2 /

3 Best Practice PANDA power comes to APA

4 Market Watch All new Falcons take Australia by storm

5 Headline News Fiesta debuts in APA

6 Cover Story Driving Skills for Life program helps protect drivers in Asia

9 Global View Russia: Growth and change

John ParkerExecutive Vice President, Asia Pacific and Africa

10 Voice of the Customer Quality roadmap to One Ford

12 Corporate Social Responsibility A look at APA’s Global Week of Caring activities

14 Product Watch • New Escape makes its mark on the Bangkok skyline

• PowerShift design revamps the new Ford Focus

• Ford Ikon 1.4 TDCi gets top honors in fuel economy

17 News Round-up

18 Ford Faces

Contents

is published for the people of Asia Pacific and Africa, Ford Motor Company, by Ford Communications - 19th Floor, Lake Rajada OfficeComplex, 193/82-86 Ratchadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand. Director/Publisher: Whitney Foard Small; Managing Editor:Mia Barrett; Regional Content Team: PRISM; Design/Production: Oakins and Stone Limited. A publication of Ford Communications Network. 2008.

W elcome to the preview issueof @Ford, our new magazinewhose content will begenerated specifically from

and geared towards theFord markets and people across our Asia Pacificand Africa region. It represents yet another example of our globaldrive towards One Ford and the integrationthat’s being deployed throughout all aspects of

the business – in this instance,through enhanced and expandedcommunications. In the months ahead, @Ford willaim to keep you informed of thesignificant events and news occurringacross our very diverse and dynamic

region, as well as highlight the specific activitiesand programs that are taking place within yourown markets. Globally, and here in Asia Pacific and Africa,we’re certainly faced with some of the mostchallenging and difficult times that our industry andFord Motor Company have ever faced. The financialcrisis that has recently swept the globe, and itsimplications to the auto industry – including thetightening of credit and falling consumer confidence –have been playing out in headlines on a daily basis.

Yet despite the uncertain times and rapidlyshifting environment that currently face us, @Fordwill help you see the significant progress that isstill being made at Ford Motor Company – bothglobally and throughout our region – as well asthe many accomplishments and successes thatare being enjoyed within our markets. I’ll be using this space each issue to share myperspectives on our business and provide updateson behalf of the senior APA management team.We also want to ensure that the content of @Fordis most relevant to our people around the APAregion, so I encourage you to submit your ideasand/or feedback to apamedia@ford.com forconsideration with future issues. One Team. One Plan. One Goal.

thethroughcommunications. Inaimsignificantacross

region, well

Preview Issue / 3

PANDA powercomes to APA

and other changing factors, Ford can suddenlyfind itself charging a customer less for the partthan it pays to get it. With each market facing the same dilemma –often with the same parts – it’s an ideal taskfor centralizing. Deeman Vachirasomboon, businessdevelopment manager in Bangkok for CSO,

Have you hugged a PANDA? Ford Customer ServiceOperations (CSO) managers in the Asia Pacific and Africaregion certainly want to because suddenly their operationsare more profitable.

No, the black and white bear from China hasn’t broughtgood luck, but PANDA – which stands for Parts and Accessories ComputerSystem – has contributed more than $1 million extra to the bottom line in sixof the eleven APA markets via centralized parts pricing.

A team effortA specialist team from Thailand and India devised this additional function ofmonitoring and setting parts prices centrally from the system, which controlsall aspects of the parts and accessories business, from partsordering and warehousing to dealer ordering and logistics. It is very difficult for individual markets to monitormore than a quarter million parts numbers daily. Withcommodity price changes, competitive pressures,

best practice

“This has proven that staying on top of pricing centrally

really pays off.”

CSO business development manager Deeman Vachirasomboon and pricing analyst Patumtip Lertchaisataporn

leads a four-person team that usesPANDA to monitor pricing everybusiness day. His team has already

brought centralized pricing to Japan,India, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines

and Indonesia. And in just one of the marketsyet to join, the team has identified more than700 negatively priced parts. “Centralized pricing demonstrates thestrength we have when we work together as aregion,” said Brian Colianni, Executive Directorof APA Customer Service Operations. “Bythe time we’ve completed the five remainingmarkets, the profits will add up. This hasproven that staying on top of pricing centrallyreally pays off.” So, when centralized parts pricing comesto your market, give your PANDA a big hug!

4 /

market watch

All-new Falcons take Australia by storm

load paths that direct crash forces away from occupants. During its safety development, the Falcon was subjected tomore than 5,000 simulated crashes while 90 fully-instrumentedprototypes were physically crashed. Testing was carried out inthe US, Sweden and Australia.

