:51:45 +0000

With the Detroit press days fast approaching, we’re seeing plenty of online reveals before the actual thing happens in Cobo Hall. Earlier, we saw the sporty Dodge Dart and the 3-Series targeting Cadillac ATS, now it’s Ford’s turn with the new Fusion, making it a trio of good looking Americans. The Fusion is a D-segment entry in the popular American “midsize” segment with the Camry, Accord, Malibu and Sonata.

It’s a big departure from the current car in the looks department. Featuring a sleek silhouette and an Aston Martin-esque nose, the all-new Fusion is the latest model to come under the Blue Oval’s “One Ford” strategy, which calls for global models to suit every market. The Fiesta and Focus are the other main pillars in the strategy. Do see this Fusion as a preview of the next gen Ford Mondeo.

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what ‘One Ford’ stands for. We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with ground breaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result,” said Derrick Kuzak, Group VP of Global Product Development.

Drivetrain choices are extensive – customers can choose from hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder turbos, a normally aspirated four-pot, an automatic start stop system, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manual six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-litre EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost paired with a paddle-shift six-speed auto on the other hand, is the performance option. The latter can be had with 19-inch wheels and AWD with the ability to send additional torque to the rear.

The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – now comes with lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than the current nickel-metal hydride type, while raising max speed under electric-only power from 75 to 100 km/h.

It also features a new 2.0L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, downsized from the previous 2.5L while maintaining performance. Ford claims that fuel economy will outperform the Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

Want to go further? The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid will be launched this fall, and it’s aiming 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model, says Ford.

New tech features include Lane Keeping System, Adaptive cruise control, Active park assist, Blind Spot Information System, SYNC communications and entertainment system and the latest version of MyFord Touch.

The Mondeo is the best driver’s car in the non premium badged D-segment market, and the next one should have no problems maintaining the reputation. “This really is a driver’s car. Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations,” said John Jraiche, program manager.

The Fusion will be sold in S, SE and range-topping Titanium trim levels.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford EcoSport is ASEAN-bound – SUV is third of eight global One Ford offerings slated for the region by 2015

Anthony Lim — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:53:55 +0000

Ford has confirmed that the EcoSport SUV, which was officially introduced at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi, will be coming to ASEAN markets. The vehicle is the third of eight all new global One Ford vehicles destined for the region by around 2015.

Developed by Ford’s Development Center in Camaçari, Brazil, the EcoSport sits on the company’s global B-segment platform, which will provide the basis for a family of vehicles expected to eventually represent two million units annually.

Ford has big plans for the vehicle, and says that the SUV is a significant linchpin in its plans to achieve its goal of increasing worldwide sales by nearly 50% by mid-decade to eight million vehicles a year, of which 60% to 70% of sales is expected to come from the Asia Pacific and Africa region.

No introduction dates have yet been bandied for the EcoSport in the ASEAN market, but the company says that it’ll be produced at Ford Thailand Manufacturing’s facility in Rayong, Thailand.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford EcoSport SUV debuts in Delhi Auto Expo – global offering to eventually be introduced in nearly 100 markets

Anthony Lim — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:53:37 +0000

Ford has premiered its all-new EcoSport compact SUV at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi, India. It’s the second model to bear the name, the first-generation model being launched in Brazil in 2003.

Despite the debut, Ford is essentially introducing the vehicle in stages – the exterior design is the first aspect of the EcoSport to be previewed, with Ford saying that more details are to be released in the coming months.

Indeed, there’s not much technically on the EcoSport beyond the fact that the Indian launch vehicle wears the company’s new 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost mill, in 120 hp and 170 Nm form. The engine is the first EcoBoost unit to be introduced in India.

Exterior-wise, the SUV features Ford’s new global design language, with a short, raked hood and distinctive profile. Modern, oblique headlamps frame a high-mounted trapezoidal grille, which gives the vehicle a signature Ford face.

Design cues include a steeply raked windshield, as well as blacked out B-pillars that unify the side glass into one elegant shape, to help convey a clean, modern profile.

