MOSCOW - August 26, 2008: No fewer than three new production models from Ford Motor Company will make their Russian debuts at the Moscow International Automobile Salon, which opens today. The new models are the all-new Ford Fiesta, the Ford Focus RS and the Ford Escape.
Visitors to the show will also be given the opportunity to see the Ford Explorer America Concept, which showcases a number of technology and engineering innovations designed to deliver fuel economy improvements of between 20 to 30 per cent.
All-New Fiesta
Designed and developed in Europe for sale in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America between 2008 and 2010, the all-new Fiesta is the first major product of Ford's new global product development process. Its stylish and dynamic flair combines with all the traditional Ford small car strengths to create a confident, contemporary introduction to the next chapter of the Fiesta success story.
Shown in Moscow in three-door and five-door hatchback body styles, the all-new Fiesta makes major strides in craftsmanship, quality of materials and product choice while continuing to represent Fiesta's traditional strengths of practicality, value for money and agility.
More than 12 million Fiestas have been sold since its introduction in 1976.
All-new Fiesta is manufactured with sophisticated techniques more commonly found in big-car production. Areas of the Fiesta European assembly plants in Cologne, Germany and Valencia, Spain – and eventually those in China, Thailand and Mexico – look like film sets. High-intensity lights and cameras are used by robotic assembly technology to position glass and doors on vehicles with meticulous accuracy.
2009 Focus RS
The new Focus RS will go on sale in 2009 and is being created by a small team of dedicated engineers, under the direction of Jost Capito, Ford of Europe's Vehicle Line Director for Performance Vehicles.
The Moscow show car previews the design intent for a final production vehicle, although as development work continues, some final details may change before volume production begins at the Ford plant in Saarlouis, Germany.
With a target power output of 300 PS, the new Focus RS will be equipped with an innovative front wheel drive system, with a combination of a Quaife limited slip differential and new 'RevoKnuckle' front suspension technology for excellent traction and driveability, despite its high power output.
SUV Strength
In Russian Ford dealer showrooms a little later this year will be the new Ford Escape. It will join the Kuga, Ranger and Explorer to further strengthen Ford's position in the growing Russian SUV market. Already this year sales in this market segment have grown by 20 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007.
The new Escape is powered by a 2.3 litre petrol engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It is available in two trim series - XLT or Limited.
With the Ford Explorer being a long-time favourite with Russian consumers, The Ford Explorer America Concept on the Ford stand is sure to draw the crowds at the show. This concept vehicle – there are no plans for it to go into production – not only represents one possible direction for Ford's design language on future sport utility vehicles but also illustrates how all of Ford's sustainability-minded actions – from turbo-charged direct injection petrol engines, more fuel-efficient transmissions, weight savings and improved aerodynamics – can be packaged in a single vehicle.
The high-efficiency engine for the Concept is one of the new family of EcoBoost petrol engines which deliver better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Ford EcoBoost petrol engines combine turbocharging and direct injection technology, allowing for the downsizing of engine capacity but with improved torque and performance. Depending on whether a four cylinder or V-6 EcoBoost engine is specified, fuel efficiency could improve by 20 to 30 per cent versus today's V6 Explorer.
The Ford stand at the Moscow International Automobile Salon will also feature the full Ford vehicle range on sale in Russia. This includes the new Kuga, new Focus, new Focus Coupé Cabriolet, new Focus ST, Explorer, Mondeo, Galaxy, S-MAX, C-MAX, Fusion, Ranger, and Tourneo Connect.
In a special area of the stand dedicated to Ford's World Rally Championship activities, show visitors will be able to experience all the thrills of a WRC event by sitting behind the wheel of a Focus WRC simulator.
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