On top of the safety features, theFalcon range also boasts all-new

exterior and interior designs, an all-new front suspension, as wellas new powertrains with morepower, more torque and

improved fuel economy. The 2008 Falcon modelswent on sale in May, goingto market with three distinctfaces on the vehicle for thefirst time in its history toappeal to a wide customer

base ranging from private and fleet customers to the high-performance sports and luxury customers. There are now three families of vehicles in the FG Falconsedan range – Falcon XT, G Series and Falcon XR.

“...the best car

Ford Australia has

ever built.”

The media are describing the new Ford Falcon as the best car Ford Australia has ever built and arguably the best car built in Australia – grand

praise for the new FG Falcon that recently proved itself to be the safest Australian car ever made. The new FG Falcon was the first Australia-made car to achieve the maximum five-starsafety rating in independent crashtesting by the Australian NewCar Assessment Program(ANCAP), scoring higher pointsthan many premium Europeanvehicles known for safety. “Not only is the FG Falconthe safest vehicle everproduced in this country, it isalso competitive with the safestsedans in the world,” said FordAustralia’s President and CEO Marin Burela. The Falcon’s comprehensive list of active and passivesafety features supplements the integrity of its new body structure,including the use of Boron steel and the development of new

Preview Issue / 5

Starting with events in Europe, Fiesta is embarkingon a global launch tour that intensifies in thecoming months. It’s a significant step forwardin the One Ford story, as Ford Motor Companybrings its new worldwide small-car design to market.

Fiesta is going to be a success, say key journalists whohave driven the new global small car from Ford. “Clearly the Fiesta is now the segment leader. It doeseverything right,” said a key South African motoring journalist,one of 1,200 members of the news media who attended theinaugural Fiesta media drive event in Italy.

Regional rolloutThe first APA markets to launch Fiesta – Australia, NewZealand and South Africa – also sent reporters to the Europeanlaunch in August and September. Then comes this month'smuch anticipated global debut of the Fiesta sedan model,which will be manufactured in Nanjing, China. Reflecting the growing momentum behind the Fiesta launch,major APA launch events began in the final months of 2008:

• Australian International Motor Show (October 9)

• South African media drive (October 20-25)

Fiesta debuts in APA

• Johannesburg Motor Show (October 31)

• Guangzhou Motor Show (November 18)

• Australian media drive (December 11-12)

Media favoriteReports from the European launch underscore key facets ofthe new Fiesta story. Journalists praise Fiesta’s innovativedesign, its unique, mobile phone-inspired interior, premiumlevels of refinement and comfort and Fiesta’s trademark, ‘funto drive’ dynamic agility on the road.

After experiencing Fiesta, one prominent Australian journalistsaid Fiesta is “a class above where it’s fighting.”

headline news

The all-new Ford Fiesta is now on the roadand it’s heading to Asia Pacific and Africa

Preview Issue / 5Preview Issue

6 /

cover story

Ford’s latest export to the Asia Pacific and Africa

(APA) region is not a vehicle but a successful driver

education program from the US. Launched in North

America in 2003 to educate teens who are new to

driving, Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) is APA’s first

region-wide corporate social responsibility program and has made

its debut in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

This free course mixes classroom learning and practical training

to teach safe and fuel-efficient driving. The regional program was

created in cooperation with the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP)

Foundation and government agencies in the four ASEAN countries.

The financing of the program in Southeast Asia is the first Asian

initiative for Ford GlobalGiving, a campaign of the Ford Motor

Company Fund and Community Services.

Customized for each marketIn the Philippines, the program kicked off with a series of DSFL day

camps by renowned racer JP Tuason of the Tuason Racing School.

The 170 participants learned responsible defensive driving and

practical techniques to save fuel and money via eco-driving.

APA launchesDriving Skills for LifeFollowing the success of Ford’s North America program,DSFL is inspiring safer driving across Asia Pacific and Africa

Brand ambassador Tata Young kicks off DSFL program in Thailand

Preview Issue / 7

Driving Skills for Life is now incorporated into Ford Philippines’

successful Responsibility In Driver Education program, which

has been run in schools and communities since 2005 to create

a new generation of drivers that are more aware and intelligent on

the road.

Moreover, a Road Safety Youth Council

formed in conjunction with the Ministry

of Education and the Ministry of IT and

Communication now acts as ambassadors

for DSFL.

“The program results in a more educated

road user who knows how to make his or

her journey safer while making the most out

of every liter of fuel,” said council chairman

Vic Rosales.