The rear of the vehicle features a large rear window, which wraps around to the sides along with distinctive taillights. A signature visual cue is the spare tyre, which is attached to a swing-out door.

While the interior remains to be seen, the company says that the cabin will feature the same levels of craftsmanship, material quality and quietness as found in its other new-generation global products found currently.

The choice of India for the vehicle’s global debut is in line with the company’s view of the growing importance of that market; the EcoSport is the second of eight products Ford plans to bring to India by 2015.

The EcoSport – which will eventually be sold in nearly 100 markets worldwide – will be produced at ultra-modern, flexible assembly plants in India and Brazil, as well as other markets to be announced at a later time.

Live photos from New Delhi thanks to Motorbeam.com and Ford APA.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ex-champ Petter Solberg to drive for Ford in WRC 2012

Danny Tan — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:55:46 +0000

Former WRC champion Petter Solberg will drive for Ford in next year’s World Rally Championship, after completing a test for the works team. The name is no stranger to rally fans, but if you don’t follow the sport, there’s a chance you might have seen ‘Solberg’ on the rear window of a Subaru rally car replica.

The Norwegian (they’re all Scandinavian) is 37-years old now, and he last won the WRC title in 2003 with Subaru. He hasn’t been out of the sport, though, running his own team for the past three seasons.

Solberg signed a single year deal with Ford, and he takes the place of Mikko Hirvonen, who’s leaving for Citroen. In the game of WRC musical chairs, Mikko is taking the place of Sebastien Ogier, who has gone to join the new Volkswagen WRC team.

Solberg will partner Jari-Matti Latvala, who is Ford’s lead driver. To be co-driven by Chris Patterson, the ex Subaru man will be driving a Ford (the Fiesta WRC) for the first time since Rally Finland 2000.

“The addition of Petter Solberg to the team brings one of the sport’s most experienced and flamboyant drivers back to the team where he started his top-level career. A drivers’ world title and 13 world rally victories are testament to his abilities and his vast experience will be a great asset to our line-up,” said Ford of Europe’s senior manager for motorsport, Gerard Quinn.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford’s Driving Skills For Life kicks off in Malaysia

Anthony Lim — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:18:50 +0000

Ford brought its hugely successful global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme to Malaysia for the first time last weekend. Held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), the event – which ran over two days, on December 17-18 – saw a total of 84 licensed drivers participating.

The Ford DSFL programme imparts safe driving skills in four key areas, these being hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management. It includes both classroom and practical trainings sessions to help educate drivers of all levels in safe-driving skills.

The participants in the four sessions over the two days included Fiesta and Focus customers, who began with the classroom session learning about proper seat positioning, correct steering control, understanding understeer and oversteer, as well as getting tips on highway driving, driving in the rain, as well as other general dos and don’ts on the road.

The segment also covered Ford specific safety features such ABS, electronic stability program (ESP) and traction control system (TCS). As for the practical session, crucial skills such as the correct ABS braking technique, obstacle avoidance, ESP and a typically eventful slalom course were to be had.

I popped by on Sunday evening, when the last batch of attendees were going through the practical session exercises – while the coursework covered basic points, it proved valuable and highly informative to the participants, many of whom experienced the full workings of ESP in action for the very first time.

A Fiesta 1.4 manual was used to showcase the effects – or rather, the lack of – ESP, and when the tyres on that one had gone south from doing one too many skid control runs, a Focus sedan took over duties. The latter did a sterling job of highlighting the differences of not having and having electronic driver-aids to assist under volatile road conditions, all achieved with the simple switch of a button.

The participants came away suitably impressed with the programme. “A big thank you for organising such a wonderful programme and giving me the opportunity to learn what driving school didn’t teach me. My colleagues and friends are amazed that Ford is helping raise awareness on such a large scale – this is essential for today’s drivers,” one said about the programme.

Meanwhile, Ford is glad to do its bit to educate drivers. “Ford is proud to provide our global Driving Skills for Life programme to drivers in Malaysia, and to try and help make a difference on the roads here by raising awareness of safe driving practices,” said David Westerman, regional manager, Ford Export & Growth Operations.

