To be manufactured at the Saarlouis Assembly Plant, the model dubbed by Ford its “first global Ford compact car” will become one of the core assets in the One Ford strategy. The model will be built in Europe in all three body styles, four-door, five-door and wagon.
"This is an important day for Ford, the Saarland and for Germany," said Ken Macfarlane, vice-president of Manufacturing, Ford of Europe.
"Saarlouis is proud to have been the lead plant for Ford Focus production in Europe since the first model was launched in 1998. Throughout that time, its skilled and dedicated workforce has worked hard to ensure that the plant is recognized throughout the industry for its manufacturing efficiency and quality."
To handle the production of the model Ford offered 500 of its agency contract workers permanent contracts. It is hoped they will help Ford achieve the two million units of global annual production by 2012.
When it hits the market next year, the new Ford Focus will be offered with multiple engines. The core of lineup, however, is the new 2.0l gasoline unit, which delivers more power than the current 2.0l Duratec, while keeping the fuel consumption figure within acceptable limits (estimated 40 mpg/5.88l/100km).
The model is equipped with the latest technologies, including Active Park Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam, Driver Alert and Adaptive Cruise Control.
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