Ford Focus set to rekindle European Ford heritage in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Friday, 31 March 2000 - - The highly acclaimed Ford Focus, the only car to win both the European and North American Car of the Year Awards is now available in Malaysia. Ford Focus was launched in Malaysia today by AMIM Holdings Sdn Bhd, the local distributor and assembler of Ford vehicles.
"The launch of the Focus represents the return of European inspired passenger cars to Ford's range in Malaysia," Richard Canny, the managing director of AMIM Holdings said. "We are also absolutely delighted to be re-introducing rally- and racing-inspired Ford models in the country," he added.
Mr Canny said that the Ford Focus was set to redefine new standards for the Malaysian car industry in the areas of design, driving dynamics, space and style.
"The Focus has redefined customer expectations since its launch in the US and Europe, and we are confident that this will also apply here in terms of meeting or even exceeding customer expectations," he said.
The Focus was developed on an all-new platform. Distinctive New Edge design - artful blends of curves and creases - influences both the exterior and interior of the Ford Focus and brings a fresh look to the medium car segment.
"New Edge design provides an uncompromising package that gives both design and functionality, style and practicality, compact exterior size and maximum interior space, handling and comfort, and great performance, yet with good fuel economy," Mr Canny said. "The Focus breaks through the compromises so often made in vehicles in this class."
Powered by the World Rally Championship (WRC)-proven 1.8 Zetec 16V DOHC engine and boasting best-in-class interior space, the fully imported Focus will initially be available only in the sporty five-door hatchback version.
The Focus also features four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electronic traction control for greater safety on slippery surfaces and a fully independent multi-link rear suspension with passive rear wheel steering for superior handling and stability.
Available in three colours - Moondust Silver, Panther Black and Pepper Red - the Focus also comes with a four-speaker CD player with steering wheel mounted remote controls, rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and 15-inch alloy wheels.
An optional Ford RS (Rally Sport) styling, handling and appearance package is also available for the more performance-oriented drivers. The package includes unique front and rear bumpers, wire mesh inserts, driving lamps, side skirts and 16-inch rally sport alloy rims shod with Michelin 205/50 unidirectional tyres.
In Peninsula Malaysia, the on-the-road price (excluding insurance) of the Focus is RM127,880-00, while the RS package is available for an additional RM11,500-00. In Langkawi, the Focus is priced at RM54,880-00 with customers' own import permit.
The Focus also comes with the standard four airbags - driver, passenger and front head/sides - a first for a car priced below RM150,000 in Malaysia.
Focus has already received numerous accolades from automotive journalists around the world, winning more than 15 major awards. It is already the top selling car in the United Kingdom and in the United States, with more than 240,000 customer orders received since the Focus went on sale last October. Around the world, over 600,000 customers have received delivery of the Focus.
AMIM Holdings is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Tractors Malaysia Berhad. Its product range includes the Ford Lynx, Telstar, Ranger, Splash, Econovan, Trader and Transit.
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