In Vietnam, the program was launched with the media in Hanoi

being given demo training on DSFL, followed by training for Ford

Vietnam’s largest fleet drivers – Future Star Taxi – in Ho Chi Minh

City. About 100 drivers went through the mix of theoretical and

practical training.

To educate the wider public, the program content was run on TV

programs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City while graduate trainees

from driving schools and auto club members

took part in DSFL sessions. Ford has

committed to run this program through 2010

in Vietnam.

In Thailand, DSFL got off to a glitzy start

in Bangkok with international star Tata Young

– Ford Thailand’s Brand Ambassador – taking

part in the demo training and speaking on

the need for such programs to help improve

driver education and safety.

Weekend training sessions have been conducted for members

of the public while the program is being introduced in the four

upcountry regions. Some 900 drivers are expected to participate in

the program this year.

“Driving Skills for

Life is an ideal way for

Ford to leverage our

global expertise to

make a difference.”

The PhilippinesLaunched: May 7. Partners: Tuason Racing School,Society of PhilippineMotoring Journalists,Safety Organizationof the Philippines.Offered to: Fordand Mazda employees and dealers, Ford andMazda club members, fleet members, and students.

ThailandLaunched: August 20. Partners:AIP Foundation, Jor Sor 100(a road-traffic radio station).Offered to: Ford employees,dealers and customers,private drivers, universityprofessors and students.

The driver education program is being launched in four ASEAN markets initially. Here is arundown of how the program is being run

IndonesiaLaunched: August 25. Partners: The Profession Certification National Committee, Indonesia Defensive Driving Center, Ministry of Transportation, National Police Road Force. Offered to: retail customers, existing customers, university students and the public in Ford communities.

VietnamLaunched: July 10. Partners: AIPFoundation, National Traffic SafetyCommittee. Offered to: Fordemployees and retail customers,private drivers, fleet operatorsand driving schools.

ThailandLaunched: August 20. Partners:AIP Foundation, Jor Sor 100(a road-traffic radio station).Offered to: Ford employees,dealers and customers,private drivers, universityprofessors and students.

Traffic Safety

Mazda club members, fleet members, and students.

Launched: August 20. Partners:

DSFL comes to ASEAN

8 /

Adjust mirrors2 for clear view

Avoid distractions4 (e.g. talking on mobile phone)

Maintain safe5 “3-second distance” between vehicles

Drive at low engine 6 speeds, ideally at 1,500 – 2,500 rpm

Use vehicle’s7 momentum to reduce fuel use

Remove unnecessary 10 weight from roof and rear racks

Switch off the engine 8 when vehicle is idling for more than 20 seconds

Adjust tires to 9 recommended pressure

Do you. . . ?

Adjust mirrors

Drive relaxed3 anticipate traffic situations

Always use1 safety belts

“The program results

in a more educated road user

who knows how to make

his or her journey safer.”

In Indonesia, DSFL is now a credible safety driving course with the

Profession Certification National Committee, Indonesia’s only government

approved driver training association, providing certified qualification for the

participants.

Ford employees and dealers, as well as university students, were among

the first to be trained in DSFL during the launch. There will be at least 500

certified DSFL drivers in Indonesia by the end of the year.

Saving lives, saving fuelReducing the toll of road traffic accidents across the region is a key objective

of DSFL.

There are nearly 40 deaths on the roads of Vietnam every day, while

traffic accidents are the second highest cause of death in Thailand.

“In developing countries, motorization is happening so quickly that road

traffic injuries and deaths have reached an epidemic proportion. People are

taking to the road in ever-greater numbers, usually without the training to

drive properly,” said Greig Craft, president of the AIP Foundation which is

also a member of the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration.

Besides, the techniques used for safe driving are essentially the same for

economical, fuel-efficient motoring, said Neal McCarthy, corporate

communications director for Asia Pacific and Africa. “So, driving steadily at a

reasonable engine speed is not only safer, but it also helps save fuel and

reduce CO2 emissions.”

In launching DSFL in the ASEAN markets, Ford is leveraging experience

from the program’s success in North America. Ford hopes to continue

building momentum for the initiative across Asia Pacific markets, and plans

to extend the program to additional markets next year.

And AIP Foundation supports the program as best practice for the

region, said Craft.

“It’s great to see Ford, a leader in safety, doing something about this

critical issue,” he added. “Driving Skills for Life is a public-private partnership

that effectively involves government and non-government organizations.

We believe it will be the catalyst for further action to improve road safety as

nations across this region deal with rapid changes on their roads.”

