Ford 'Smart Drive' at AIMS to hit 6000 test drives by Sunday

SYDNEY – Oct 26, 2012: Ford Australia’s outdoor ‘Smart Drive’ at the Australian International Motor show has exceeded all expectations, hitting its whole-of-show test drive target of 3000 just four days after the show opened to the public.

At current participation rates, more than 6000 people are expected to experience the Ford ‘Smart Drive’ by the end of show.

“The outdoor ‘Smart Drive’ has been a smash hit with showgoers. Even foot traffic walking past the Darling Harbour Convention Centre are stopping in to drive the cars on display,” Ford Australia President and CEO, Bob Graziano said.

“We had anticipated completing 3000 test drives across the entire motor show but we hit that number after the first weekend. At this rate, we expect to complete 6000 test drives by the end of the show.

“This year’s ‘Smart Drive’ has surpassed all our expectations and we are incredibly happy with the result for both showgoers and Ford fans.”

Ford’s outdoor display provides showgoers with an opportunity to participate in a 10-minute ‘Smart Drive’ of the new Focus Titanium, all-new Ford Kuga and Ranger Wildtrak, around a specially constructed course that highlights key technologies and capabilities of the vehicles.

Some of those technologies in the new Focus Titanium include Active City Stop, Active Park Assist and SYNC connectivity. Ford personnel are also demonstrating the new “open sesame” automatic tailgate in the all-new Ford Kuga.

To date, the all-new Ford Kuga’s tailgate has cycled through more than 3000 show sessions – opening and closing – while Ford has also demonstrated 2250 Active City Stops and more than 3000 Active Park Assists in Focus Titanium at the ‘Smart Drive’.

To demonstrate the Ranger’s off-road prowess, showgoers can experience the tough truck’s Hill Descent / Ascent Control as it climbs over a specially created track.

The ‘Smart Drive’ display has been created using large shipping containers painted in Ford Blue Oval livery, which have been strategically placed to provide a partial off-road course for the Ranger, as well as dedicated areas to demonstrate the Focus Titanium’s Active Park Assist technology. Up to seven vehicles can circulate around the specially built track during the 10 days of the show.

The ‘Smart Drive’ links directly with Ford Australia’s indoor showroom exhibit, which showcases the future direction of Ford’s vehicles and technology.