Ford Focus |
|---|
|
| Topic Navigation |
|---|
|
Wikipedia: Ford Focus
Page Sections History Multimedia Photographs Documents Merchandise Article Index |
History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Ford Focus page on 4 July 2016, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Ford Focus is a compact car (C-segment in Europe) manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since 1998. Ford began sales of the Focus to Europe in July 1998 and in North America during 1999 for the 2000 model year.
In Europe, North and South America, and South Africa, the Focus replaced the various versions of the Ford Escort and Ford Laser sold in those markets. In Asia and Australasia, it replaced the Ford Laser. As of the first half of 2012, the Focus surpassed the Toyota Corolla to become the world's best selling automobile nameplate.
First generation (1998–2004)
Ford of Europe introduced the Focus in 1998 to the European market as a replacement for the Ford Escort. The decision to name the new car the "Ford Focus" was made in early 1998, as Ford's overheads had been planning to keep the "Escort" nameplate for its new generation of small family cars. A last minute problem arose in July 1998 when a Cologne court, responding to a case brought by the publisher Burda, ordered Ford to avoid the name "Focus" for the cars in the German market since the name was already taken by one of its magazines (Focus). This eleventh hour dispute was resolved, however, and the car was launched with the name Focus. The Focus MK1 was awarded the 1999 European Car of the Year award. There is also a tale floating around certain editions of Motor Trend magazine that Ford executive Jac Nasser actually made the decision of the name Focus the night of that year's Geneva Auto Show because he was annoyed that one of the other names under consideration, Fusion (not the same as the mid-size automobile Ford Fusion), had leaked to the media.
Ford of North America began marketing the Focus in October 1999 for the 2000 model year as a surprise Christmas present for Ford's CEO Jacques Nasser, with some changes from the European version. The car launched as a three-door hatchback, four-door sedan and five-door wagon; a five-door hatchback debuted in 2001.
Second generation (2004–2010) Europe
The second generation Focus was launched at the Paris Motor Show on 23 September 2004 as a three and five-door hatchback and an estate, although the new car was previewed, in 4-door sedan form, as the "Focus Concept" developed by Ford Europe at the Beijing Motor Show in mid-2004.
The basic suspension design, which contributed much to the Mk 1's success, was carried over largely unchanged from its predecessor which, along with a 10 percent stiffer bodyshell, offers a better ride according to Ford but lacked on the precise and poised handling of the Mk1. The same body styles as the Mk 1 Focus were offered, though the saloon did not appear until mid-2005.
The Focus Mk 2 is larger and considerably heavier than its predecessor: it has a 25 mm (0.98 in) increase in wheelbase, and is 168 mm (6.6 in) longer, 8 mm (0.31 in) taller and 22 mm (0.87 in) wider. As a result, the interior and boot space have increased. New technologies include a KeyFree system, a solar-reflect windshield, adaptive front lighting, Bluetooth hands-free phones and voice control for audio, telephone and climate control systems.
Stylistically, the Mk 2 features the same design language found in the Mondeo and Fiesta. Although still recognisable as a Focus, the new car uses styling features from the abandoned B-Proposal for the original Focus which never reached production.
In 2005, Ford released a MK.II version of Ford's sports division of Focus, the Focus ST. This one produced 225 bhp (168 kW) and could achieve a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of just 6.4 seconds, and a 152 mph (245 km/h) top speed.
2007–2008 saw a facelifted version introduced, featuring Ford's Kinetic Design philosophy. Major changes included a new bonnet with more creases, the removal of all mouldings along the doors and sides, new sculpted pull back headlights, and the big trapezoidal lower grille.
Second generation (2004–2010) North America
For the North American market, development followed a separate path. Since debuting at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, the restyled 2008–2011 generation was available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan; the hatchbacks and wagon were discontinued. The interior was redesigned, including new seats, a new dashboard design with message center on top of the dashboard, ambient lighting, dashboard panels that simulate brushed aluminum, and Ford's voice-controlled Sync audio/Bluetooth system. Also included in the redesign was a support beam behind the dashboard for extra structural rigidity.
Though informally considered as the second generation, it was never officially referred to as such by Ford since its platform was the same as the first generation.
Third generation (2010–present)
In 2010 for model year 2011 Ford decided to reunite both international and North American models by releasing the international Mk3 worldwide. The previous North American version was discontinued, and the new model was launched simultaneously in North America and Europe in early 2011, both having started production late in 2010.