Avoid distractions4

6

Use vehicle’s7 7 momentum to

reduce fuel use

10 10

Switch off the engine 8 8 when vehicle is idling

for more than 20 seconds

Adjust tires to 9 9 recommended

Preview Issue / 9

Russia:Growth and change

The Association of Russian Carmakers confidently

expects new car sales in 2008 to total 2.75

million. More than half will be imported vehicles,

but that figure will steadily diminish as foreign

brands open local plants to avoid high import duties.

Those brands are following in the footsteps of Ford, which opened

a manufacturing plant in the country six years ago.

First to manufacture“We’re really proud of the fact that

we were the first manufacturer to

come into the Russian market,

open a manufacturing plant of our

own in St. Petersburg and produce

Russian vehicles uniquely for the

Russian market,” commented John

Fleming, Ford Europe’s president and CEO. “It’s important to be

able to say, ‘we don’t only sell in Russia, but we manufacture in

Russia.’ And that’s also critical to profitability because it’s

expensive, both from a logistics perspective and also from a duty

perspective, to import vehicles here.”

Ford’s significant commitment to Russia is reflected in its sales

figures. In 2000 it sold just 1,200 units. In the first eight months of

this year, it retailed more than 128,000 units, and it is continuing to

Ford’s experience in Russia provides a vision of success for our growth in APA markets

post rises month after month.

Ford’s status as a leading brand was further underlined at the

recent Moscow International Motor Show in September. The 10-day

event attracted 1.6 million visitors, making it one of the biggest

shows worldwide. The biennial event attracted over 1,000 companies

from Russia and more than 30 countries worldwide. There were

more than 60 car brands on display, including a large contingent

from China. The Ford stand was

one of the biggest at the show

and featured a full range of

vehicles, including its three

debut models, Fiesta, Focus RS

and Escape.

Fiesta debutsFord Russia’s marketing director,

Irina Sharovatova, was excited by the new arrivals, in particular the

Fiesta. “Ford in Russia is generally perceived to be a male brand,”

she commented at the show. “Now with a very attractive small car

appealing also to a female audience we can enlarge our target

audience.”

The Focus is Ford’s best-selling car and the top foreign-brand

model, selling more than 97,000 units last year, well ahead of the

second place Renault Logan, which sold 67,800.

“We don’t only sellin Russia, but wemanufacture in

Russia.”

Use your local access number and always callyour colleagues on their 7-digit FordNet numbers

Help Ford save money!

global view

10 /

W elcome to a special featurethat will be in every issueof @Ford magazine for the Asia Pacific and Africateam. It’s reserved not for

stories about us. Instead, it’s all about the customer.Whether you’re working for Ford in India, China,Australia or any of our other markets, who areyou really working for? Is it Ford Motor Company?Well, that’s what it says on your pay stub. But Iwould argue that every one of us at Ford MotorCompany is really working for the customer. Or we should be. Our business success depends on Fordproducts appealing to the customer.

Our livelihoods depend on thecustomer having a great ownershipexperience. Our futures dependon our customers telling othershow great our quality is, andreturning themselves when itcomes time to buy their next car. In one way or another, every

one of our jobs can make a difference for thecustomer. If only we could know what they want.That’s what this section is all about. Who is the customer? We’ll get into how webring our target customers to life. How are we doing with the customer? We’llshare key metrics across the region. What do they think of Ford? In coming issues,we’ll reveal how they rate the sales and serviceexperience.

What about our quality? You’ll learn whatcustomers are saying and what we’re doingabout it.

So, with this preview issue of @Ford, it’syour chance to hear the Voice of the Customer.Let’s all work together to deliver for the customer.

Tom BrewerVice President, Marketing Sales and ServiceAsia Pacific and Africa

voice of the customer

10 /

W hat does the Ford oval badge stand for on our vehicles? Raj Nair, vice president of Operations,Asia Pacific and Africa, is spearheading a broad-based initiative to put quality at the top of the“One Ford” brand promise.

“Whether it’s Australia or China, Thailand or India, Germany or America,quality is at the heart of forging a long-term bond with customers,” Nairsays. “That makes delivering great quality one of the key pillars of theFord brand right across our region and around the world.”

A relentless focus on quality has helped Ford in North Americadifferentiate the brand, telling consumers that our quality is equal tothat of the best Japanese brands. That’s the objective for APA, too.

APA is aggressively implementing the Ford Global Quality ImprovementProgram (GQIP). This initiative is about instituting standardized qualityprocesses. It’s designed to make the Ford approach to quality the samearound the world – ensuring that the Ford brand stands for great qualityto customers everywhere.

