2013 Ford Escort Concept

Ford Going Further at Shanghai with Escort Concept – a Distinctive, Desirable Car Designed for Chinese Customers

•Ford Escort Concept blends design that is distinctive and desirable with functionality, quality, roominess, fuel economy and safety
•Ford Escort Concept shows the future vision for how Ford could expand its global compact car platform in China
•Ford Escort Concept is designed to meet the demands of Chinese consumers within a specific subsegment of China's largest and fastest-growing segments, compact cars

SHANGHAI, China, April 20, 2013 – Ford's commitment to Chinese automotive customers took a giant leap forward today at Auto Shanghai 2013 with the unveiling of the Ford Escort Concept – the latest example of how the company's global DNA continues to evolve and cater to a growing and diverse mix of customers.

The Ford Escort Concept showcases Ford's vision for how the company could serve additional customers in China's compact car segment – a segment that accounts for over 25 percent of the country's total vehicle industry and includes the Ford Focus, the best-selling nameplate in China last year as well as the best-selling nameplate worldwide.

Building on the success of the Focus, the Ford Escort Concept is a new kind of compact car, designed for a very different customer. Both Focus and Escort Concept deliver high quality, safety and fuel economy. While Focus successfully meets the needs of those seeking a fun driving experience and high level of technology, the Escort Concept is for those customers who value exceptional roominess, uncompromised functionality and sophisticated design.

'By listening to our customers in China, we have developed the Ford Escort Concept to serve a new class of compact car customers,' said Jim Farley, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Ford Motor Company. 'These are customers whose needs are not being completely met by existing compact cars. They are discerning, modern families, who want uncompromised functionality, quality and safety for themselves and the ones they care about.'

Simple, elegant, harmonious design
Ford's success and experience in the compact car segment with Focus – along with customer feedback – provided valuable guidelines for the overall design of the Ford Escort Concept.

In Ford's market research, customers in China described seeking a vehicle that is stylish – but not one that is arrogant or pretentious – while also allowing for a balanced life that almost always includes family and friends.

'We found a large segment of compact car buyers in China appreciate sophisticated design and want a more spacious family-size vehicle,' said Martin Smith, executive design director, Europe and Asia Pacific. 'The Ford Escort Concept reflects those desires.

'Its roomy interior, attention to detail, and precise and refined surface language really give the concept car its harmonious aesthetics, where desirable is actually attainable.'

Ford designers started by adding length and then sculpting the vehicle with elegant lines to give it a natural flow. The longer profile creates more room for a comfortable and spacious interior while maintaining harmonious proportions.

While being designed for the specific needs of this subsegment, the Ford Escort Concept is true to the new global face of Ford, which was introduced on the all-new Mondeo – currently on display at Auto Shanghai 2013 – and made its first appearance on the Ford Evos Concept in 2011. On the Escort Concept, the slightly more upright grille and elongated, jeweled headlamps – carefully designed to resemble the lucky figure eight – provide a distinctive front end.

'The Ford Escort Concept represents the idea that you can get a compact vehicle with a premium aesthetic without sacrificing key features like space for families or having to pay a premium price tag,' said Smith.

Committed to China

'The unprecedented growth and significant size of the vehicle market – especially the compact car segment – combined with the high degree of dynamic change in China is allowing Ford to extend its product plans to take advantage of the pace being set by this market.'

The compact car segment in China today is around 5.5 million units per year, approximately the size of total annual auto sales in Germany and the ÚK combined, and larger than the total annual volume of vehicles sold in Japan (the world's third largest car market).

A number of manufacturers serve customers with legacy products in this segment, including Ford with the Ford Focus Classic.

The Ford Escort Concept offers a potential all-new compact car alternative that is attainable. It is the perfect embodiment of Ford's Go Further brand promise.

Today's unveiling of the Escort Concept is the latest example of Ford Motor Company's commitment to China, and follows the recent introduction of the new Mondeo and at Auto Shanghai 2013, and the latest launches of the all-new EcoSport and Kuga.

Since 2006, Ford has invested a total of $4.9 billion in China. The company's presence in the region will only continue to grow.