“People are taking to the road in ever-greater numbers, often without the training to drive properly or the fundamental understanding of driving skills. Driver training, education and public awareness are imperative to making a difference,” Westerman added.

The event, which it effectively picked up the tab for, was a great move by Ford – each participant only had to pay a nominal RM50 confirmation fee to take part, a token sum merely to ensure that those who confirmed showed up (to preempt the tendency to say ‘yes’ and not show, which tends to happen a fair bit); it hardly made a dent in covering the total cost of the event.

The game’s well and truly on though, and plans are afoot for more DFSL programmes to run in 2012, so Ford owners, you’ll want to be in for the next one!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Ecosport is a Fiesta based SUV, web images leaked

Danny Tan — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:48:40 +0000

Click to enlarge screen shot

Ford is coming out with a SUV version of its successful B-segment Fiesta, and it will be called EcoSport. Rumoured to be bound for the India Auto Expo in January 2012, pics of the new model has been leaked online. IndianAutosBlog carried some reader captured screen caps and it reveals that EcoBoost tech will be present in the SUV.

The Indian report goes on to say that the engine in question is the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. This three-cylinder turbocharged Ti-VCT mill produces the power of a normal 1.6 petrol in the higher of its two outputs, but with much lower consumption and more torque, and is part of Ford’s downsized DI + turbo engine range. We have an in depth piece on this cool little engine – click here to read more.

A rendering of how the Ford EcoSport mini SUV might look like

Besides the 1.0 EcoBoost, Indians will require a diesel engine as well, and the Fiesta’s 1.5-litre oil burner should be carried over. The footprint of the EcoSport is expected to be small, about the size of the Perodua Kembara.

India and China are two big markets that will be producing the EcoSport. If they decide to make it in Thailand, we might stand a chance of getting one, too.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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2013 Ford Escape debuts in LA – call it the Kuga too!

Anthony Lim — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:23:29 +0000

Ford has debuted the 2013 Ford Escape at the Los Angeles Auto Show – the SUV enters the North American market next year in both front-wheel and 4WD guise, with three four-cylinder powertrain choices to pick from – a normally-aspirated 2.5 litre as well as 2.0 and 1.6 litre EcoBoost versions.

The new Escape will also feature globally – it will be known as the Ford Kuga in Europe and China, with unique powertrains and features for those markets. Set to make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the vehicle is slated to be introduced in China next spring.

In terms of outputs, the 2.5 litre NA unit will offer 168 hp and 226 Nm, while the 2.0 EcoBoost will have 237 hp and 338 Nm, and the 1.6 EcoBoost 173 hp and 240 Nm. All three engine choices are mated to a SelectShift Automatic six-speed, which for the EcoBoost mills are specially calibrated. The gearbox features revised gear ratios and a new torque converter for improved driving feel and smoother shifts.

The vehicle features more cargo volume behind the first and second rows than the outgoing Escape, and Ford says that it has driving dynamics that make the drive experience more engaging on-road, with a new Ford Intelligent 4WD System providing even better traction off-road. It’s also nearly 10% more aerodynamic than the current Escape, as well as 20% stiffer in terms of overall body structure.

Inside the cabin, improved materials and execution highlight the interior, and the list includes a soft-touch instrument panel, wrapped, padded and stitched door armrests and the elimination of exposed fasteners in the glove box and sun visor pivots, among others. Versatility in cargo carrying continues the roll – the car has an available two-position load floor, which can be configured to allow the choice of maximum luggage volume or a flat load floor.

Among the tech features is a hands-free power liftgate that allows quick and easy access to the cargo hold. The liftgate is enabled by motion technology – a gentle kicking motion under the centre of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob, allowing quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig out keys. The same process closes the hatch.

Elsewhere, there’s a panorama Vista sunroof, active park assist, a sensor-based Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, SYNC with MyFord Touch in the mix, as well as an enhanced Personal Safety System with new safety belt technologies and seven airbags.

