Ford New Zealand reveals the AB35 Fiesta

Ford New Zealand reveals the AB35 Fiesta

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - 30 May 2011 - Ford New Zealand has revealed the limited edition AB35 Fiesta. Designed by the All Blacks and a team of Ford specialist partners, the AB35 Fiesta is now on sale to the public at Ford dealers with an RRP of $35,990.

Chris Masterson of Ford New Zealand says the AB35 Fiesta project was created to celebrate the company's 17-year sponsorship of the All Blacks.

"The AB35 project was all about showing our commitment to the All Blacks this year. We had a huge amount of fun designing this car and it is great to be able to finally reveal it to the public. The AB35 Fiesta represents the spirit of our brand. It's a dynamic, premium car that's small on price but big on features. People who get behind the wheel of this car will find it a fantastic driving experience, and show their support for the All Blacks," said Chris Masterson.

Ford New Zealand has made only 35 of the AB35 Fiestas, with 34 going on sale today and one AB35 Fiesta being auctioned for charity on Trade Me between 29th May and 8th June. Proceeds from the auction will go to three charities; Ford New Zealand's official charity Variety - The Children's Charity and the New Zealand Rugby Union's official charity partners Plunket and KidsCan.

The project began with a European-built Ford Fiesta Titanium-spec 5-speed manual with the Ford 1.6-litre Ti-VCT Sigma engine as the initial canvas. As shown in a series of five videos, the team then transformed the vehicle, focusing on each of the Fiesta's primary areas - exterior, interior and of course, performance.

Mountune Performance

The AB35 Fiesta features an MP140 Power Upgrade from Mountune Performance. Mountune Performance (http://www.mountuneperformance.com ) is a UK-based performance specialist, well-known around the globe for power upgrade kits for a range of Fords including the Fiesta and Focus RS.

The Mountune MP140 consists of a Mountune Intake high-flow air induction system, a high performance Mountune Free Flow Cat-back Exhaust system including high-flow catalyst and tubular manifold, Mountune Twin Exhaust, oxygen sensors and re-calibration of Ford's 1.6-litre Ti-VCT Sigma engine to produce 140PS (104kW) at 6,750rpm and 170NM at 4,250rpm.

The kit results in an 18 per cent power improvement over the standard specification of 88kW and 152Nm. The Mountune boost in performance reduces the standard 0-100km/h time from 9.9secs to 7.9secs.

The AB35 Fiesta is covered, including the Mountune Kit, against defects in factory materials or workmanship for the first 36 months or 100,000 kms - whichever comes first*.

Exterior

The kinetic design of the Fiesta has been muscled up on the AB35. The Mountune Body Kit, limited edition 17" wheels and exclusive graphics give the car a distinctive presence on the road and help with air-flow, down force and handling. Specific to the AB35 is the following:

* Exclusive AB35 Graphic Package

* Mountune Carbon Lip Front Spoiler

* Mountune 17"x7" Motorsport Alloy Wheels

* Mountune Rear Spoiler Extension

* Personalised Plate

* Side Skirts

Interior

The interior of the AB35 has also been enhanced for comfort and support during the most spirited driving. The entertainment experience has also been chosen from highest calibre. Sony provides component speakers with an external crossover unit and individual tweeters in the front. A secondary 800W Sony Amplifier drives a 1000W subwoofer in a custom fibreglass in the tyre well. Specific to the interior is the following:

* Alloy Sports Pedals

* Fiesta Carpet Floor Mats

* Leather Bound Steering Wheel

* Leather Seats with Custom Bolsters and AB35 Logo

* Leather Wrapped Illuminated Gear Knob

* Sony XSGTX1621 Front Component Speakers

* Sony XMGTX1302 Amplifier

* Sony XSGTX120L 12" Subwoofer in a Custom Enclosure

* Temporary Mobility Kit

Since launching in late 2008, the Ford Fiesta has won more than 70 accolades globally, including praise from New Zealand motoring journalists.

In 2009 it was crowned Car of the Year at the annual AMI Insurance NZ Autocar Car of the Year Awards, and Car of the Year by the New Zealand Motoring Writers' Guild last year.

For more information, videos and photos, please visit www.ab35.co.nz to find out more.

*Conditions apply. Further information on this warranty may be obtained from your Authorised Ford Dealer.

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 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com

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