350-million vehicles for Ford

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Ford Motor Company is celebrating its 350 millionth vehicle today which happens to be the Ford Focus, the world’s top selling car so far for 2012. Celebrations are taking place at Ford’s global manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand which opened in May to produce the new Ford Focus which is also built in four other countries.

“Producing 350 million vehicles is equivalent to producing one vehicle every 10 seconds for our 109-year history. If placed end to end, the vehicles would stretch to the moon and back – twice,” said John Fleming, Ford executive vice president of global manufacturing. “Producing this vehicle in Thailand also is significant. It underscores the power of our One Ford plan to deliver profitable growth with great products built in ultra-flexible and efficient facilities everywhere around the world.”

According to data from HIS Automotive, the Ford Focus sold 489 616 units in the first half of 2012 with the nearest competitor being the Toyota Corolla with 462 187 units sold.

“Embracing its performance, value, versatility and fuel economy, the Focus is attracting many new customers to the Ford brand for the very first time, particularly in Asia where we are growing every day,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president for global marketing, sales and service. “The Focus is a winner on so many levels because it successfully provides customers with what they want most – a safe, smart, fuel-efficient, good-looking, fun-to-drive, affordable car.”

Since Ford’s birth in 1903, the company produced its 50 millionth vehicle with the 1959 Ford Galaxie and in the next 50 years produced an additional 300 million vehicles. By 2013, Ford will build more than 85% of vehicle volume off nine core platforms and in the next four years Ford plans to upgrade their entire product portfolio at least once.

News Source: Ford

2013 Toyota Auris coming to SA

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Toyota has revealed the new 2013 Auris which is set to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012 and will look to take on the likes of the Ford Focus and VW Golf. The new Auris has been stylistically revised for an enhanced look and handling has been sharpened for a more responsive drive.

The 2013 Auris takes on a road-hugging approach and sits about 55mm lower than the previous model and is a tad longer too. More high tensile steel is used for the body work, which has resulted in 40kg weight loss and has increased tensile strength by 10%. The reduced height and lower centre of gravity coupled with new suspension and steering should make for a thrilling ride, more so than the previous model.

A sharper, more refined design approach can be seen at the front-end which incorporates a sleek grille and well shaped headlights offering a sharp and assertive feel.

Although details of what engines will be offered in South Africa remain sketchy at this point, we can expect revised versions of the entry level 1.3-litre petrol engine, a 1.6–litre petrol and a 1.4-litre diesel engine to begin with. The Auris Hybrid is also likely to show its face and will still use the 1.8-litre engine coupled with an electric motor utilising a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. 

The new Toyota Auris will be available in South Africa sometime in the first quarter of 2013.

 New Source: Carmag