2007 Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version

2007 Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version Photo Gallery

Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version
Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version
Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version
Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version
Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version	Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version
Ford ChangAn S-MAX 2.3 Chinese Version

(from General Motors Press Release)

    The new Ford S-MAX – newly crowned Car of the Year 2007 -- is making news at the Auto China 2006 motor show in Beijing with Ford's announcement that it will produce and sell the sporty people-mover in China.

    The Ford S-MAX, which this week was named 'Car of the Year 2007' by a jury of 58 top motoring journalists from 22 European countries, is the star of the Ford stand at the Beijing show. Starting in early 2007, the S-MAX will be produced at Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Corporation Ltd for sale in China.

    The S-MAX is the first Ford vehicle to introduce "kinetic design" to China's motoring enthusiasts. "To us, 'kinetic design' is about expressing energy in motion and power of our vehicles, seamlessly integrating strong visual cues with dynamic driving performance," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director for Ford of Europe.

    "You only have to look at the Ford S-MAX. Its bold kinetic design offers function, space and flexibility alongside head turning 'wow factor' and dynamic driveability. This winning formula is what's made Ford S-MAX such a success in Europe," said Smith.

    European-designed products are playing a prominent role at the Beijing show for Ford, demonstrating the growing product synergies between Ford's operations in Europe and China. The Ford S-MAX is joined by the Ford iosis Concept as together both vehicles introduce Chinese consumers to Ford's dynamic 'kinetic design' form language.

    In addition, the European-engineered Ford Focus family is on display, including the locally produced Focus 4-door and Focus 5-door, the Focus China Circuit Championship (CCC) race car, and the high performance Focus ST, which makes its appearance in China for the first time.

    Introduced in China in 2005, the Focus has been the star product in the country's mid-size car market. The car boosted sales at Changan Ford Mazda Automobile in the first ten months of 2006 with the retail sales totalling 56,151 units, taking over half of the total sales of the automaker. Popularity of the Focus with Chinese consumers has continued to grow with the introduction of the Focus hatchback model in August 2006.

    The mid-sized local market version of the Ford Mondeo is also selling well in China, growing 33 percent in the first three quarters of 2006 compared to last year. Mondeo was China's 'Car of the Year' in 2005 and customer preference for the model continues to grow.

    "We are using Auto China 2006 to showcase the strength of our product range, reinforcing the depth and diversity of the Ford Motor Company product family. Our portfolio has something to appeal to everyone, from dependable and affordable transportation through to luxurious premium brands. In the future, Chinese customers can continue to expect more exciting, locally-made Ford vehicles that consistently deliver cutting-edge design and world leading technology, "said Mei Wei Cheng. Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor ( China) Ltd.

    European Design for Chinese Customers

Increasing product development collaboration between Europe and China is a natural outgrowth of similarities between the two markets.

    " China's auto regulations are becoming very similar to European regulations, so there is a natural synergy with China's and Europe's products," said John Shelton, Product Development Director, Asia Pacific & Africa. " China regulates fuel economy differently, however, and is not as diesel-centric as Europe."

    Also, European vehicle design and function generally meets the needs of many Chinese consumers. "Much like the rest of the world, there's an emerging middle class, typically younger, and they want the very stylish vehicles that Europe is producing now," said Shelton.

    He added: "We are working hand-in-hand with Ford of Europe as we define new product needs, and we are moving further and further upstream to marry those common programs from the beginning."

    For Ford of Europe, the intense interest in its new products from Chinese customers is having a profound effect on the entire Product Development process.

    "Our development teams in Dunton and Merkenich are now considering Asia Pacific and African market requirements in their programmes from the outset," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO. "We work very closely with the region and will continue to do so for all of our major new products, tailoring them or looking at specific derivatives for these markets as appropriate."

    New Research and Engineering Centre

    In addition to a strong product showing at Auto China 2006, Ford Motor Company also announced a major new investment - the opening of the Ford Research and Engineering Centre – to be located in Nanjing, China. It will support Ford Motor Company's product development for worldwide operations while also making a major contribution to the future of China’s auto market.

    "The Ford Research and Engineering Centre represents another major milestone for Ford as it strengthens its manufacturing blueprint in China. It will offer a winning combination that leverages Ford's global expertise in research and engineering, in addition to building China’s leading local talent. It will also work with Technical Development Centres at Ford Motor's joint ventures in China to support product development and procurement," said Mei Wei Cheng.

    With strong sales momentum, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile is now one of the fastest growing auto makers in China. In 2007, total annual production capacity will exceed 410,000 units at Chongqing and Nanjing plants (combined). Ford also continues to expand its distribution network and will have 200 appointed dealers by the end of 2006.

    "It is no secret that the China market is critical to our plans for building a stronger Ford Motor Company globally," said Mei Wei Cheng. "With sales volumes continuing to fuel growth, we are looking ahead and taking the required steps now to ensure our China operation is able to continue to meet the seemingly insatiable appetite for our products. In doing so, the China market will play an even greater role in the future growth and success of Ford Motor Company’s global operations."