Sunday, November 17, 2013

KLIMS'13 - Ford at KLIMS, the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost and Ford EcoSport

Ford has chosen to participate in the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2013 (KLIMS'13) in a big way. They've decided to come up with a showcase showing its old and new cars. They've showcased a vintage Model A, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (no, this is just for show), Ford Focus Sport+ Graphite edition (above), Fiesta ST, the Fusion Hybrid saloon and two potential large sellers for them in Malaysia – the Ford EcoSport mini SUV and the Ford Fiesta 1.0l EcoBoost hatchback. Both the Ford EcoSport and EcoBoost will be launched next year with the Fiesta sometime early 2014 and the EcoSport later in the year.


Ford Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost

The Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging, variable valve timing to offer up to 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy and 15 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. It makes 125 PS of power and peak torque of 170 Nm, the quiet and smooth-running engine delivers power and performance that rivals a traditional 1.6L petrol engine, but uses 21 per cent less fuel with 4.3L/100km.

The Ford Fiesta 1.0l EcoBoost is predicted to be sold at RM96,000 and further expands the recently launched new Fiesta line-up in Malaysia by coming in above the 1.5liter variants of the Fiesta. Yes, yes. Slightly baffling isn't it? The smaller capacity engined car priced higher than the Fiesta 1.5liter cars. Lose one cylinder and add one turbocharger and the price goes up due tax on horses instead of engine capacity? But I don't think we should blame Ford for this. It could be the mind boggling and slightly ridiculously complicated Malaysian tax and excise structure which makes our cars weirdly priced.

But if one really wants a VW Polo GTI opponent, Ford intends to bring in the Ford Fiesta ST (the red car above)sometime next year too, which they intend to price at around RM150,000.

Ford EcoSport

The All-new EcoSport is an urban SUV. It is basically one of those mini SUVs that city folk love to buy. Those that like the slightly elevated ride height and the view that such mini SUVs give will like the EcoSport. It should be priced in the RM120,000-130,000 (I could be wrong) and would be sold by the middle of 2014 here in Malaysia. This car is Ford's global car for all markets including those in South East Asia. Designed in South America but will be sold in all markets globally.

Press release (more photos below)
Ford Unveils EcoSport and Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost at KLIMS, Continues Product-led Growth Strategy

  • All-new EcoSport urban SUV features Ford’s global 1.5-liter Ti-VCT engine and SYNC™ voice-activated in-car connectivity system
  • Award-winning 1.0L EcoBoost engine in the new Fiesta combines turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing to offer best-in-class fuel economy while delivering the power of a bigger engine
  • The three-cylinder 1.0L EcoBoost engine was named 2013 International Engine of the Year for the second consecutive year
  • Ford is offering exclusive deals and promotions for new vehicle bookings at KLIMS
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 14 November 2013 – Ford Motor Company today demonstrated its commitment to capture even more of Malaysia’s highly-competitive compact segment with the reveal of the all-new EcoSport and new Fiesta with 1.0L EcoBoost engine at the 8th Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show.

The launch of these two new global Ford vehicles will help build on the company’s product-led growth strategy in Malaysia, which has driven Ford’s year-to-dates sales up more than 70 per cent and more than doubled its market share from the same period a year ago.

ASEAN is such an important growth opportunity for Ford within our Asia Pacific region, and Malaysia is a key part of our aggressive expansion plans. Malaysia’s impressive year-over-year sales growth has significantly outpaced overall Ford’s overall ASEAN growth of 11 per cent,” said Randy Krieger, director, Marketing and Sales, Ford ASEAN.

Our plan and successful product-led transformation is helping to deliver even more segment-leading vehicles, like the all-new EcoSport and new Fiesta with 1.0L EcoBoost, that reflect our commitment to serve our growing number of customers in Malaysia,” added Krieger.

Global vehicle for ASEAN
With B-segment practicality and the flexibility, spaciousness and agility of an SUV, the all-new Ford EcoSport delivers a segment-leading package of quality, safety, value and fuel economy that benefits from a contemporary design, which is not only stylish, but aerodynamically efficient.

Reflecting its smart, urban character, the all-new EcoSport SUV features the award-winning Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system, giving drivers the convenience and flexibility of operating their digital media players and Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones via voice commands.

In addition to Ford SYNC, the all-new Ford EcoSport also features advanced technologies like Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start and rear parking sensors, safety features such as dual front airbags and side curtain airbags, as well as Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

The sporty all-new EcoSport is equipped with Ford’s global 1.5-liter Ti-VCT engine that will deliver the same segment-leading fuel efficiency as the popular Ford Fiesta.