A host of exterior colours abound, led by Ginger Ale, an earthy metallic tone. There’s also Ruby Red, White Platinum Tricoat, Frosted Glass Metallic, Deep Impact Blue and Kodiak Brown, along with Tuxedo Black, Sterling Gray Metallic, Ingot Silver Metallic and Oxford White.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Mustang Boss 302: a homage to the ’70s legend

Anthony Lim — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:32:24 +0000

‘Tis the season to be draped in yellow – you’ve seen the Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee and the Challenger SRT8 392 Yellow Jacket, and now, here’s the 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302. The edition – and the Boss Laguna Seca – features a heritage-inspired School Bus Yellow paint job that honours Parnelli Jones’ 1970 Trans-Am championship car prepared by Bud Moore.

The Boss 302 also features a new, reflective hockey stick graphics package, which gets its first modern application on a production car, the company says. The reflective stripes – which follows the classic hockey stick motif by going over the fender and extending down the body panel – come to life when lights hit them, similar to how they did in 1970 on the Mustang Boss 302.

As for the Boss Laguna Seca, this one delivers race-ready suspension, aerodynamic details and a removed rear seat, and features new Sterling Gray accents and black paint offerings, complemented by hockey stick stripes and a grey interior rear cross-brace.

Grey is also to be found on the front grille, mirror caps and rear pedestal spoiler on this one, while Laguna Seca rear badging and unique two-tone gray and silver wheels round out the version’s exterior accents.

Compared to the base Mustang, the front end of the Boss offers a more powerful design with a more prominent grille, as well as a more powerful splitter and functional hood extractors. The car also gets new signature lighting, with standard HID headlamps and LED-surround taillamps.

Elsewhere, the grille features removable covers where fog lamps would be – for improved cooling on track days, the covers can be easily removed with a screwdriver. Additionally, the rear end features a high-gloss black panel that connects the taillamps, which have a smoked finish.

The 444 hp and 515 Nm Boss has a race-inspired clutch, with upgraded friction materials, and a short-throw, close-ratio six-speed manual. Power is delivered to a 3.73-ratio rear axle using carbon fibre plates in the LSD to improve handling and longevity, though an optional torque-sensing (Torsen) LSD is available, coupled with Recaro front seats.

The Boss also gets a revised suspension, with adjustable shocks and struts, higher-rate coil springs all around, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabiliser bar, and the Boss models are lowered by 11 mm in front and 1 mmm at the rear compared to the Mustang GT.

In line with the suspension upgrades, the Boss 302 wears lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels in staggered widths, wrapped by Pirelli PZero 255/40 front and 285/35 rear rubbers. Four-piston Brembo calipers and 14-inch vented rotors up front and Boss-specific high-performance pads at the rear round off the items list.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford 1.0 litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine launched – two output versions; mill to make debut in Focus in 2012

Anthony Lim — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:05:06 +0000

Ford’s smallest petrol engine, the 1.0 litre, turbocharged, direct injection three-cylinder EcoBoost has been officially launched – Ford president and CEO Alan Mulally did the honours yesterday.

Developed by Ford’s UK engineers, the engine will debut in Europe in early 2012, first on the new Focus, before making its way into global markets. In Europe, it will also feature in the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX as well as the upcoming B-MAX, which begins production in the middle of next year.

Two output versions of the engine will be available, as we reported in July, with a slight variance in the output numbers for the production units – there’s the 125 PS and 170 Nm version, which goes into the Focus, as well as a 100 PS variant.

Ford has developed a special high-tech line at the Cologne Engine Plant to build the engine, and the plant is set to build up to 350,000 units a year of the new powertrain. European production capacity is expected to increase to up to 700,000 units per year when the company’s new engine plant in Craiova, Romania, opens in early 2012.

The company says that in the years ahead, it anticipates production to expand outside of Europe to deliver a global capacity of up to 1.3 million 1.0 litre EcoBoost engines per year. Closer to home, it seems probable that the engine will eventually make its way into the Fiesta, though exactly when remains to be seen.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Fiesta – a trio gets reworked for SEMA

Anthony Lim — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:48:51 +0000

Ford is set to join the SEMA fray with its own boarding party, with the Fiesta among the motley crew. The event will see three pimped up examples of the hatch, reworked by tuning houses M2-Motoring, Gold Coast Automotive and Aaron Vaccar.

