2009 Ford Focus RS Production Starts in Germany

Ford Motor Co. today announced it has started the production of the new Ford Focus RS at its European plant in Saarlouis, Germany. The new model will be sold in more than 20 European countries, the American automaker said in a press statement, including Russia, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Germany. Taking into account figures recorded in the previous years, Ford says that the aforementioned markets are expected to bring the highest sales.

"We are excited that a new RS-badged Ford performance model is back in our portfolio and that production at Saarlouis is starting on schedule," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO. "We've had a huge amount of interest in this model from the loyal army of Ford RS enthusiasts as well as potential customers who have never owned an RS before. I am confident that they will fall for it the moment they get behind the wheel."

The top Ford Focus RS version will produce a maximum power of 305 PS (224 kW) combined with a torque of 440 Nm. Interior and exterior highlights include “new body parts to incorporate wider wheel arches and a wider track, complemented by revised, deeper side rocker moldings and unique front and rear bumpers,” according to information provided by Ford.  Three exterior colors are available, namely Ultimate Green, Performance Blue and Frozen White.

The Saarlouis production facilities already manufactures an impressive lineup of Ford models, including the whole Ford Focus range with 3- and 5-door hatchback variants plus wagon and ST bodystyles. More than eleven million vehicles have been produced at the German plant since its opening in 1970, Ford explained, with Escort, Fiesta and Capri among the highlights.