A recent implementation of GQIP in India resulted in measurablequality improvements. Instituting the global processes helped deliverquality rating improvements of up to 40 percent. That success is symbolicof the potential for improvement across the region as the initiative picksup steam. “We’ve already demonstrated that adopting a standard approach andconsistent processes makes a huge difference,” said Phil Wright, APAlaunch and quality manager, in charge of GQIP. “The key learning fromthis program is not to invent how we approach quality. When we followthese proven global processes, our quality scores will keep improving.” Nair agrees. “This is what One Ford is all about. And achieving it is going to makea huge difference for Ford customers and our brand image.”

Quality roadmap to One Ford

Check out the regional version of ourFord Escape ad on the back cover

Preview Issue / 11

Every year, J.D. Power surveys thousands of car owners about their vehicle to measure the performance ofautomobile manufacturers and dealers around the world. The Sales Satisfaction Index examined seven factors thatcontribute to overall customer satisfaction with the sales experience: (in order of importance) delivery process;delivery timing; paperwork; dealer facility; salesperson; deal; and sales initiation. The Customer SatisfactionIndex measures new-vehicle owner satisfaction with the after-sales service process by examining dealership

performance in seven factors: (in order of importance) problems experienced; service quality; user-friendly service; servicedelivery; service advisor; service initiation; and in-service experience. Both indices are based on a 1,000-point scale, where ahigher score indicates greater satisfaction.

How did we do?

Preview Issue / 11

Meet May. She’s a fictional character with a very real role in Ford. She personifies the profile for buyersof the all-new Ford Fiesta.

Understanding the customer is essential to a vehicle’s success. What kind of vehicle do customers want?What is their lifestyle? What are their influences? What brands do they like? What music do they love? Ourresearch teams put a lot of effort into understanding customers like May. This helps us know what she is

looking for in a vehicle. May is the kind of young adult we’re targeting with the new Fiesta. This global small car from Ford isdesigned to be what May yearns for in her first car. Its fashionable style and aspirational spirit reflect the tastes of May and herfriends, based on market research. May is so important that you can see her picture in the offices of Ford designers and engineers who developed the new Fiesta.That’s how deeply the understanding of May has been injected into its DNA.

In China and across APA, Ford marketers and partners have been focusing on getting to know the profile of customers likeMay. It’s important preparation for creating vibrant campaigns that communicate the new Fiesta’s appeal straight to their hearts.

Meet May

J.D. Power rankings – also known as the Oscars of the automotive world – reflect how well(or not) we’ve been treating the customers. Here are the current results of how we are doing.

Data available as of Oct. 21 2008

Data available as of Oct. 21 2008

India Indonesia Philippines Taiwan Thailand

2008 792 (2nd) 762 (1st) 838 (8th) 860 (9th) 901 (1st)

Industry average 767 756 843 871 8792007 780 (6th) 759 (3rd) 835 (1st) 848 (9th) 872 (1st)

Sale

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tisfa

ctio

nIn

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fact

ion

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SI)

China India Indonesia Malaysia Philippines Taiwan Thailand

2008 821 (14th) 730 (10th) 763 (2nd) 763 (2nd) 841 (2nd) 856 (8th) 840 (4th)

Industry average 815 780 760 760 837 864 8472007 806 (14th) 727 (2nd) 750 (8th) 777 (1st) 828 (1st) 838 (11th) 856 (1st)

Cus

tom

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12 /

Caring knowsno boundaries

T housands of Ford employees around the world went out

into their local communities to volunteer at more than

175 projects spanning six continents for the third

annual Ford Global Week of Caring in September.

In the Asia Pacific and Africa region, at least 2,000 Ford

volunteers built homes, renovated shelters and fed the hungry, totaling

more than 7,000 man hours in community service, continuing the

company’s ongoing commitment to give back and make a positive

difference in people’s lives.

“The interest among Ford employees across our APA markets in the

Global Week of Caring activities has been fantastic,” said Wendy

Dendel, vice president of HR for APA. “In fact, the number of volunteers

this year was nearly double from last year, as more of our employees are

appreciating the personal reward that comes with reaching out to those in

need within their communities.”

Here are some highlights from the region.