The M2-Motoring Fiesta features in its kit list an Injen Technologies cold-air intake system and DC Sports cat-back exhaust, and there’s also a Wilwood big-brake kit and Megan Racing coilovers in the mix. The exterior shade is the boldest of the trio, with a candy purple finish by Status Motorsports rather unmistakable.

Elsewhere, a 3dCarbon body kit and upper roof spoiler round off the externals, and interior treatments include an upgraded Jensen Mobile Audio Power sound system and Audiovox flip-down touch-screen monitors.

As for the Gold Coast Automotive Fiesta SE, it gets juiced up with a Jackson Racing Rotrex intercooled supercharger, and the brakes get pumped as well – the car wears a Wilwood four-piston front, two-piston rear brake system. Appearance offerings include an APR Performance rear wing and custom front splitter, 3dCarbon body kit, Socal SignWorx graphic wrap and Gold Coast Automotive mudguard flare kit.

Lastly, the Fiesta, as interpreted in an Aaron Vaccar Signature Series form. Among the items to be found on this one are a Weapon-R Secret Weapon air intake, Wilwood Dynapro six-piston big brake kit and Advanti Racing V3 Vago 17-inch wheels.

Meanwhile, the exterior features a BASF custom bright silver matte metallic paint job, while the interior delivers plenty of upgrades including Portage Trim red leather upholstery, Bride Vios III racing bucket seats and MB Quart Onyx Series speaker and amplifiers.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Explorer made from LEGO, all 382,858 bricks of it

Anthony Lim — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:13:15 +0000

Yet another full-scale vehicle replication with LEGO bricks has come about, and this one is of a Ford Explorer. The bright red LEGOLAND Florida edition Explorer is set to be the lead display at the new 150-acre LEGOLAND Florida theme park in Winter Haven, near Orlando.

Crafted by 22 Ford employees in Connecticut, the ‘vehicle’ is made up of 382,858 LEGO bricks, and those numbers translate into a rather hefty beast – the structure is supported by a 348 kg interior aluminium base, and with all the bricks in place, tips the scale at 1,203 kg.

The vehicle ‘rolled off’ the line at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant earlier this week, and will now make its way to Florida, where it will be loaded on to a trailer with transparent sides and serve as a display at the theme park, which opens on October 15. In 2004, a life-sized LEGO replica of a Volvo XC90 was built, also for a LEGOLAND, this one in California.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford to buy 60 billion baht of Thai made parts per year

Danny Tan — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:59:52 +0000

Things look good for the Detroit of the East, a nickname given to our neighbour Thailand. New models are on the way, more factories are being built and figures are up. Now Bangkok Post reports that Ford has committed to buy nearly $2 billion or 60 billion baht worth of locally made parts per year, once its new plant in Rayong starts operating next year.

This is a separate factory from the AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) Rayong plant, in which Ford and Mazda are equal partners. The 60b figure includes purchases by AAT, which rolls out the current Ford Ranger, Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2.

In a statement that will make its host happy, the US brand said its expansion in Thailand would create 33,000 local jobs. Of this total, 8,500 will be directly employed by Ford and 25,000 indirectly through Ford’s suppliers and dealers. The company is the second largest automotive investor in Thailand, with $2.5 billion brought in to date.

Allan Mulally, president and CEO of FoMoCo, reiterated that Thailand was a critical component of Ford’s Asia strategy. Our region is expected to account for 40% of global auto industry growth over the next five to seven years, and Thailand is now the world’s 12th largest auto producer in terms of volume, but is expected to get into the top 10 by 2014.

Mulally was in the Land of Smiles to grace the Job 1 Ceremony or start of production of the new Ford Ranger pickup truck. Thailand will be one of three global production and export hubs for the Ranger, the others being South Africa and Argentina.

