Post by TonyV on Mar 1, 2010 15:57:41 GMT -5
.Ford set to show off Focus wagon
Bryce G. Hoffman / The Detroit News
Dearborn --Ford Motor Co. is scheduled to unveil yet another version of its new Ford Focus compact today at the Geneva Motor Show -- this time, a wagon.
The Focus wagon will go on sale next year in Europe, where it is expected to be a big seller. However, the Dearborn automaker is not planning to bring it to the United States.
The Focus wagon is the fifth vehicle Ford has revealed that will be built on its new global C-car platform, an architecture the company says will provide the underpinnings for at least 10 vehicles worldwide and account for 2 million units annually by 2012. The company has already unveiled the new Ford C-Max and Grand C-Max and four- and five-door versions of the new Focus. All but the C-Max will be sold in the United States.
"A key strength of the Ford Focus range in Europe has always been its wagon, and its popularity is second only to the five-door," said Ford of Europe CEO John Fleming. "These customers want the extra space and flexibility a traditional wagon provides, yet they still expect all of the technology, great driving dynamics and superb styling. We believe the new Focus wagon will more than satisfy their requirements in every way."
About 30 percent of the Focuses Ford sells in Europe today are wagons. In Germany and Italy, that figure is closer to 50 percent.
However, Frank Davis, executive director North American product programs, said the Focus wagon has not sold well in the United States in the past, but added that Ford has the capacity to produce the vehicle at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne.
Still to come is a compact sport utility vehicle based on the same platform.
"As the segment develops around the world, we see clear preferences among customers for the six main body styles, with variations by region and even within a region," said Derrick Kuzak, head of global product development at Ford. "For example, the preferred body style in China and Russia is the four-door sedan, while in Britain and Spain, the five-door is most popular, and we believe there is also a customer trend toward five-door small cars in North America."
bhoffman@detnews.com (313) 222-2443