Russia is known for being the largest country in the world, with the ninth largest population (142 million and counting), the world’s largest mineral and energy resources (making it an energy superpower) and it has the world’s largest forest reserves. Pretty much everything about Russia is large. And Ford is hoping to capitalize on Russia’s fancy for all things large through the sales of its Ford Focus.

As of this date, production for the 2008 Ford Focus has already commenced at the Ford plantation located at St. Petersburg in Russia. The bodies available in Russia for this new model will be 3-door, 4-door, 5-door bodies and a wagon. New owners can choose between the five engines available for the model, whether they want an automatic or manual transmission and the type of trims they want. The trims that will be available in the Russian market will be the Ambiente, Comfort and Ghia trims.

Over 20,000 orders have already been placed for the new generation vehicle thanks to its successful debut in the Frankfurt Motor Show held in September of last year and its improved look, interior design and craftsmanship. Its popularity in Russia is so high that one of the country’s political figures jumped at the opportunity of driving one. Governor of Leningrad, Valery Serdyukov along with Vice President of Ford Europe Manufacturing, Jim Tetreault, drove the first Ford Focus that came out of the production line.

Aside from the huge orders the company has received, Ford also hit a milestone when it produced the 250,000^th Focus sold in the country since it was first released in 1999. A ceremony was held in honor of the production, which was also attended by the car owner.

Given the problems it has had in the US in terms of downsizing, the positive response it generated in Russia could help Ford pick itself up and continue on producing more quality vehicles for its audience.

Sources: Auto News 24 Hours A Day, Wikipedia, Blue Oval News

The all – new Ford Focus which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September of this year (2007) has finally reached production stage. The vehicles were manufactured at the Ford plant in Saarlouis, Germany. The first vehicle off the production line was ceremoniously driven by Joachim Rippel, Saarland Minister for Economic Affairs.

The new Ford Focus has been given a completely revamped look both in the car’s body exterior and its interior. The new Ford Focus is a part of Ford’s ECOnetic line – vehicles which are projected to have very low carbon dioxide emissions. At just 115g/km of powertrain, the new Ford Focus promises to have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in its category.

The Ford Focus is the only car to have been named “Car of the Year” in both Europe and North America. This new Ford Focus which promises to be performance driven and environmentally friendly is one car which will make waves in the “green” vehicle category.

Source: Ready For Launch: New Ford Focus Rolls Off The Production Line

Ford Motor Company recently announced information about the line-up of models it will present during the 2007 SEMA Show that will happen this month.  The upcoming show will feature at least nine custom-made editions of the 2008 Ford Focus and other customized Ford automobiles.

One of the highlights of Ford’s line-up is F2 Motorsports’ 2008 Ford Focus Coupe.  This Ford vehicle boasts of a Street Scene body kit and F2 Brutus custom rear wing and decals. Moreover, this car guarantees great drivability because it is equipped with quality 18-inch Kyowa Design tires and a Ford Racing exhaust.

RKSport’s 2008 Ford Focus, on the other hand, possesses a rear spoiler, handy extractor hood, rear window spoiler, lower ground effects, and a colored grille. Other racy touches include 20-inch TSW Kyalami wheels and Toyo tires, as well as Eibach lowering springs.

Another Ford model that will grace the SEMA Show this month is the 2008 Steeda Focus Club Racer.  This model has a 2L inline-4, a quality exhaust, and cold-air intake by Steeda. This Focus model has a Carbon Euro Series body kit, which enhances the automobile with modern accessories such as front fender treatments, Club Racer graphics, and a custom grille.

The show will also feature the 2008 Ford Focus by 3D Carbon tricks.   The features of this car include side skirts, upper roof spoiler, rear lower skirt, front airdam, and rear deck lid spoiler, a leather compartment, and a Webasto 900 Series sunroof.

The 2007 SEMA Show would not be complete for Ford without featuring the 2007 Ford Mustang by Santini-USA.  This vehicle will truly catch motorists’ attention with its dazzling exotic blue and yellow color combination. It boasts of a quality exhaust by Bassani and a 4.6L V8 supercharger and intercooler.

Source: Edmunds Insideline 

Ford Motor Company, in cooperation with Microsoft Corporation, recently introduced in Seattle the latest technologically advanced system for Ford Focus units.

The new set of Ford Focus units is equipped with Sync, an entertainment and communication automotive device produced by Microsoft. According to Ford America President Mark Fields, the Sync technology of Microsoft is being utilized by Ford to make the lives of Ford automobile owners a lot easier.

This technological breakthrough helps in trimming down the distractions in driving through its wireless phone call and text message system. Owners of Ford automobiles can send a text message, answer a call, or listen to their favorite MP3 tunes in a single voice command.

The refurbished Ford Focus 2008 model was the first to be equipped with the Sync system, which was first introduced to the public in the Detroit auto show last January. The improved Ford Focus will be sold at approximately 14, 690 dollars. Owners of Ford Focus units that are not equipped with this entertainment and communication system will have to spend 395 dollars to obtain this Microsoft innovation.

Incorporating Microsoft’s Sync technology is something Ford ventured on in order to improve its dwindling sales. The once lustrous Ford Focus has been slowly losing its popularity in the automotive market. Reports show that for the month of August, Ford Focus incurred US sales 3 percent less than what it gained last year. The Sync innovation in Ford Focus units can attract more potential customers and win back the market that Ford has lost.

In addition to the improvement in Ford technology, the struggling automotive company also aims to concentrate on the production of smaller vehicles. This plan is based on a study showing that a significant percent of Americans are now being practical and are yearning for more efficient and manageable automobiles.