It looks good, and it’s scheduled to reach Malaysia next year – read our preview of the new Ranger here and view the gallery from the Bangkok Motor Show here.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Fiesta Metal special edition for the UK – 134 PS!

Danny Tan — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:36:52 +0000

Here’s a special edition that’s more than just trim and colours. Ford is introducing this Fiesta Metal special edition in the UK, which will be limited to just 1,000 examples. Besides looking more special, the Metal comes with more ponies under the hood: 134 PS, which is 14 pferdestärke more than the usual 120 PS 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol engine.

Also up is torque, which now stands at 160 Nm at 4,250 rpm, up from 152 Nm. 0-100 km/h is done in 8.7 seconds, down from 9.9 seconds. These figures are all similar to the Fiesta Sport+ (in Europe) and the limited edition Fiesta S1600 (in UK).

The Fiesta Metal boasts chrome twin exhaust pipes, silver-painted front grille surround, front aerofoil and front fog light bezels, piano black centre stack bezel, air vent rings and door pulls, Ebony Black leather sports seats with silver stitching and unique floor mats with silver piping. Also in are stainless steel door scuff plates with Fiesta logo, 17-inch black alloys and sports tuning with lowered ride height.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Frankfurt: Ford’s Fiesta ST Concept takes centre stage

Harvinder Sidhu — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:04:29 +0000

Ford has arrived to Frankfurt with the Fiesta ST Concept which previews a high-performance global Fiesta, just like the production Focus ST that was launched at the same venue as well. At first glance, you can definitely spot the aggressiveness in the concept with features such as the trapezoidal grille which was carried over from the Focus ST. There is also a diffuser at the back which channels out a twin exhaust tail pipe.

The concept also sits on 17-inch alloy wheels and is also slapped on with a full ST body kit inspired by the Ford Fiesta WRC rally car. The car is finished in Molten Orange which is also used by the Ford SVT F-150 Raptor pickup sold in North America. The sportiness continues with the interior thanks to a high-contrast design along with Recaro sports seats for the driver and front passenger.

The suspension geometry has been retuned as well to offer a sportier handling characteristic, although the details were not revealed. Under the hood lies a 1.6 litre EcoBoost unit which produces 177 hp and 240 Nm of torque, allowing the concept to hit 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds while top speed is figured at slightly over 220 km/h.

This turbocharged engine also features Ford’s Twin-independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) and is connected to a 6-speed manual transmission. Ford also revealed that the engine produces less than 140 g/km of CO2 emissions. Continue reading to check out a high-res image gallery.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Frankfurt: Ford reveals the 2012 Focus ST and ST-R

Harvinder Sidhu — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:21:32 +0000

Ford has taken the opportunity at the Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil its latest iterations of the all-new Focus. Say hello to the Focus ST and ST-R! The Focus ST is based on the ST concept which was shown at the Paris Motor Show. This production version which is available as a 5-door and as a wagon is motivated by a retuned 2.0 litre 4-cylinder EcoBoost unit which makes 250PS and 360Nm of torque.

Interestingly, the 2.0 litre EcoBoost offers more power and is 20% more fuel efficient than the 2.5 litre 5-pot unit which was used in the previous ST. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual cog box and it comes with a sports suspension that is made up by uprated shock absorbers, lowered springs (by 10mm) as well as unique parts for the rear suspension. The wagon variant features a slightly different setup at the back, with angled shock absorbers which are also used in the standard wagon.

Other goodies include a Sport Steering System (electric) with variable ratio depending on speed, Torque Steer Compensation and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which is tuned to be less intrusive to the driver. There is also an Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system which is a revised version of the Torque Vectoring Control found in the base Focus.

The conventional version of the Torque Vectoring Control system basically applies brakes to the inner wheel of the Focus through a corner, reducing understeer and giving more traction. In the ST, the system implements this more aggressively and also adds on Cornering Under Steer Control (CUSC) which applies torque to create yaw torque based on the vehicle’s understeer behavior right before ESP kicks in, both in power-on and power-off conditions. Not bad huh?