By 2015, Ford plans to launch seven new plants in Asia Pacific – five in China – and have the ability to produce 2.7 million vehicles a year in the region.

Less than a year ago, Ford announced that as part of its largest expansion in 50 years the company would build a new state-of-the-art assembly plant in Hangzhou and double its production capacity in China to over 1 million passenger cars annually by 2015. Ford and its joint venture Changan Ford are investing $760 million in the plant.

The Hangzhou investment is in addition to a $1.1 billion investment the company made to expand capacity at its Chongqing facilities including at Changan Ford Assembly Plant No. 2, the plant that makes Focus in China.

Ford also has been expanding its dealer network in China and further developing its supply chain to deliver 15 vehicles by 2015.

Source - Ford

Ford Introduces More Global Vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2013; Unveils New Escort Concept

•All-new Ford Mondeo makes its Asian debut and includes new 1.5-litre EcoBoost® engine
•The global debut of Ford Escort Concept illustrates Ford's commitment to meet the demands of Chinese consumers within a specific subsegment of China's largest and fastest-growing segments, compact cars
•Ford Fiesta ST puts a new level of performance driving in a sizzling-hot hatchback
• A full range of class-leading Ford SÚVs will be on display including the all-new Ford EcoSport and Ford Kuga
•Interactive displays highlight Ford's quality, green, safety and smart technologies

SHANGHAI, China, April 20, 2013 – Continuing to deliver on its promise to bring 15 new vehicles to China by 2015, Ford Motor Company is giving visitors to Auto Shanghai 2013 an exclusive look at its new generation of global vehicles and smart technologies. Alongside an impressive lineup of vehicles and several regional debuts, Ford is injecting new energy into the compact car segment with the global introduction of an exciting new concept car.

The all-new Ford Mondeo, being displayed for the first time at an Asian auto show, redefines its segment with groundbreaking, elegant design and premium technology. Auto Shanghai 2013 also marks the global premiere of the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost® engine, which offers a winning combination of power and fuel efficiency.

The Ford Mondeo shares the stage with other new production cars such as the recently launched Ford Fiesta, Ford's best-selling small car, and the high-performance Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch. The new Ford Explorer, Ford Kuga SÚV and versatile Ford EcoSport urban SÚV round out Ford's full range of SÚVs on display.

'Auto Shanghai is always a special experience, and this year we're excited to have an especially compelling display of our One Ford vehicles and technologies to serve our customers and entice auto enthusiasts,' said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. 'From the stylish and refined Mondeo, to the versatility of SÚVs like EcoSport and Explorer, to the performance and excitement of Fiesta ST, to our stunning new concept car, we have something for everyone.'

Ford MondeoLeading the product introductions at the Ford stand is the all-new Ford Mondeo, bringing unparalleled levels of elegance, excellent driving dynamics, smart technologies and high fuel efficiency to the midsize segment.

The premier expression of Ford's new global design language, Mondeo's refined and emotional character extends from the stunning exterior through to an interior that offers excellent ergonomics and superior craftsmanship, with minimized interior panel gaps, soft-touch materials and a driver-focused centre console.

In China the Mondeo will be offered with Ford's all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine for the first time. The fifth and latest member of Ford's global family of EcoBoost engines, the 1.5-litre is projected to produce 133 kW of power at 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 240 Nm from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The 1.5-litre features specific technologies to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, delivering an engine that is quiet and refined. The all-new Ford Mondeo also will be available with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

'We've gone further in every aspect to bring to China the most premium Mondeo we have ever designed, developed and built,' said Marin Burela, president & CEO, Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd. 'The all-new Mondeo is designed to stir the senses and transform expectations of what a car can be. It's truly a flagship car, offering our Chinese customers class leading levels of refinement, driving pleasure and excitement. The Mondeo will raise the bar in craftsmanship, style and technology- delivering what we believe our loyal Chinese customers truly want and value.'

Ford Fiesta and Ford Fiesta ST


Ford also is catering to enthusiasts in China looking for more excitement. The new Ford Fiesta ST combines an aggressive look with sizzling performance. A high-output version of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine rockets the hot hatch from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 220 km/h. With features including modified suspension, upgraded brakes, and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control to reduce understeer during hard cornering, the new Fiesta ST is designed to provide discerning drivers with an unmatched performance package in the class.

