The next-generation Ford Focus revealed at the North American International Auto Show delivers on the company’s promise to offer more products that people really want while truly leveraging its global product and manufacturing strengths.
Up to 10 new models will be built on the new global C-segment platform, which replaces three platforms currently in production regionally. By 2012, the new platform will account for more than two million units of volume, providing Ford unprecedented scale and an opportunity to offer to customers around the world an array of new technologies and product features usually reserved for premium vehicles.
“Ford’s new C-sized family will be the strongest demonstration yet of how we’re harnessing the company’s global resources to deliver real customer benefits,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “The next-generation Focus is our C-segment flagship, offering technology and feature content you don’t expect in a C-car, and craftsmanship, materials and interior quietness you would not expect in a C-car. The scale we’re generating makes it possible to deliver all that.”
Globally, Ford expects its C-car volumes to double, from about one million units in 2008 to more than 2 million units by 2012. Plus, the new Focus is expected to be sold in 122 countries around the world.
Production will begin almost simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010 and vehicles are set to reach dealerships in the first quarter of 2011, including Ireland.