In the aesthetics department the Focus ST is treated to a full body kit, 18-inch light alloy wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 rubber, a functional roof spoiler and a centre-exit exhaust. The ST is also available with a new colour called Tangerine Scream.

The inside is finished with specially designed pedals, steering wheel and gearshift to the unique Recaro seats, darker headlining, a special rear bench seat sculpted using special foam to help secure the rear passengers and so on. The Focus ST is being positioned as Ford’s first global performance car and it will be sold in over 40 markets following a worldwide launch in 2012.

Ford also revealed the Focus ST-R which is a track-only variant and will be used in various racing series including the Canadian Touring Car Series, Grand-Am ST and World Challenge TC. It comes with a race-tuned suspension, beefier brakes and a stripped out interior along with an FIA-approved roll cage.

Continue reading to check out an image gallery of the Focus ST and its demonic sibling.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Evos Concept – four seater fastback C-segment car

Paul Tan — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:31:07 +0000

This is the Ford Evos Concept, a four door four seater fastback concept car that will make its public debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Ford says the Evos Concept is a showcase of Ford’s first truly global design language, which Ford says is an evolution of the existing kinetic design language found on existing global Ford products like the Fiesta and the new Focus.

The Evos Concept has the length of a C-segment car, but with the width of a CD car, so I suppose you could say it’s about as long as a Focus but as wide as a Mondeo. It’s got a 2,740mm wheelbase. I wonder if producing a fastback like this means Ford is interested to bring a car like the Ford Capri back into its line-up.

We’ve heard such rumors in the past. Other manufacturers have done similar things, resulting in cars like the Scirocco. Two years ago, Ford decided to randomly release a press release about the classic Ford Capri, complete with a long history and file photos.

Like all modern concept cars, things just wouldn’t seem to be complete without some kind of alternative fuel powertrain, so Ford has given the Ford Evos Concept a lithium-ion battery plug-in hybrid system, which Ford says is reflective of the system in the upcoming Ford C-MAX Energi, scheduled for introduction in the US in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

The system allows the vehicle’s electric motor and internal combustion engine to work together or separately to maximise efficiency, making this a full fledged hybrid system instead of just having a simple motor assist system.

Look after the jump for a small gallery of the Evos Concept.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford and Toyota to collaborate on new hybrid system for SUVs and pick-ups, as well as telematics standards

Anthony Lim — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:37:15 +0000

Ford and Toyota will be working together as equal partners to develop a new, advanced hybrid system for pick-ups and SUVs in North America. The system is expected to be ready for the market later this decade, and will equip Toyota and Ford rear-wheel drive models.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, with a formal agreement expected to be in place by next year. Under the MOU, the two companies will specifically jointly develop the new rear-wheel drive hybrid system and its component technology, as well as independently and separately integrate the new hybrid system in their future vehicles.

Both companies have been working independently on their own future-generation rear-wheel drive hybrid systems, and are now committed to working together, stating that they can deliver these hybrid technologies to customers sooner and more affordably than if they worked alone.

Ford and Toyota also agreed to work together in developing each company’s telematics standards, helping to makes more internet-based services and information available to customers around the world. Each company will, however, continue to develop its own in-vehicle products and features. Currently, Ford has items such as SYNC and MyFordTouch in place, while Toyota has the likes of G-BOOK and G-Link.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Fiesta Centura – marking 100 years of Ford in the UK

Anthony Lim — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:09:45 +0000

Over in the UK, Ford has introduced a special edition Fiesta called the Centura, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Ford in Britain. Available only in a metallic Panther Black finish, the variant pays tribute to the first Ford vehicle to be manufactured in the UK, namely the Model T in 1911.

The Centura is based on the Fiesta Zetec, in its 82 PS 1.25 litre petrol form, but adds on a comprehensive list of additional standard equipment worth nearly two thousand quid, including LED daytime running lights as well as automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers.

Also in the package are chrome mirror and door caps, 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, reverse parking sensors and a parking camera mounted in the rear view mirror.

