Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks, Ford
Ford to produce Focus in two plants in 2010
With sales up 35-percent year over year, the current Focus is on fire. Even after Ford added a third shift that bumped annual production at its Wayne assembly plant to 280,000 units per year, the Blue Oval is still selling every compact it an make. To give Americans more of what they want, the Dearborn, MI automaker plans to produce the next generation Focus in two plants. Industry insiders say Ford will convert its Louisville plant from Explorer production to a mix of small vehicles, including the Focus. There is no word at this time if the plant will also build other smaller models as well, but it's a good bet that Ford will make the plant more flexible so it can adapt to consumer demand.
The good news for enthusiasts is that the next Focus will be a global model based off the much drooled over European model. The bad news is that both the new model and the added capacity won't be available until the end of 2010. It may be two years into the future, but at least the new Focus is on its way, and there will be a lot more of them, too.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MemphisNET 1:04PM (6/23/2008)
So, I got to drive a 2008 Focus yesterday, and I am impressed. It handles very well, comfortable (for a compact), and the model I got to drive did NOT have the fake fender vents! The front end is a bit busy, but I don't dislike the look anymore. Sync is pretty cool too. This was an automatic, but it wasn't the slug I thought it would be.
Can't wait for the Euro-spec to come to North America, along with the Fiesta (or is it Festiva?)
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anti-believer 1:16PM (6/23/2008)
If you want a Euro just buy a Mazda 3, duh!
lx703 1:18PM (6/23/2008)
Yes I am slow to admit it but I am coming round to the philosophies behind the new Focus, which I keep calling the new Escort. I still think a hatchback would have forgiven a lot. When I investigated this car, a four-door SES model, at wintertime's DC car show, I was impressed with its apparent solidity.
zamafir 1:31PM (6/23/2008)
@anti-believer It might be prudent to read other posts on this topic (euro focus) as most of us have been over the discussion of Mazda3 and Euro Focus several times, they're not identicle.
The Talking Hamburger 3:54PM (6/23/2008)
For all the blather about NOT getting the Euro Focus, Ford has done pretty darn well at revamping and refreshening the American Focus. A new 2000 version doesn't hold a candle to the 2008 version, as it shouldn't--all of the technical bugaboos that stymied the car after its debut are gone.
You don't even hear the 'ugly' complaints anymore, considering a more ghastly sight exists on the digital readout of gas pumps.
psarhjinian 5:57PM (6/23/2008)
The problem with the 2008 Focus is what was lost:
* The car was decontended. Gone is the tilt/telescoping steering, certain materials quality items and the 2.3L engine; added is some ugly (but cheap to stamp) panels.
* The handling is all wrong. The 2008 car has lost a bit of that lovely, crisp handling and taut-but-controlled ride it had. It's all mushy now.
* Losing the two most versatile body styles was unfortunate. I would have bought a Focus wagon instead of the Honda Fit I ended up with, were one to have been available. I know that Ford of Canada dealers aren't happy about this development, either.
It's a good car--certainly the best domestic compact--but it's what was lost that's upsetting.
Bob-omb 10:58AM (6/24/2008)
"It's a good car--certainly the best domestic compact--but it's what was lost that's upsetting."
Unfortunately, that's not saying much. And it now has a Chrysler-level interior.
Subcompacts and compacts are going to own the market due to fuel prices. By the time the new Focus and Cobalt arrive in 2011, will it be too late?
Frank 1:05PM (6/23/2008)
U missed a c in can.
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zamafir 1:08PM (6/23/2008)
Great news, Keep it up ford! I'll take a better iteration of a production hatch being sold domestically over news of a possible $40,000 hybrid any day!
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MemphisNET 2:15PM (6/23/2008)
Usually I'd agree, but the Volt is VERY tempting regardless of price since I'd lease it anyway. Why? Because I am that average driver who does a 40mile commute. Zero gasoline being used is very likeable. :D
Sure, there is plugging in and using electricity, but 2-3$ a day is still better than the 10-12$ its costing now, and sure to rise.
zamafir 2:26PM (6/23/2008)
Oh, of course the range rocks, should GM come through by 2010.. or is it 11? 12? 25? GM's hedging their entire future on the Volt, Ford's realigning production and making quite a few wise moves which don't require developing a brand new car from the ground up, which makes me a little more appreciative and less leery given how the Volt production dates seem to change every month. It’s just more solid.
NOreasonY 1:10PM (6/23/2008)
man 2010 can come sooner enough....i CANNOT wait to see these rolling around on american soil...
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Rubirosa 1:20PM (6/23/2008)
If Ford want to be on top of the game they should also consider bringing the Ford Ka.
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rypt 1:44PM (6/23/2008)
Why, so that no-one buys it .. just like no-one buys it in EU .. because it sucks.
Justin 3:24PM (6/23/2008)
@rypt
Every time I'm over in Europe I see them everywhere. What are you talking about?
I'm not basing this on sales numbers, honestly...but they are EVERYWHERE so they must be doing ok.
That One Person 5:05PM (6/23/2008)
rypt...there is a new Ka coming out. The current one is completely ancient (older than the current Focus).
Rubirosa 7:10PM (6/23/2008)
i just feel that bringin the car to the us will give Ford an advantage over the other car manufactures in the us
jon 1:24PM (6/23/2008)
alright.. im glad to see that this is a good looking focus.
but... by the time its here, it will be old news and honda and the rest of the competition will be coming out with a new model relatively soon
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nardvark 1:30PM (6/23/2008)
Yes, but we'll all obsess about that new model for a year before its release, and it will be "old news" by the time it hits showrooms too. For most people, they'll just see a new commercial on TV, and think "oh! a new car, neat."
zamafir 1:30PM (6/23/2008)
True but the US will no longer be many revisions behind Europe, instead we'll be treated as a world car market and receive updated content when everyone else does. I'll be interrested to see how this affects the japanese players in the US hatch market.