Ford's Global Brands on View For 1st Time in Beijing; New Concept Unveiled to Broaden Product Line-Up
BEIJIING, June 8 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- With its global brands assembled together for the first time in Beijing, Ford Motor Company today unveiled a concept version of the all-new Ford Focus sedan.
"We're doing more than introducing a new car," said Mark Schulz, executive vice president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa. "We're building an automotive company. And we're doing that by showing China the fuller capabilities of Ford Motor Company around the world. Over time, we want our China operations to resemble what we have built in Europe and North America. But to do that, we need to let the Chinese consumer know the kind of company we are and the kind of cars and trucks we build all around the world. This display at Auto China 2004 shows the design and technological capabilities of Ford in greater depth than has ever been seen here before."
On display at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing is a broad range of the cars and trucks that Ford designs, builds and sells in North America, Europe and Australia.
Joining them are Ford's global luxury brands that comprise the Premier Automotive Group: Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo.
And in addition to these are displays from Ford's longstanding partner, Mazda, which is enjoying a parade of new products around the world along with its best financial results in ten years.
"This is an exciting time for all of us in China," said Mei-Wei Cheng, Ford vice president and chairman of Ford Motor China. "There is nothing like seeing a new car or truck for the first time. It's something you remember for a very long time. Now, as never before, the Chinese automotive consumer can actually experience what we have to offer and appreciate the capabilities that stand behind fine Ford products like the Mondeo, Fiesta, Maverick and Transit that are already on sale here."
Also making its debut at Auto China 2004 is the Ford Mondeo 2.5-liter V6, the newest member and flagship model of the best-selling Mondeo products in China. "After the public launch in February, the Mondeo that we now build in China has been selling very well and is regarded by news media as 'setting a new higher standard for the mid-size sedan in China,'" Cheng said. "The Mondeo 2.5-liter V6 has an outstanding powertrain and is loaded with attractive features that Chinese customers like. I am confident Mondeo 2.5- liter V6 will further enhance the success and help elevate the Ford brand to a new height."
"We brought many cars and trucks to this show that are not sold in China to see the reactions from consumers," Cheng said. "If the interest and demand are there, we will do all we can to make as many of these fine products available in the market," Cheng said.
Although Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo have been sold in China, the appearance by Aston Martin is a first for the Beijing show.
"When you look at all of these together, you really can appreciate what Ford does every day around the world," Schulz said. "The Aston Martin DB9 is just the start. The head-turning Ford GT is another. And what could be more American than the Mustang? If these weren't enough, we have the technologically advanced Maverick Hybrid that offers a real breakthrough in both fuel economy and emissions. It is all here -- excitement, the latest technology, tough trucks, the ultimate in luxury, and yes, affordable dependable transportation like the Fiesta and Focus. We've brought to Beijing our very best. I think that, over time, more and more Chinese consumers will be very pleased to do business with us and our dealers," Schulz noted.
The following cars and trucks are on display at the China International Exhibition Center:
Aston Martin Aston Martin Vanquish, Aston Martin DB9, "James Bond" Vanquish. Ford
New Ford Focus concept, Mondeo 2.5L V6, Mondeo Ghia X, Fiesta 1.6L, 2005 Maverick XLT sport utility, Maverick Hybrid sport utility, Fusion Plus, Ford C-Max, Territory, Falcon, Ford GT, Mustang GT.
Lincoln Lincoln Navigator. Mazda
Concepts: MX Micro Sports, Washu, RX-8 Hydrogen RE. Technology display: Mazda6 cut body, Renesis. Mazda RX-8, Mazda MX-5 Turbo, Mazda MX-5, Mazda6 hatchback, Mazda6 sedans, Mazda 323, Mazda Premacy, Mazda MPV.
Volvo
Volvo S40 170 hp, Volvo S40 crash car, Volvo S40 T5, Volvo S80 2.5, Volvo XC90, Volvo C70, Volvo S60, Volvo S60 R, Volvo VCC concept, Volvo S80 T6.
Jaguar
Jaguar aluminium XJ, Jaguar XJ 4.2 SE, Jaguar XJ 4.2 SE, Jaguar XJ 4.2 SE, Jaguar XJR 4.2 S/C, Jaguar XKR CONV S/C, Jaguar S-TYPE 3.0 SE, Jaguar F1 show car.
Land Rover
Discovery 3 HSE, Freelander 2.5 V5 5DR HSE, Freelander 2.5 V6 3DR SE, Range Rover V8, Range Rover Armored LHD EURO SPEC, Defender 110 G4.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 328,000 employees worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care, and Hertz. Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003.