India

South Africa

Thailand• Blood drive

• Helped build residential house on an island

earmarked for coastal environment studies

• Visited children’s home for the physically and

mentally handicapped

India• Career orientation seminar for high school students

• Educated 650 drivers on road safety

• Free medical and dental care, meals for physically

disabled and mentally handicapped children in a

community center

• Tree planting, beach cleaning, and donation of waste

bins painted by volunteers to schools and nearby

communities

ChinaConcentrated on relief efforts for the 8.0

earthquake that struck Sichuan province and

killed tens of thousands in May. Ford, its key

joint venture and investment partners, and

employees gave at least RMB 9 million worth

of aid which included ambulances and

respirators. The cash donations were allotted

to Half the Sky Children’s Earthquake Relief

Fund, the American Red Cross China

Earthquake Relief and Aid, and Assistance to

Sichuan Earthquake Survivors.

12 /

South Africa• Maintenance work at children’s home and

squatter camp which included fixing ceilings

and broken windows

• Day trip to game farm for disabled children

corporate social responsibility

Preview Issue / 13

China

Thailand

Taiwan

Philippines

Vietnam

Australia

Indonesia

New Zealand

IndonesiaHosted breakfast and

games for 60 orphans

Australia• Blood drive

• Maintenance work at camp site for youth

at risk which included surfacing the entry

road and filling the wood shed to prepare

for next winter

• Donated business clothes, shoes and

handbags to long-term unemployed and

disadvantaged women

Maintenance work at camp site for youth

Vietnam• Painted and cleaned up a center

for disabled children

• Donated clothes, books, used

computers and a TV to them

Vietnam

Philippines• Constructed houses and provided a deep

well for a village community

• Free medical and dental services to more

than 600 residents

• Tree planting

Taiwan• Area cleaning and repair work at

handicap education center and

children’s center which included

mowing and clearing gutters

New ZealandHosted more than 400 children from

low decile schools for breakfast

during a variety mini bash

Preview Issue / 13

14 /

T he new Escape lifted off from

Bangkok suspended from a huge

hot-air balloon. The flight, which

introduced the new model of the

popular compact SUV in Thailand,

drew hundreds of media and provided a unique

sight on the horizon.

Up, up and awayCustomers, dealers and press were amazed when

the new Ford Escape took to the skies, sailing

beneath a colorful blue and white balloon bedecked

with a giant Ford blue oval. Flown high above

Thailand’s Royal Infantry Battalion Grounds,

Escape was also seeking a mark in the record

books.

The media stunt was a fresh approach, kicking

off a marketing campaign that gave the public

a chance to go aloft with the new Escape.

Fresh new designThe design enhancements to the Escape exterior

are extensive, featuring a new front, new fenders,

new bumpers and a new tailgate. Additional

revisions include new front fog lamps, headlamps,

alloy wheels, grille treatment, wheel arches, door

cladding, tailgate and tail lamps.

“The freshened SUV truly lives up to its name

‘Escape’,” said Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice

president of Ford Thailand.

“Its new, more contemporary design gives urban

SUV owners a real escape from the familiar look

of the SUV. Its best-in-class ground clearance

provides better road holding, while its powerful and

fuel-economy 2.3L VVT engine together with

premium safety features truly allows drivers and

all passengers to take on any new challenges.”

Customers in Chiang Mai and Phuket also

witnessed the flight of the Escape in early

November.

Lift off!New Ford Escapelaunches in BangkokNot even the sky was the limit for FordThailand’s push to create a successfullaunch for the 2008 Ford Escape

14 /

product watch

Preview Issue / 15Preview Issue / 15

Innovation?It’s automatic

Cutting fuel consumption by as much as 10

percent, PowerShift is good for the wallet and

q even better for the environment with reduced

carbon dioxide emissions. The six-speed double-

clutch gearbox makes its debut in the new Ford

Focus in Asia Pacific and Africa.

Developed by Getrag-Ford Transmissions, a 50:50 joint

venture, the system has twin wet clutches – one clutch controls

the odd gears 1, 3 and 5 while the other handles the even ratios 2,

4 and 6. The two clutches operate alternately, with one engaging

while the other disengages.

Shifting gearsThis means that at the same time as the engine develops full

power and maximum thrust in first gear, second gear is placed

in readiness to be engaged. And when second gear has been

engaged, third gear is readied, and so on.

This results in extremely quick gear changes – in about 0.02

of a second – which are very smooth and refined. In fact, the

PowerShift transmission changes gears faster and smoother

than you can.

Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, PowerShift

technology is not based on a torque converter or planetary gears.

In very simple terms, the PowerShift automatic transmission is

actually a manual gearbox that shifts automatically.

PowerShift performanceIn short, PowerShift fuses the performance of a manual with the

comfort and convenience of an automatic. And because of its

ability to endure high torque capacities, it is an ideal partner of

modern high-performance diesel engines.

