Ford Intros New Models In Paris

PARIS, France, 26 September 2002 – Ford of Europe is introducing six new products at the Paris Motor Show, bringing its tally to 32 in as many months.  The record-setting pace is part of the Company's ongoing product led transformation strategy.

Ford of Europe Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, David W. Thursfield, said, "We are continuing to invest heavily in our product range, which is the strongest it has ever been. Meantime, we have reduced our costs by over $1 billion over two years, increased our plant utilization to 95 percent, and reduced our number of assembly plants in Europe from 11 to six.

 “All this has given us the flexibility to invest where it is most important – in developing exciting new products, such as the extensive range of small cars which we are presenting in Paris.  Our strategy is to achieve sustainable profitability and increased market share by delivering class-leading cars and commercial vehicles to our customers.  Never before have we seen such a pace of new model introductions." 

President and COO, Martin Leach, unveiled the new products on the Ford stand at Hall 1 in Paris.  The new Fords included:

• Focus C-MAX concept – signals Ford thinking on the fast-growing C-segment Multi-Activity Vehicle
• Streetka – stylish roadster developed from the Ka and powered by a 1.6 litre engine. Coachbuilt by Pinifarina and sponsor of Kylie's European Tour 2002
• Sportka – exciting sports addition to the new Ka family, developed in response to customer demand for a performance version
• Freshened Ka – added enhancements to keep the Ka as bold and distinctive today as it ever was. Features all-new and more powerful 1.3 litre Ford Duratec 8V engine
• Three door Fiesta – a dynamic addition to further extend the Fiesta range with Durashift-EST automatic shift transmission available for the first time
• Latest technologies – supporting Ford's commitment on delivery; Durashift-EST auto-shift manual transmission, Electronic Stability Programme and TDCi common-rail diesels

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"We have completed the overhaul of our core product range," said Leach.  "With the Streetka we’re turning our attention to key niche markets. And the Ford Focus C-MAX is a design concept for Ford's entry into the fast-growing mid-size Multi-Activity Vehicle segment.

"Significantly, we’re earning our highest-ever customer satisfaction levels, and the recent TUV reliability award for the Focus in Germany underlines the great progress we have made with quality and dependability."

Ford's European Transformation Strategy, in place since early 2000, continues on track, delivering more products, improving quality, increasing profits and growing market share.