LOCAL NEWS

It used to be that a new model would never be shown to the public before it was officially launched but these days, companies are revealing the new product well before its official launch. Every day counts because there are so many alternatives so the earlier they can show what is coming, the better the chances of getting car-buyers not to put their money down on another product first.

And so it is with the all-new Ford Focus which will be officially launched in the middle of October. Before then, Ford Malaysia has a roadshow which goes to four major urban centres in Peninsula Malaysia and this weekend, it will be at the new wing of the 1-Utama Shopping Centre in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The 3-day stopover at the mall is the second stopover for the specially-designed trailer that showcases the Focus.

When the roadshow debuted in Kuantan, Pahang, last week, scores of potential buyers lined up to test drive and to find out more about the new Ford through plasma screen displays fitted inside the trailer. The queue to test out the car at 1-Utama is expected to be great with more expected people wanting to get behind the wheel.

"The interest in the new Focus reaffirms our confidence that this is the car that Malaysians are waiting for. They want the very best combination and the Focus offers it - European styling, German engineering and superior road handling," said Alex Chang, Director, Motor Group, Ford Operations.

The Focus sedan 1.8L Ghia 4-door sedan that is on display is one of two models to be introduced in Malaysia. The other is the 5-door Ford Focus 2.0L Sport that will be launched later in the year.

Ford Malaysia is currently taking advance bookings for the Focus and appointments for a test drive can be arranged by calling Ford’s Customer Relationship Centre number (toll-free) which is 1-800-88-3181.

If you are in Penang and Johor Bahru, you will also be able to get a close-up view of the new Focus and try it out as the roadshow will also be going there on September 23 and 30, respectively.