Ford announces the all-new EcoSport

Ford announces the all-new EcoSport

Created for the urban world, all-new Ford EcoSport confirmed for New Zealand

· The all-new Ford EcoSport marries the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car with the practicality and robustness of a sports utility vehicles (SUV)

· Ford EcoSport offers a high driving position, superior capabilities and an array of smart features such as the award-winning Ford SYNC® connectivity system - perfect for city driving and out-of-town exploring

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 20 May 2013 – Ford New Zealand has confirmed the all-new Ford EcoSport is coming to the country. Expanding Ford New Zealand’s range into the new small SUV segment, the all-new Ford EcoSport will arrive on New Zealand shores in early 2014.

Ford’s latest ‘urban’ sport utility vehicle combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the versatility and spaciousness of an SUV. Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the Ford EcoSport is spacious enough for five adults and offers an excellent blend practicality and smart features.

“With its stylish design and dynamic features, the all-new Ford EcoSport will to appeal to a variety of New Zealanders,” said Chris Masterson, Marketing Manager, Ford New Zealand. “We’re looking forward to competing in what is a relatively new but growing segment of the market. And we’re especially glad we’ll have such a compelling offering with the all-new EcoSport. It’s a great-looking, great-driving vehicle!”

SUV Growth – New Zealand and Beyond

The popularity of SUVs has continued into 2013, with the segment now the most popular in New Zealand.

The growth of SUVs in New Zealand is mirrored across the Asia Pacific region and the Ford EcoSport will play a major role in solidifying Ford’s position in the segment while also specifically boosting Ford’s position in India. The EcoSport bound for New Zealand will be produced at Ford’s Maraimalai Nagar plant near Chennai, which will also supply other export markets including Australia and South Africa.

Ford invested USD142 million in the Maraimalai Nagar plant to enhance its capability to manufacture the urban SUV. Quality control and testing processes have been boosted to ensure customers get smart, reliable vehicles.

Introduced in South America in 2003, the first EcoSport model established a new segment there and has gone on to sell more than 700,000 units in the region. The project was led by Ford’s Development Centre in Brazil, one of the most specialised in the development of compact cars. The team leveraged Ford engineering strength and SUV expertise globally to create the all-new Ford EcoSport, which is projected to help drive additional growth for Ford around the world.

The full line-up, pricing and specifications for New Zealand will be announced closer to the on-sale date in approximately April 2014.

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