Ford Division, Sales Leader in the Golden State, Showcases 'Focus On California,' Unveils New Products at California International Auto Show
8 November 2000
Ford Division, Sales Leader in the Golden State, Showcases 'Focus On California,' Unveils New Products at California International Auto Show
ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 8 Ford Division, California's
automotive sales leader for seventeen consecutive years, today unveiled its
newest products targeted to expand the Division's leadership in this trend-
setting state.
The 2000 California International Auto Show provided the venue to
introduce two significant new Ford cars to Southern Californians: the 2002
Neiman Marcus Edition Ford Thunderbird and the one-of-a-kind Ford Focus FR200,
and three new Ford trucks: the limited edition 2001 Harley-Davidson F-150
SuperCrew four door pickup, the all-new 2001 King Ranch F-150 SuperCrew, and
the all-new 2002 Ford Explorer. Additionally, five specially modified Focuses
produced by Southern California aftermarket "tuners" and recently shown at the
SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas were on
display. These cars illustrate Ford's "Focus on California," recognizing the
California-originated compact performance car craze introducing Focus to
enthusiasts across America.
"Ford Division will set an all-time sales record in California this year,
extending our leadership position for the eighteenth year," said Drew
Atkinson, California regional sales manager. "Based upon the latest calendar-
year 2000 Polk Company registration data, Ford Division has delivered 309,845
cars and trucks in California through September, substantially outselling
number two Toyota (220,675) and number three Chevrolet (175,324). Demand is
tremendous for our industry-leading range of trucks and SUVs, and we're
enjoying a banner year in cars led by Taurus, Mustang and Focus. The new
products we are unveiling in Anaheim today, combined with the performance
enthusiasts' excitement we are showcasing with Focus, promises to further our
leadership in California."
2002 Neiman Marcus Edition Thunderbird
The 2002 Neiman Marcus Edition Thunderbird, of which only 200 are being
produced, sold out the day the Neiman Marcus catalog was released. As the
first variant of the all-new two-seat Thunderbird, the black-and-silver Neiman
Marcus Edition previews the 2002 model year Thunderbird which will be on sale
next summer in a variety of colors. The Neiman Marcus Edition Thunderbird was
unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August, and today's
showing represents its first appearance in Southern California.
Focus FR200
This "rolling catalog" of performance components was produced to showcase
the potential of the Ford Focus when modified by the full range of Ford Racing
Technology products. The FR200 will not be sold as a complete car, but
aspects can be duplicated by consumers who purchase the components for their
Focuses. This car produces a staggering 304 horsepower from its turbocharged
2.0-liter Zetec engine, over twice the power of the production Focus.
"Clearly, the horsepower numbers for FR200 are extreme," said Dan Davis,
director, Ford Racing Technology. "Going forward, our plan for this parts
market would be to do something less extreme -- perhaps in the 225 horsepower
range."
2001 Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCrew
Following last year's West Coast unveiling of the popular Harley-Davidson
F-150 SuperCab at Anaheim, this year's show sees the West Coast introduction
of its big brother, the SuperCrew model with four doors. Like its
predecessor, the SuperCrew comes in "any color you want, as long as it's
black," and features a 260 horsepower 5.4-liter Triton V-8 engine, unique
wheels, unique exhaust and other features to carry the Harley-Davidson theme
to truck enthusiasts.
2001 King Ranch F-150 SuperCrew
The King Ranch F-150 SuperCrew is the most upscale truck in the Ford F-150
lineup. It is based on the newly introduced F-150 SuperCrew, the industry's
first under-8,500-pound GVW full-size pickup truck with four full-size doors
and a full rear passenger compartment. Carrying the respected King Ranch name
associated with the birthplace of America's ranching industry, the King Ranch
F-150 SuperCrew is aimed at the consumer who needs the toughness of a "Built
Ford Tough" truck, but has the means to enjoy luxury at the same time.
2002 Ford Explorer
The next generation of the world's best-selling SUV, the 2002 Ford
Explorer is redesigned from the ground up -- with major improvements in
package, suspension, powertrains and safety. With independent rear suspension
(IRS) and unique "porthole-in-frame" design -- allowing for a lower step-in
height and a third-row seat -- Explorer is designed to offer an improved ride
and a more comfortable, user-friendly package. The California International
Auto Show presents the West Coast unveiling of this significant new product
designed to extend Explorer's segment leadership.
"Focus on California"
Five Focuses, chosen from the 42 Focuses exhibited by various companies at
SEMA last week, were also on hand in the Ford Division exhibit today.
Showcasing the Focus' rapidly growing endorsement within the California-based
performance enthusiast "aftermarket," the cars on display highlighted Ford's
"Focus on California." Ford Motor Company is working with leading tuners,
niche publications and event promoters to present Focus as a competitor to
Japanese and European cars that have appealed to modification by Echo-Boomer
car enthusiasts. Representatives from the five firms on display were on hand
to discuss the success of their products. The Focus has been successful in
attracting young buyers, and the availability of aftermarket accessories
enabling owners to further personalize their cars has contributed to its
popularity.