New Ford Escort launched in China

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
2522 photos
11 videos
introduced the production version of the new EscortFord Escort (UK)United Kingdom, 1955 > 20007 series
70 versions
28 photos
1 video
at the Beijing Motor Show. The American brand has brought back the nameplate after being absent from the markets since 2002.

The launch of the new EscortFord Escort (UK) 7United Kingdom, 2015 > present2 versions
4 photos
is part of Ford's Blue Oval plan that includes the launch of 15 new vehicles in China by 2015. The model was developed to attract consumers of the compact sedans market, a segment growing fast in the country.

Currently the best-selling Ford model in China is the FocusFord Focus (UK)United Kingdom, 1998 > present3 series
370 versions
578 photos
, but the American brand wants to take advantage of the fast-growing compact sedan segment, which currently accounts for 5 million sales in the country and whose volume should grow by 2017 to 7.2 million units.

The development of the new model is the result of a collaboration between Ford's Asia-Pacific Design team, based in Australia and Ford's Centre for Research and Engineering in China. With the Escort the brand aims to conquer Chinese consumers who value interior space, safety and sophisticated design in a accessible compact car.

"It's a perfect example of how the global approach of Ford can be adjusted to meet the needs of individual markets, taking into account customer feedback," said Marin Burela, president of Changan Ford Automobile (CAF), Ford's Chinese joint venture.

The new Ford Escort will be powered by a gasoline engine 1.5-liter Ti -VCT. The model will be produced in China by CAF and should become a model sold exclusively in that market.