Los Angeles Auto Show

BANGKOK, Thailand – November 19, 2007 – Ford Thailand today announced a sweeping new pricing policy for its entire Ford Focus petrol lineup, reflecting the Thai Government's new excise tax policy for E20 capable vehicles, which officially takes effect on January 1.

2008 Ford Focus

Ford Thailand first launched the E20 capable Ford Focus in 2005 as part of Ford's global leadership and commitment to sustainability and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

“As the first automaker to introduce E20 capable vehicles in Thailand, Ford is committed to supporting Government alternative fuel policies,” said Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president of Ford Thailand. “Starting today, new pricing for our Ford Focus E20 models is available through our nationwide network of authorized Ford dealerships."

Globally, Ford Motor Company has pledged to make half of its vehicles capable of running on alternative fuels by 2012, provided the necessary fuel and infrastructure are in place. Ford believes the Thai Government's new E20 policy is an important step forward in driving momentum for the implementation and increased usage of alternative fuels in the Thailand.

“The Ford Focus E20 offers Thai customers immediate benefit from the new legislation," explained Saroj. "They'll be able to make an environmentally-friendly purchase decision, while benefiting from the lower pricing we're able to pass on as a result of the new policy,” he added.

The new pricing for current E20 Focus models includes:

* 2.0L Sport 5-door at Baht 939,000
* 1.8L Ghia 4-door at Baht 895,000

New pricing for the freshened Ford Focus, which will include a number of new features, and be available for advanced booking at the upcoming Motor Expo, includes:

* 2.0L Sport 5-door at Baht 949,000
* 2.0L Ghia 4-door at Baht 949,000
* 1.8L Finesse 5-door, Baht 839,000
* 1.8L Finesse 4-door, Baht 829,000

Since introduction in Thailand in 2005, Ford has sold more than 7,000 E20 capable Ford Focus vehicles. Flex-fuel technology was created by Ford Motor Company in the mid-1980s, and flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) are part of Ford's broad portfolio of environmentally advanced vehicle technologies. Ford has put more than 5 million flex-fuel vehicles on roads worldwide.

The Focus is one of Ford’s most popular passenger cars. It has won more than 80 awards worldwide, including the Car of the Year, due to its outstanding combination of premium quality, modern European design, class-leading features and superior driving dynamics.

Earlier this month, Ford Thailand launched the new Ford Focus range. The freshened Ford Focus continues to offer a thrilling driving experience with its powerful and responsive engine, impressive on-road dynamics and class-leading safety features. The full Focus range consists of both E-20 capable models for unmatched performance and environmental friendliness, and the Focus TDCi diesel variant for superior fuel economy and exceptional drivability.

Visitors at the 24th Motor Expo from November 30-December 10 at IMPACT Challenger Hall 1-3, Muang Thong Thani, will have the opportunity to experience the entire Ford Focus range – both current and newly-launched models. In addition, the entire 15 model Ford Thailand vehicle line up will be available with special promotions.

Note: An E20 capable vehicle can use petrol only, or a mix that contains up to 20 percent bio-ethanol fuel. The engine is able to sense a change in fuel composition and adjusts itself automatically without compromising power or performance.

  # 5:29 AM