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Ford Focus Named 2000 North American \047Car Of The Year\047
First Time Ever Car of the Year Winner in Europe and North America

DETROIT, Mich. (ots-PRNewswire) -

Small car segment trendsetter
Ford Focus was named the 2000 North American Car of the Year this
morning at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A
year ago, the Ford Focus earned the 1999 European Car of the Year
award. This marks the first time ever the same vehicle has been
honored with both titles. The Ford Focus has been lauded with
overwhelming acclaim for its driving dynamics and spacious interior
package.
North American Car of the Year is considered one of the most
prestigious automotive awards. A jury of 47 independent automotive
journalists in the United States and Canada selected the Ford Focus.
The Ford Focus was one of three finalists, which included the Lincoln
LS and Audi TT. The North American Car and Truck of the year Awards
were created five years ago to give consumers insight into what the
continent's top journalists view as the most significant cars and
trucks of the year.
"We are deeply honored by this award," said James G. O'Connor,
president of Ford Division. "The Ford Focus has broken all kinds of
new ground, from winning both the European and North American Car of
the Year titles to initiating the first time ever live television
commercial campaign simulcast on the web. Our goal for the Focus was
to prove to the world that affordable, compact transportation could
also provide world class driving dynamics, roominess, safety and pure
pleasure."
Focus has already received numerous accolades from automotive
journalists around the world, winning more than 15 major awards.
Since its introduction in North America in the fall, consumers have
enthusiastically accepted the vehicle as well, with sales as of Dec.
31, 1999 totaling 55,846 cars. The Ford Focus has been for sale in
dealerships since October 1999.
Strong Youth Appeal
A key customer group for Ford's all-new compact car, is the highly
influential Gen X and Echo Boomer market, according to Bob Rewey,
Group Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford Motor
Company. "The two key growth markets are Gen X'ers (20-35 years old,
25 million), who are in the market today and Echo Boomers (19 and
under, 80 million) who will be entering the new vehicle market in the
next two to three years," said Rewey. "They will dominate the vehicle
market for the next 30 years."  Focus is off to a strong start with
youth and early sales results show the 48 percent of buyers are age
35 and younger, while 26 percent of the buyers are under 25 years of
age.
Focus - The Car
While the "image target" is youth, the Focus 3-door coupe, 4-door
sedan and wagon appeal to a tremendously diverse group of buyers of
all ages, demographics and lifestyles. Prices range from $12,280 for
the three-door ZX3 hatchback to $15,795 for the top-of-the-line SE
wagon. The Ford Focus is built at the Wayne Assembly Plant (Wayne,
Mich., USA) and the Hermosillo Assembly Plant (Hermosillo, Mexico).
ots Original Text Service: Ford Motor Company
Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de

Contact:

Bill George, 313-845-1547, or pager, 888-467-3673, or Mary
Louise Majewski, 313-337-1561, or pager, 888-467-3673, both of Ford
Motor Company

Web site: http://www.ford.com

Original content of: Ford-Werke GmbH, transmitted by news aktuell