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Focus wins top awards, set torrid sales pace
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DEARBORN, MI, February 4, 2000 – The 2000 Ford Focus has dominated the automotive award circuit garnering most major awards issued by journalists this winter, capped by the prestigious North American Car of the Year award, making it the first car to be named Car of the Year in both North America and Europe.
Focus also recently won the Automobile Magazine Automobile of the Year award, MotorWeek's Best Small Car award, Car and Driver 10 Best Cars award, Favorite Small Car R.L. Polk North American International Auto Show Consumer Survey, and American Woman Motorscene's Most Vivacious Personality award.
The praise from the automotive press has been mirrored by early consumer acceptance. Since its October launch, Focus has sold more than 74,000 units, and in January was the second-best selling small car in America. Designed and marketed with the youth market in mind, Focus has attracted young people with a quarter of its buyers age 25 and under. No other vehicle has a higher percentage of buyers under 25. Focus has exceeded Ford sales expectations from California to New York, drawing a younger, more diverse clientele to Ford dealerships.
The U.S. and Canadian awards continue the overwhelming acclaim for Focus that began with the 1999 European Car of the Year award. Since winning European Car of the Year, Focus has won over a dozen awards and continues to be recognized by automotive journalists as a breakthrough car that is raising the standard for all small cars.
"Focus proves that a limited budget need not preclude driving quality and enjoyment," said Car and Driver. "Its interior is warm and inviting…the space inside Focus is impressively generous…its suspension is sure-footed under all conditions."
"It is very much a driver's car, one that car enthusiasts can embrace without reservation," said Automobile Magazine. "The Focus is not just a good value, it's a great one."
Episodic launch
Focus will continue to create excitement as it launches a series of Limited Edition Focuses with strong appeal to the youth market. The Sony Limited Edition Focus offers the Sony Xplod sound system with 460 watts of thumping audio. In dealerships this spring, The Sony Limited Edition Focus has already sold more than half of its 7,000 production run.
Also on sale this spring is the Kona Limited Edition Ford Focus, designed with the Kona bike company to fit the needs of young bike enthusiasts.
Also coming this spring are Focus' "Tailored for You" kits which allow customers to create their own personal Focus. The kits include the "Have Spot, will Travel" kit for pet lovers, and the "Mobile Pro Kit" designed for commuting professionals.
Text Source: Ford Media Information Center
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