“When you compare it with a traditional automatic transmission,

the PowerShift transmission offers the win-win advantage of

improved performance and reduced fuel consumption,” said Andy

Ball, chief program engineer, Asia Pacific and Africa. “Plus, it’s fun

to drive, and so refined. It really enhances the great driving quality

of the new Focus.”

Effortless, seamless automatic gear changes that consume less fuel – that’s what PowerShift technology delivers

Caught in traffic? The PowerShift transmission has

a creep function that’s gauged so well that you

won’t feel a surge or jerk or stumble as you move

along at less than walking speeds. Journalists from the

Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam had a

chance to try it out at the regional launch of the new Ford

Focus last month on the streets of Manila.

PowerShiftbeats the jamsPowerShiftbeats the jams

product watch

16 /

T he verdict’s out – the Ford Ikon 1.4 TDCi is one of South Africa’s mosteconomical cars. It earned top honors in the country’s 32nd TotalEconomy Run in July, consuming the least fuel throughout the eventand winning the overall diesel consumption category. Entered by FordSouth Africa, the car used an amazingly low 44.04 liters of fuel to

span 1,050 kilometers. The annual run was held in the Mpumalanga area, including both tar and dirt roadsin a test to find the nation’s most frugal cars.

Frugal on fuel“With the price of fuel continually in the spotlight, this year’s Total Economy Run wasmore than ever an important opportunity for us to showcase the frugality of ourvehicles,” said Ben Pillay, Ford South Africa’s marketing manager. “We achievedvictory in almost every class we competed in and took home numerous trophies in theoverall results.”

Roger Rouessart and Johan Seiling (Ford Ikon 1.4 TDCi) claimed victory inClass H while Martin Steyn and Van Aardt Schoeman in a similar car finished third. Rouessart and Seiling also achieved the lowest fuel consumption for a diesel, withRoger Hills and Gordon Stewart coming in second. Vehicles participating in the event are standard with no alterations or additions toassist in fuel efficiency.

Lazurus Motor Company was awarded the trophy for best dealer at the event.Other Ford Motor Company brands, Volvo and Mazda, also scored highly.

Who sips the least fuel?

product watch

“This year’s TotalEconomy Run wasmore than ever an

important opportunityfor us to showcase

the frugality ofour vehicles.”

16 /

Preview Issue / 17

Ford pair makeshistory with hat-trickVictory was doubly sweet for Ford with Falcons

taking a double-podium and endurance kings

Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup making

motorsport history at the Supercheap Auto

Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama in Australia last month.

The duo is only the third driver pairing in the history of the iconic

event to win three consecutive titles, and the first to achieve the feat

for the Blue Oval. Lowndes and Whincup are also the only combination

to have claimed the Peter Brock Trophy since its inception in 2006.

They won in 6hr 26min while James Courtney and David Besnard,

another Ford team, came in third. In all, seven of the ten fastest cars

were Ford Falcons.

news round-up

Lincolnreturns to JapanFord Japan successfully re-introduced the Lincoln brand in

Japan, first with the May launch of the Lincoln Navigator and

then the September launch of the Lincoln MKX. Complete with

features such as interior wood accents and leather seats, the

Lincoln MKX has been described by local media as smooth,

luxurious and powerful. Boasting an exterior jeweled chrome

grille, both SUVs further establish our niche in the market as

“modern American luxury”.

What’s your escape?Ad“FUN”ture, that’s my escape. The imaginative answer

won a motoring journalist first prize in a contest organized

specially for the launch of the new Ford Escape in

Indonesia last month. Reza Erlangga, who writes for

AutoCar Indonesia Magazine, won a family weekend trip to

theme resort Javana Spa on the new SUV. The competition

was a teaser to

create excitement

in the lead-up to

the launch of the

new Ford Escape.

And it worked.

Some 100

journalists turned

up on Tuesday

morning at Ancol Bay for the unveiling of the new Escape

with the sea as a stunning backdrop.

The setting reinforces Ford’s commitment to “Make

Every Day Exciting” and highlights the vehicle’s winning

combination of driving ease and capability for adventure,

something that the media heartily agreed with. They

praised the new Escape’s excellent performance across all

weather conditions and terrains while maintaining the

comfort and ease of driving in a sedan.

Mulally visits Ford ChinaFocus on product quality improvements, productivity, and further educating

the Chinese consumer about the class-leading fuel efficiency, safety and

value of Ford vehicles. That was the key message from Ford President and

CEO Alan Mulally to employees during his September visit to Shanghai,

Nanchang and Chongqing.

Mulally emphasized the unique position of the China market, and how

the business in China will influence and impact Ford’s future global strategy.