A truly global One Ford vehicle, the all-new Ford EcoSport was developed in South America, underlining Ford’s world-class capability of leveraging global design and expertise to develop compact-car models for growth markets.

New Ford Fiesta with EcoBoost
Ford began its product-led transformation in Malaysia with the launch of the Ford Fiesta, which has been one of the key drivers of the company’s success in the country.

Our aim with the new Ford Fiesta was to take a popular car that was already a segment leader in fuel efficiency, performance and personality, and make it even better,” said David Westerman, regional manager, Emerging Markets Group, Ford Motor Company. “Ford Fiesta continues to push the boundaries, sealing its credentials as the B-segment that truly stands out from the competition.”

The new Ford Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost further expands the recently launched new Fiesta line-up in Malaysia. The spirited 1.0L EcoBoost engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging, variable valve timing to offer up to 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy and 15 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

The smallest engine in its class, the 1.0L EcoBoost engine is big on power, torque and refinement. Producing 125 PS of power and peak torque of 170 Nm, the quiet and smooth-running engine delivers power and performance that rivals a traditional 1.6L petrol engine, but uses 21 per cent less fuel with 4.3L/100km.1

The acclaimed three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0L powertrain was named International Engine of the Year for both 2012 and 2013.

Fuel efficiency is one of the biggest purchase considerations for consumers in Malaysia across the ASEAN region,” said Westerman. “The 1.0L EcoBoost engine gives consumers yet another choice of class-leading powertrains for the Fiesta, and another reason to connect with this wildly popular nameplate.”

The Ford Fiesta has been a sales champion for Ford in Malaysia, thanks to its sporty design, class-leading fuel efficiency, excellent safety and smart technologies.

The stylish new Ford Fiesta features an exciting new bold design, segment-leading fuel economy, class-leading safety features and smart technologies such as SYNC to give drivers the perfect blend of a connected world and an enjoyable driving experience.

Ford@KLIMS2013
Visitors to the Ford stand at KLIMS will experience Ford’s rich heritage of automotive innovation through its “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” themed showcase. The displays highlight the company’s dedication to delighting generations of customers with segment-leading vehicles that are safe, smart, efficient and fun-to-drive, without sacrificing performance or handling.

Keeping to the theme, Ford will offer visitors a look into the past with a 1928 Ford classic Model A, the iconic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and a view of the Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Ford is also displaying its full range of One Ford vehicles, including special versions of the class-defining Ranger and the globally best-selling all-new Ford Focus, as well as the all-new Ford Kuga.

Ford’s impressive line-up of 11 vehicles will include:
  • All-new EcoSport
  • New Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost
  • Ford Model A Pick-up
  • Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
  • Ford Fiesta ST
  • All-new Ford Kuga Titanium+
  • Ford Focus (Race car)
  • All-new Ford Focus Sport+ Graphite (modified)
  • Ford Ranger X-Terrain Edition (modified)
  • Ford Transit
  • Ford Fusion Hybrid

Exclusive Deals and Promotions
For the duration of KLIMS 2013, Ford will accept bookings for the all-new EcoSport and new Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost.

Customers who place a booking for any new Ford vehicle at Ford’s KLIMS showcase will receive a special gift, while stocks last.

Finally, Ford’s Big Deal promotion is back with the offer of only 1.38 per cent interest rate per annum, for new customers of the all-new Focus Sport+ and all new Focus Titanium+, in addition to free shopping vouchers. These free shopping vouchers are also extended to new customers of the all-new Kuga.

Fun, Games and Interaction
Visitors who wish to learn more about the Ford vehicles on display can attend scheduled product sessions at KLIMS 2013.

Ford will also be running contests and trivia quizzes to give away attractive prizes, including exclusive Ford merchandise.

On Sunday, 17 November, popular YouTube personality and hitz.fm Morning Crew DJ Jinny Boy will be making a special appearance at the Ford stand from 3-5 pm. Ford will arrange for a limited number of specially designated Ford-only parking spaces at PWTC, available at a discounted parking rate of RM5 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested car enthusiasts can visit the Ford stand in the Merdeka Hall, PWTC from 15-24 November from 11:00am-10:00pm on weekdays and 10:00am-10:00pm on weekends. Ticket prices are RM15 on weekdays and RM20 on weekends for adults. Family packages are also available.


For more information about Ford in Malaysia, please visit: www.ford.net.my.




Ford Fusion Hybrid a.k.a Mondeo hybrid



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