Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development

 Q&A with Derrick Kuzak - Next-Generation Ford Focus

DATE: Will be calculated from "Release Start Date" field.

Today's reveal of the next generation Ford Focus at the North American International Auto Show is the first tangible result of our global product strategy.  Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development answers a few questions on Focus.

Why are we optimistic Focus will be profitable?
We can build cars profitably in the U.S., along with the rest of the world, going forward largely because we our leveraging our global scale.  It's also important that the Focus and the Fiesta are both going to be world class cars.

What really will make them world class?
There are several reasons.  Focus will be fun to drive and will deliver outstanding fuel economy AND CO2 emissions levels.  The quality of the materials and craftsmanship will be immediately apparent, and the interior quietness will be better than Focus competitors and many vehicles in the next up class.  And Focus is really loaded with technology that's intuitive and intelligent.  The amount of technology should really take customers by surprise.

What technology will be standard?
That will vary in different markets, but we expect Focus to offer a collection of technology and features that many of our rivals can't match.  Naturally, important features like stability control, antilock brakes, side-curtain air bags will be standard.
 
How many models will be built on the new Global C-Car platform on which the next-generation Focus is built?

The new C platform will spawn products for all regions around the globe – we expect combined C platforms sales to account for more than 2 million units annually over time. Once fully launched, upwards of 10 models will be built on the new global C-car platform. We have confirmed seven models: the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, the 4- and 5-door Focus, the Focus Electric, a new small car for Mercury and the next-generation Escape / Kuga. We have not provided details on the other models.
 

  

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1/11/2010 12:00 AM