Ford Confirms European Mk.III Focus for North America

Good news! This past Friday, Ford confirmed that it will be selling the
European Ford Focus here in North America. It won’t be the
second-generation European car that’s been on sale since 2004, but rather
the all-new third-generation car which has yet to debut.

The
vehicle, which will return to its former “world car” status, will begin
production in North America during late 2010 for model year 2011. In
addition, Ford says it will offer the compact in two different body
styles – a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. Potentially, if
sales and interest are brisk, we could see a three-door hatchback and
perhaps even a five-door wagon body style return as with the
first-generation car.

No particular
powertrains have been confirmed for the vehicle, although Ford says that
its engines will be direct injected (think EcoBoost), while
transmissions will include six-speed gearboxes. Besides
manual transmissions, Ford may also offer a twin-clutch automated
manual, as it currently does on certain European models. Ford will also
introduce the Fiesta during 2010, and has plans to offer other European
products here in North America.

At the
same time, the Dearborn-based automaker also announced that it would be delaying the launch of
the new ‘09 F-150 until late autumn. One of the key reasons for this is
reduced demand for pickups, and Ford’s stock of current-generation
‘08 F-150s will need additional time to clear before the new model
arrives. Furthermore, Ford has increased shifts at the Oakville
Assembly plant which produces the Flex, Edge and MKX, as well as at the
Kansas Assembly plant which produces the Escape and Mariner compact
sport utility vehicles.