Chang'an Ford rolls out 400,000th Ford Focus

Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (CFMA), Ford Motor's joint venture in China, celebrated on August 11 the 400,000th Ford Focus rolling off the line at its manufacturing facility in the southwestern city of Chongqing.

"We're proud to celebrate the production of the 400,000th Ford Focus, which was launched here in China four years ago," said Jeffrey Shen, President of CFMA. "With its outstanding styling and drivability, world-class engineering and safety, Ford Focus is firmly established as a star product in China's highly competitive mid-sized car market. The success of this exciting car reflects Ford's commitment to the Chinese market–to always provide our Chinese customers with products they want and value."

Ford launched the four-door Ford Focus in China in September 2005, and the five-door model a year later. The model range quickly became one of China's best-sellers.

In July, Ford Focus sales exceeded 10,000 units for the fifth consecutive month, helping support the steady growth of Ford brand vehicles produced and sold by CFMA. Through the first seven months of this year, Ford brand vehicle sales were 123,474 units, representing a 21.5% increase over the same period last year.

The 2009 Ford Focus was launched at the end of last year to further entrench its leading position in the segment, with the application of Ford's kinetic design cues, as well as a further refined interior. Both body styles have won acceptance for their stylish looks, great driving dynamics and class-leading quality and safety.

The Ford Focus is one of the world's most awarded cars, having won both the European Car of the Year and North American Car of the Year.

In China, the Ford Focus has received more than 90 awards from national motoring media in recognition of its class-leading driving dynamics, precise steering and braking control, distinct design and build quality as well as achieving a C-NCAP five-star score for occupant crash protection.

(China Car Times)