Ford Motor Co. News
P1-based Focus Concept Revealed at Auto China 2004 Motor Show
By by: George Achorn
Jul 15, 2004, 14:40

In a surprise move, Ford Motor Company revealed more than a hint of what the next-generation Focus will look like in the form of the Focus Concept, unveiled in June at the Auto China 2004 show in Beijing.

This second generation Focus utilizes Ford Motor Company’s C1 platform, also referred to as P1 within Volvo. As such, it will share componentry with cars such as the Volvo S40 and V50, Ford C-Max and Mazda3.

Just how much the new Focus will share with its corporate siblings, such as Haldex all-wheel drive, Volvo’s potent I-5 turbo and more remains to be seen. Additionally, the Focus Concept showed some truly unique headlight and taillight treatments. Whether these can make it into production remains to be seen.



Further, it’s been widely reported within the general automotive media that Ford is considering a delayed launch of the new car in it’s home market of North America. Ford may opt to continue building the first generation Focus for its domestic market in an effort to keep costs down.

While so many aspects of this car remain unclear, the very fact that Volvo’s 40 and 50-series of cars will share componentry certainly hint at a strong aftermarket offering for these Volvo models. Cost of development for aftermarket manufacturers for components such as brake upgrades, suspensions and more will be much lower, hopefully ushering in a deeper aftermarket offering than has likely been seen before for any previous Volvo platform.

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