Just 1,000 examples of the Fiesta Centura edition will be made, in both three-door and five-door form. The Fiesta remains the UK’s best-selling car, with 52,327 sold in the first half of this year, and the edition should happily add to those numbers.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford Performance Vehicles GT BLACK – a limited edition

Anthony Lim — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:03:26 +0000

Click to enlarge.

Following the overwhelming positive feedback received on its FPV Concept that was revealed at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne last month, Ford Performance Vehicles has decided to go with a limited production run of the car.

The GT BLACK, as it’s called, retains the black-on-black treatment of the concept, and just 125 units of the variant will be made. The car is based on the current standard supercharged Boss GT version, which features a 5.0 litre Miami V8 engine offering 455 hp at 5,750 rpm and 570 Nm across 2,200-5,500 rpm in its V2G guise.

Click to enlarge.

The Silhouette black paintwork, including styling matt black stripe decal package on the bonnet, rear wing and bodysides, covers the entire car, including the front and rear bumpers, rear diffuser and upper and lower grilles.

The fog lamp bezels have also been made black, as have the exhaust tips, while completing the exterior will be GT premium five-spoke, 19-inch alloy wheels finished in gloss black with black wheel nuts.

Click to enlarge.

Inside, it’s black throughout too, with black leather trim, a black finish around the Interior Command Centre (ICC) unit, tissue box and door spears, and a unique black gear shift badge to be found on manual transmission models.

To enhance the collectability of the GT BLACK, each vehicle will come with its own unique build badge and certificate of authenticity.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford in Frankfurt: Four world debuts including Focus RS?

Danny Tan — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:26:55 +0000

Ford, now the fastest growing brand in Malaysia, is planning something big for the upcoming Frankfurt show in September. How big is big? Well, Ford has a 3,200 sq.m stand – its largest ever at Frankfurt – and a 2,800 sq.m track where visitors can test out things such as Active City Stop and Active Park Assist in Ford’s ‘Drive Experience’.

The Blue Oval’s big guns are going to be overseeing the show in Frankfurt, including European chairman and CEO Stephen Odell, J Mays, design group VP and chief creative officer, and Derrick Kuzak, group VP of global product development.

“Ford plans to make a strong statement at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with several very exciting global product reveals and our significantly expanded show stand,” said Odell. “We’re excited to be showing customers our best-ever vehicle line-up and a special glimpse of the future,” he added.

So what can we expect? Ford will bring “four global product reveals” including a major new design concept and details of the next Focus performance car. The latter must be the Focus RS! Stay tuned!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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Ford sales up by 230% – fastest growing brand in Malaysia

Danny Tan — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:59:03 +0000

Yes, that’s right. Ford sold 3,458 vehicles in the first six months of 2011, a whopping 230% increase from the same period last year. This makes the Blue Oval the fastest growing car brand in Malaysia.

It’s no surprise that this big jump is mostly due to the popularity of the Ford Fiesta supermini, which was officially launched in October 2010 after several months of pre-launch activity. Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) imports the B-segment hatch CBU from Thailand, where it’s made at the AutoAlliance plant in Rayong.

Of the total figure, the Fiesta contributed 2,035 units, or about 59%. The Ranger pick-up truck, Ford’s biggest seller in Malaysia for a long time, racked up 1,183 units, or 34.2%. The rest were picked up by the Focus and Mondeo. SDAC recently launched the facelifted Mondeo and S-Max MPV, both powered by 2.0-litre Ecoboost engines.

“The exceptional market growth we are experiencing in Malaysia is testament of our commitment to our customers and to the region. These are certainly exciting times for the Ford brand in Malaysia. Over the past few years we have launched seven new or redesigned models to the market and consumers are clearly impressed with what we have to offer,” said David Westerman, Asia Pacific Regional Manager – Ford Export & Growth Operations

“But we are not standing still, and based on Ford’s strong commitment to this region we will continue to deliver a series of innovative, safe and environmentally friendly vehicles,” he added.

Read our test drive reports for the Fiesta and Mondeo Ecoboost here and here.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 12 Feb 12 01:49:58 +0000.

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