The first shipment of all-new Ford Focus models has left Ford’s Saarlouis assembly plant in Germany and is heading to showrooms across Europe. About 1,000 vehicles a day have been produced since this first batch, and Ford is expected to increase output to about 1,450 vehicles later this month.
Most European models are five-doors, and the first batch of Focus models are heading to dealerships in the UK in time for the March registration plate change, which produces one of the largest sales months of the year.
“Now that the first all-new Focus models have left the Saarlouis plant on schedule and with the highest levels of quality, deliveries to the wider European market will soar, particularly with shipments of four-door models commencing at the end of the month,” explained Horst Ritze, manager, Material Planning and Logistics, Saarlouis Vehicle Operations. “We currently have 12,000 cars in the pipeline for release to markets across Europe.”
According to Clovis Ford, the Focus is a truly global car. Designed in Europe, the all-new model will be sold in 120 markets around the world. Aside the Saarlouis plant, Ford is also producing the Focus in Michigan and in Russia. Production in China should begin in early 2012. Each plant utilizes identical manufacturing processes, tools, and technologies, ensuring higher levels of product commonality and quality.
Look for the 2012 Focus to arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year.
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