Ford Wins Big at Detroit Auto Show

By Dena Cassella January 14, 2010

AutoWeek’s editorial staff has named Ford’s next-generation Focus the “Most Significant” vehicle of the 2010 North American International Auto Show. The next-generation Ford Focus made its worldwide debut this Monday, Jan. 11 at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Ford has been receiving a lot of recognition for its new and old cars this week in Detroit at the auto show, with the Ford Fusion Hybrid midsize sedan winning the 2010 North American Car of the Year and the Ford Transit Connect takes truck of the year.

“This was a unanimous vote, one of the few in the history of the AutoWeek award,” said Wes Raynal, editor of AutoWeek and autoweek.com. “This car gives Ford and Focus fans their car back. By that we mean enthusiasts have been crying for the European Focus for years and we’re finally getting our wish. We also think it’s a perfect platform for an SVT version. The car goes on sale in 2011 powered by a sporty four-cylinder engine mated to a DSG transmission, and we can’t wait to drive it.”

The new Focus will eventually be sold in 122 markets, with up to 80 percent parts commonality. Ford Motors says the Focus will be built on Ford’s new C-car platform, which will underpin up to 10 unique models and generate sales of 2 million units annually.

The next-generation Ford Focus will be on public display at NAIAS – along with other award-winning Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles – in Detroit’s Cobo Hall through Jan. 24.

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