He also encouraged the team to continue adopting the ONE Ford mindset

and to work together to deliver ONE Plan, which is profitable growth.

This was Mulally’s third time to China since joining the company in

2006. Other than visiting the plants and workshops, he was host and

executive chairman of the third annual meeting of the Chongqing Mayor’s

International Economic Advisory Council, where Ford displayed the

EcoBoost engine technology and the all-new Ford Fiesta.

18 /

Ford faces

Quality peopleThese people make sure customers get what they want in theirFord vehicles – quality. We find out what makes them tick.

Proton LeeDirector of Total Quality OfficeTaiwan12 years with Ford

Q What does quality mean to you?

A: To exceedcustomers’expectations, to beexcellent.

A: Quality is customer satisfaction –it’s what the customer perceives andis willing to pay for in the products andservices we provide.

A: To exceedcustomers’ expectations.

A: Ability of a product to meet itsintended purpose.

Q What do you like most about your job?

A: I get a lot offree test drives,maybe too many.

A: I can see the results of the effortof the entire team.

A: The continuousdaily challenges and thedrive to make andsustain improvements.

A: Wearing two hats – customer aswell as supplier.

Q How do you inspire your staff about the need for quality?

A: Remind themthat customersdecide our futureand quality hasbeen their majorconcern.

A: I ask each member of my team tovisualize being in the customer’sshoes, to think and feel the waycustomers do before they start on anyjob.

A: I have to lead byexample, along withdaily quality cascademeetings on the floor.

A: I use daily examples in my talks.

Q What does being part of One Ford mean to you?

A: It’s all aboutthe people andteamwork.

A: One Ford means standardizationand regionalization. In the process, Ihope that different people withdifferent languages and differentmindsets can all accept thestandardization while maintaining the“can do” spirit and willingness tocontribute to the success of One Ford.

A: With internationalbackup and support,one vision and workingtowards the same goalto make Ford the best itcan be.

A: Alignment of all functions acrossthe globe for one common objective –improve the profitability of businesswith expanded customer base.

Q What’s one thing about you that few people know?

A: I dance. A: Though I’m amiable, I’m a self-assertive person.

A: I might be a leaderat the plant but at home,my two little girls are therulers of my world andhave me wrapped roundtheir little fingers.

A: I’m a reasonably good singer.

Tran Minh VuongQuality Assurance ManagerVietnam9 years with Ford

Ockert BerryPlant ManagerSouth Africa17 years with Ford

R. RamanathanGeneral Manager – Vehicle QualityIndia10 years with Ford

Q What does quality meanQ quality meanQ to you?

A: To exceedcustomers’expectations, to beexcellent.

A: Quality is customer satisfaction –it’s what the customer perceives andis willing to pay for in the products andservices we provide.

A: To exceedcustomers’ expectations.

A: Ability of a product to meet itsintended purpose.

Q What do you like most about Q like most about Q your job?

A: I get a lot offree test drives,maybe too many.

A: I can see the results of the effortof the entire team.

A: The continuousdaily challenges and thedrive to make andsustain improvements.

A: Wearing two hats – customer aswell as supplier.

Q How do you inspire your Q inspire your Q staff about the need for quality?

A: Remind themthat customersdecide our futureand quality hasbeen their majorconcern.

A: I ask each member of my team tovisualize being in the customer’sshoes, to think and feel the waycustomers do before they start on anyjob.

A: I have to lead byexample, along withdaily quality cascademeetings on the floor.

A: I use daily examples in my talks.

Q What does being part Q being part Q of One Ford mean to you?

A: It’s all aboutthe people andteamwork.

A: One Ford means standardizationand regionalization. In the process, Ihope that different people withdifferent languages and differentmindsets can all accept thestandardization while maintaining the“can do” spirit and willingness tocontribute to the success of One Ford.

A: With internationalbackup and support,one vision and workingtowards the same goalto make Ford the best itcan be.

A: Alignment of all functions acrossthe globe for one common objective –improve the profitability of businesswith expanded customer base.

Q What’s one thing about you Q thing about you Q that few people know?

A: I dance. A: Though I’m amiable, I’m a self-assertive person.

A: I might be a leaderat the plant but at home,my two little girls are therulers of my world andhave me wrapped roundtheir little fingers.

A: I’m a reasonably good singer.

Preview Issue / 19

Australia

ChinaChina

South Africa

India

TaiwanTaiwan

ThailandThailandPhilippines

IndonesiaJapan

Vietnam

Vietnam

Australia

Philippines

Australia

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