Ford Celebrates Official Start of Production for all-new EcoSport Urban SUV at Thailand Facility

News provided by

Jan 29, 2014, 09:25 ET

RAYONG, Thailand, Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

All-new EcoSport is produced at state-of-the-art Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) facility in Rayong
Global all-new EcoSport builds on Ford's successful product-led transformation, adding another segment-leading vehicle to Ford's growing showroom in ASEAN markets
An aspirational alternative to the compact car, all-new EcoSport offers a blend of versatility and smart connectivity designed to meet the needs of an urban lifestyle

Ford Motor Company today celebrated the official start of production for the all-new Ford EcoSport urban SUV at the company's state-of-the-art Ford Thailand Manufacturing (FTM) plant in Rayong.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140129/DE55038 )

FTM becomes the fourth plant globally to build the all-new EcoSport, joining Ford facilities in Chennai, India, Chonqing, China and Camcari, Brazil, reinforcing the strategic role of Thailand as a volume production and export hub in the region.

The Thai-built models will be for domestic sale and export to markets across the ASEAN region. The all-new EcoSport will eventually be sold in 100 markets worldwide.

"The all-new EcoSport continues our ongoing product-led transformation by providing customers with another segment-leading vehicle to our growing Ford showroom across our ASEAN markets," said Matt Bradley, president, Ford ASEAN.

"Produced at our highly flexible Ford Thailand Manufacturing facility, it is the next proof point in our continued growth strategy in the region," he added.

An Aspirational Alternative

The all-new Ford EcoSport is an aspirational alternative to the compact car – spacious enough for five adults and their gear. Its practical blend of versatility and smart connectivity is designed to meet the needs and requirements of an urban lifestyle.

A high driving position, rugged capability, superior fuel economy and convenient features, including a sunroof, all make the all-new EcoSport an ideal companion for both city streets and mountain roads.

"Based on Ford's global B-segment platform, the EcoSport urban SUV will appeal to people with a strong streak of independence who love exploring the world at large," said Yukontorn 'Vickie' Wisadkosin, managing director, Ford Thailand. "Combining small-car practicality with the agility of a SUV, it delivers a segment-leading package of quality, safety, fuel-economy and value."

The all-new EcoSport is powered by Ford's global 1.5-litre Ti-VCT engine, and mated to either the fuel-efficient six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission or five-speed manual transmission that is well-suited to urban driving conditions.

The well-rounded EcoSport is also just as comfortable wading through 550 mm of water as it is keeping the driver entertained, with hands-free phone calls and music selection with the Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system.

Compact, contemporary and capable, the all-new EcoSport epitomizes urban life and urbane aspirations such as practicality, efficiency, drivability, reliability and attractiveness in a compelling package.

"The all-new EcoSport will confidently create its own space in a highly attractive and very practical vehicle segment," explained Yukontorn.

For more information, visit: www.ford.co.th.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 181,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company