| COLOGNE, Germany – Ford of Europe has commissioned Pininfarina to turn the Focus Vignale Concept into production reality in around two years. It follows the successful collaboration in producing the Ford Streetka roadster.
The Ford Focus Vignale Concept is now set for production |
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The production vehicle will be built at Pininfarina's manufacturing facilities in Turin with some parts sourced from Ford's Saarlouis plant and others from Pininfarina themselves. Like the Streetka, also built by Pininfarina, the new Ford Focus model will be a convertible but the Focus will be the first European Ford to feature a folding hard top.
The elegant new four-door Ford Focus model provides the base architecture for the production version of the Focus Vignale Concept. Using the styling of the all-new Focus 4-door as a base contributes significantly to the dynamic and distinctive profile that was evident in the concept car. It also helps to ensure that this Focus will retain its family reputation for practicality by targeting class-leading boot space with the top up or down.
"This exciting derivative of the new Focus range is a perfect example of the type of niche product Ford of Europe needs to develop as part of its mainstream production programmes", said Derrick Kuzak, vice president of product development for Ford of Europe. "This role is becoming increasingly important as Ford of Europe's traditional high volume markets are fragmented into specialist niches and segments.”
"We are delighted to be working together with Ford on this prestigious programme", said Andrea Pininfarina, CEO of Pininfarina SpA. "Pininfarina is renowned for its in-depth knowledge and experience in the design and manufacture of specialised and stylish vehicles and we provide the perfect complement to the skills and resources available within Ford's European product development organisation.”
“The media and public reaction to the Ford Focus Vignale Concept in Paris was outstanding, and confirmed that we should put this vehicle into production at the earliest opportunity", said Lewis Booth, President of Ford of Europe. "Its elegance and flair emphasise the dynamic design of the new Focus range".
Further details will be released closer to its expected launch towards the end of 2006.
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