Ford Mondeo and Focus Pick Up Two More Awards

Immeidate Release

Ford Mondeo and Focus Pick Up Two More Awards

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 9 March 2009

The Ford Mondeo continues its winning streak picking up another award this weekend – this time the AA Motoring Excellence Award in the Medium Car Class. Mondeo wasn't the only Ford winner on the night – Focus XR5 Turbo edged out top competition to take the AA Motoring Excellence Awards Performance Car title.

The 2009 AA Motoring Excellence Awards were held in Auckland on Friday night and Ford was on hand to receive two of the prestigious Awards. Ford Mondeo Zetec Diesel beat six other contestants to be named the winner of the Medium Car Class, while the Focus XR5 Turbo topped the Performance Car category.

Two category wins for two very different vehicles shows the strength and the depth of the Ford product offering notes Trevor Auger, Managing Director of Ford New Zealand.

"We are delighted that these two products that symbolise two different areas of our business have both been recognised at the AA Motoring Awards," says Mr Auger.

"The Mondeo Zetec Diesel is a car that offers an affordable alternative fuel solution to consumers, something that is becoming increasingly important in today's environment. Ford is committed to developing vehicles that meet people's needs – an automatic transmission, paired with outstanding driving dynamics and new diesel technology are the keys to the success of this car.

"The Focus XR5 Turbo is more about performance – power, torque and its chassis make this car something unique. Drawing on Ford's rally heritage, this is one very fun car to drive."

The Ford Focus XR5 Turbo, beat the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, Subaru Impreza WRX Sedan, Audi RS6 Quattro, VW Passat R36 Sedan and the Lexus IS F to take top honours in the Performance Car Class. One judge said it had the best front-drive chassis in the awards and all judges agreed it delivered performance in a practical package.

Ford Mondeo Zetec Diesel was described by the judges as being "the benchmark for handling, poise and balance", as noted by the AA.

The AA Motoring Excellence Awards received a total of 52 entries this year – each vehicle being put through its paces by the panel of six expert judges. The judges spent six days at Taupo's Motorsport Park assessing each vehicle on design, performance, practicality, dynamics, value for money and an 'X' factor.

The judging panel consisted of five top New Zealand motoring journalists – Brian Cowan, Jacqui Madelin, Dave Moore, Mike Stock and Richard Bosselman as well as top rally driver, Emma Gilmour.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo Car and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com

ENDS

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