Six new Ford models in the next 18 months
Ever since the Fiesta’s launch here in late 2010, Ford’s fortunes in Malaysia have been sharply on the rise. In its first full year on sale, 4,297 Malaysians snapped up the Fiesta, contributing to a final tally of 7,188 vehicles sold in 2011, Ford’s best ever year since 1997.
Other models also performed strongly, notably the Ranger and Focus, both of which are actually due to be replaced this year. In 2011, sales of the Ranger rose more than 17% from the previous year to 2,274 units, and the Focus, rejuvenated by the addition of the superb diesel-powered TDCi variant also enjoyed a 58% increase in sales to 263 units.
Looking forward, we’ve been promised that there’s more to come. Hal Feder, Director of Ford’s Export & Growth (E&G) division has indicated to us that starting with the all-new Ranger T6 and subsequently the third-generation Focus later this year, Malaysians can prepare to welcome the arrival of six all-new Ford vehicles by the end of 2013, and that between them, these six vehicles will be sharing eight new petrol and diesel powertrains.
Feder was in town yesterday to check out the Ford road show currently being held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. It is part of a series of road shows leading up to the Ranger T6’s official launch. There is a purpose-built 360 degree racing simulator together with a series of strength challenges designed to showcase the power and toughness of the Ranger T6.
Two display units of the Ranger T6 are also available for viewing, though they are Australian-spec 3.2 XLT units – variants which will not be available in Malaysia. For our market, Ford has selected the 2.2 XLT (manual and auto) as the key model variant, and if you really want the added power of the 3.2, it will arrive fully decked-up in the highly-specced Wildtrak trim.
A couple of less conspicuous presences at the roadshow would be the Mondeo and S-Max, both offering even more firepower with a more potent 237hp version of the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Official on-the-road prices including insurance for both these models have been announced at RM193,888 and RM198,888 respectively.
Zooming out to give a regional overview of Ford’s operations, Feder noted that Asian markets have become key to Ford’s immediate and long-term aims. The company has invested over US$ 5 billion in production and assembly operations in Asia, and expectations are for the continent to account for 70% of Ford’s growth over the next ten years.
Eight new plants are scheduled for opening in Asia Pacific and Africa by 2015, and just last week, the company announced a new US$ 760 million assembly plant in China. For the ASEAN market, Ford has lined up some 50 new vehicles and powertrains for introduction by 2015. Watch this space for more.
Further Details:
– Official prices and specifications of Ford vehicles in Malaysia
– List of Ford official dealers and branches in Malaysia