Ford unveiled the 2011 global Ford Focus at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. The car shown was a 5-door hatchback model, also debuting a new 2.0L direct injection I4 engine. A 5-door estate will also be available at launch. The new generation launched simultaneously in North America and Europe in early 2011, with production having started in late 2010. Production in Asia, Africa, Australia and South America was scheduled to follow later but the plan for Australian production was later dropped and that market and New Zealand were supplied, along with Asia, from a new factory in Thailand where output began in June 2012. This new generation of Focus incorporates a redesigned cabin with improved materials and new entertainment technologies. A 2015 model for the Ford Focus has been exhibited on the Ford website. Its chassis design is much like the 2013 model, but the front has been facelifted with elongated and darkened headlamps, and a grille that is designed to look like the Fusion, or C-max. It will be available early 2015, according to Ford.
Ford debuted the all-electric Ford Focus Electric at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2011 to compete with the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt. Deliveries for fleet customers in the United States began in December 2011, and the release to retail customers took place by late May 2012. The electric car is available only in California, New York, and New Jersey, in limited numbers. The European release was scheduled for late 2012.
In summer 2012 Ford launched the Focus ST which had 252 bhp (188 kW) from a 2.0-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine. Ford previewed the third generation facelifted model at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and is set for a UK November launch. In August 2014, Ford announced it was recalling Focus ST hatchbacks sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico due to a wiring problem. Additionally, Ford also asked for dealers to stop test driving and selling select Focus and C-Max vehicles in late August. There was a potential issue found related to the steering assemblies. It was apparent for the manufacturer, that from 8 August through the 15, less than 50 of the vehicles may not have had enough ball bearings in the assembly, causing concern for accidents.
At the end of March 2014, the most common car in Great Britain was the Ford Focus (1.5 million).
The recently updated version (2016 model year) features a new redesigned front end design, incorporating Ford's new family grille and slimline headlights. The sporty ST and all new RS model, which will feature an upgraded version of the 2.3-litre engine from the Ford Mustang, will continue Ford's performance range. The new 2016 model year update Focus range will be offered with Ford's multi award-winning EcoBoost technology, with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant available in 110 and 132 kW (148 and 177 hp) outputs in place of the current older 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre offerings. A revised 2.0-litre turbo-diesel TDCi engine, with an output of 110 kW (150 hp), will also be offered.
| 13-16476 Margie Daniel v. Ford Motor Company 22 October 2015 Duration: 33:16 United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Plaintiffs appeal the district court's judgment in favor of Ford Motor Company in plaintiffs' diversity putative class action against Ford Motor Company, alleging that Ford sold them defective Ford Focus vehicles model years 2005 to 2011. Download 13-16476 Margie Daniel v. Ford Motor Company in MP4 format - 403MB | |
| 2 February 2017 15-16388 Veronica Ochoa-Valenzuela v. Ford Motor Co. United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Veronica Ochoa-Valenzuela and her children appeal the district court's judgment, following a jury trial, in Ochoa-Valenzuela's diversity action, alleging product liability arising from a single-vehicle, multiple rollover accident. Download 15-16388 Veronica Ochoa-Valenzuela v. Ford Motor Co. - 211MB - 31:20 |
| Date | Document Name & Details | Documents |
|---|---|---|
| classified date 2000 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2000 Ford Focus, 3-door hatchback National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |  PDF - 52.3MB - 126 pages |
| classified date 2000 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2000 Ford Focus, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 35.6MB - 96 pages |
| October 2000 | Veridian On-Site Alleged Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment Investigation Vehicle - 2001 Ford Focus LX National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 497KB - 12 pages |
| classified date 2001 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2000 Ford Focus ZTS, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 4.8MB - 101 pages |
| July 2001 | On-Site On-Site Potential Over-Sensitive Air Bag Deployment Investigation SCI Technical Summary Report Vehicle - 2001 Ford Focus ZX3 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 252KB - 14 pages |
| classified date 2002 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2001 Ford Focus SE, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 5.0MB - 108 pages |
| classified date 2002 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2001 Ford Focus SE, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 9.3MB - 130 pages |
| September 2002 | Veridian On-Site Low-Speed Frontal Air Bag Deployment Investigation Vehicle: 2001 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 377KB - 15 pages |
