11 January 2010 - 2011 Ford Focus revealed; 10% - 20% more efficient

The next generation Ford Focus has been revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit a year before its introduction. The first pictures show the American spec Focus, but with 80 per cent of parts common in all global markets the UK Focus will differ in detail only.

The Focus uses a new generation platform which will support 10 models by 2012 including the new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX which will appear later this year. Production will start simultaneously in Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) late this year before launch in early 2011.

Development work on the new Focus has been led by Ford’s European small and medium vehicle centre near Cologne with powertrain development taking place at Ford’s technical centre in the UK.

Improving the current models already competitive fuel economy has been a key area of development. “Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

“Our next generation of C-cars – led by the exciting new Focus – will clearly show that Ford is ready to meet that challenge,” said Kuzak.

The global powertrain lineup for the new Focus will include a range of state-of-the-art Ford EcoBoost™ four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines – including the 1.6-litre unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 per cent compared to the outgoing models.

“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO. “The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.