Escort Concept


With an eye to the future in China, Ford also has taken the wraps off a new concept car as it works to offer customers greater choice in the growing C-segment. Ford is using the Shanghai show as an opportunity to display the Ford Escort Concept to Chinese consumers seeking a fun driving experience and high level of technology, consumers who also value exceptional roominess, uncompromised functionality and sophisticated design.

'This compact concept highlights the strength of our global One Ford approach to vehicle design, and represents how we can make use of our global design language to bring refined designs to attainable vehicles,' said Jim Farley, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Ford Motor Company. 'Designed with the Chinese consumer in mind, the new Escort Concept has the potential to strengthen our product portfolio here in China as we take advantage of opportunities for diversification within the compact car segment.'

Útility vehicles


Recognizing the rapid growth of the sport-utility vehicle segment in China's auto industry, Ford also is showcasing a full range of SÚV offerings.

Recently introduced in China, Ford's iconic Explorer comes in at the premium end of the Ford SÚV range, with a luxurious, spacious cabin that seats seven, a premium driving experience, and a full complement of class-leading in-cabin technologies. With Ford's Terrain Management System, which helps to simplify the use of the vehicle's 4WD system while maximizing its effectiveness, Explorer is equally at home on city roads and more rugged terrain. It also includes premium driver-alert features such as side curtain airbags, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), post-crash alert system and collision warning with brake support.

The Ford Kuga, launched in China in January, leads the charge for smart technologies in the SÚV segment. Kuga is filled with innovative technologies that set it apart from its competitors. A motion-sensing hands-free automatic tailgate uses technology like that used in modern video game systems to give drivers quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to fumble for keys. Kuga also features SYNC with MyFord Touch®, which gives drivers voice control access to vehicle functions, settings and information in both English and Mandarin. Other technologies – including active park assist, BLIS, Active City Stop and Lane-Keeping Aid – provide enhanced safety while taking some of the stress out of city driving and parking.

Ford's latest entry into the SÚV segment, Ford EcoSport combines SÚV flexibility and small-car efficiency. Produced in China at Ford's modern, flexible Changan Ford Assembly Plant No. 1, the urban SÚV features smart technologies including Ford SYNC in a sporty package that is ideal for rugged urban adventurers. The Ford EcoSport also offers customers Ford's award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Also on display is the Ford Edge crossover, which provides a compelling driving experience combined with advanced safety, security and entertainment features. Edge also boasts impressive fuel efficiency with an available 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Quality, green, safe and smart: Interactive displays

Helping visitors to understand how to drive green, Ford's Green Calculator display will calculate daily savings that can be attained by making use of Ford's green technologies. Through the Boostical display, visitors can generate their own music videos to communicate the power and efficiency of EcoBoost engines. At the Turbo Story display, visitors can get a feel for the power advantages of the EcoBoost engine by spinning a crank handle.

Smart driving will be emphasized with SYNC Activations, a display that illustrates the use of Ford's award-winning SYNC technology through both a driving and music game. A magician will be on hand to reveal the benefits of technologies including SYNC with MyFord Touch in Mandarin. And with the Crowd Control Game, visitors will be able to control a Ford EcoSport through a motion-sensing camera, unlocking information about the new urban SÚV at every turn.

To give visitors a feel for the quality of Ford products, the stand features a Trim display for the all-new Ford Mondeo, showcasing the sophisticated design and materials used in the interior of this benchmark car. At the Object in Motion display, visitors can zoom in on vehicle components in 3D to see for themselves Ford's attention to detail.

Demonstrating the advanced driver-assist features of Ford vehicles, the Safety Touch Table will let visitors see a demonstration of innovations, such as rear inflatable seat belts. And younger fans of Ford will be given the chance to paint their own Ford badges while learning about the features that make Ford vehicles safe for the whole family.

Auto Shanghai 2013 runs April 21-29 at Shanghai New International Expo Center.

Source - Ford