| 6 May 2003 | Safety Compliance Sled Testing for FMVSS 208: Occupant Crash Protection 2003 Ford Focus 3 Door Hatchback National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 3.1MB - 165 pages |
| 22 September 2003 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS No. 110(Indicant): Tire Selection and Rims 2003 Ford Focus Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1.8MB - 24 pages |
| classified date 2005 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2003 Ford Focus ZX3, 2-door hatchback National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 10.5MB - 132 pages |
| January 2005 | Calspan On-Site Certified Advanced 208-Compliant Vehicle Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2005 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 232KB - 16 pages |
| 25 May 2005 | Vehicle Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 208, Occupant Crash Protection; FMVSS 212, Windshield Mounting; FMVSS 219, Windshield Intrustion (Partial); FMVSS 301, Fuel System Integrity 2009 Ford Focus Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 21.5MB - 348 pages |
| classified date 2006 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2003 Ford Focus SE, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 10.8MB - 133 pages |
| July 2006 | Certified Advanced 208 Compliant Air Bag Investigation / Vehicle to Vehicle 2005 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 2,534KB - 17 pages |
| classified date 2007 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 2002 Ford Focus LX, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 8.4MB - 135 pages |
| 2 April 2007 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 135: Passenger Car Brake Systems 2007 Ford Focus SE, 4-Door Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 21.4MB - 76 pages |
| July 2007 | Calspan On-Site Child Safety Seat Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2006 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 635KB - 19 pages |
| August 2007 | On-Site Not in Traffic Surveillance Back Over Investigation Vehicle - 2003 Ford Focus SE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,703KB - 21 pages |
| April 2008 | Remote Not in Traffic Surveillance Hyperthermia Investigation 2007 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,756KB - 19 pages |
| April 2008 | On-Site Side Impact Inflatable Occupant Protection Investigation Vehicle - 2008 Ford Focus SE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 428KB - 13 pages |
| 2 April 2008 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 214: Side Impact Protection 2008 Ford Focus 2 Door National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 15.1MB - 195 pages |
| May 2008 | Child Safety Seat Investigation 2002 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,098KB - 16 pages |
| 13 May 2008 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 225: "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems" 2007 Ford Focus 4-Door National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 3.0MB - 83 pages |
| 30 May 2008 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 201: Occupant Protection in Interior Impact, Upper Interior Head Impact Protection 1008 Ford Focus, 4-Door Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 4.5MB - 156 pages |
| 4 June 2008 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 201: Rigid Pole Side Impact Test 2008 Ford Focus 4-Door National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 6.7MB - 143 pages |
| November 2008 | On-Site Certified Advanced 208-Compliant Vehicle Investigation Vehicle - 2007 Ford Focus ZX4 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,273KB - 13 pages |
| December 2008 | On-Site Rollover Investigation 2008 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,000KB - 23 pages |
| February 2009 | On-Site Certified Advanced 208-Compliant Vehicle Investigation Vehicle - 2008 Ford Focus SE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 2,955KB - 16 pages |
| 25 March 2009 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 225: "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems" 2008 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 2.2MB - 81 pages |
| April 2009 | Calspan On-Site Side Impact Inflatable Occupant Protection System Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2008 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 562KB - 22 pages |
| August 2009 | On-Site Side Air Bag Investigation 2009 Ford Focus National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,135KB - 26 pages |
| September 2009 | Calspan On-Site Rollover Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2007 Ford Focus SE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 257KB - 12 pages |
| 23 October 2009 | Vehicle Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 208, Occupant Crash Protection; FMVSS 212, Windshield Mounting; FMVSS 219, Windshield Intrustion (Partial); FMVSS 301, Fuel System Integrity 2009 Ford Focus Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 25.2MB - 310 pages |
| January 2010 | On-Site Side Impact Inflatable Occupant Protection Investigation Vehicle - 2009 Ford Focus SE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 3,668KB - 27 pages |
| Type & Item # | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Die Cast - Matchbox 96379-0910 | Ford Focus | Worldwide Wheels, 1:57 scale, metallic dark orange |
| Model Kit - Tamiya 24217 | Ford Focus WRC | 1:24 scale, Valvoline #7 |
| Die Cast - Hot Wheels 28770-0910 D1 | Ford Focus | 2001 First Editions, small scale, Black & Yellow "Meguiar's" drag race var |
