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May 31, 2006
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Ford Lio Ho's role as a regional export hub for the leading SUV nameplate - Ford Escape- underscores its increased strategic importance in Ford Motor Company's commitment to grow its business in the Asia Pacific region. Mark Schulz, president of International Operations for Ford Motor Company, said, "To be a successful regional operation, Ford has implemented a series of organizational and manufacturing strategies to better drive results in efficiency, quality and costs. For example, we have rationalized our purchasing processes across all twelve markets, and our manufacturing strategy centers around a core of regional production and export hubs to serve the region's needs." "Our team in the region has been dedicated to maximizing our production and distribution capabilities. Ford Lio Ho joining the ranks as an export hub is yet another fine example of our strategy paying off. Ford Lio Ho is an excellent operation and an important part of our Asia Pacific operations. "This is an important milestone for Ford Lio Ho," added Schulz. "The team can be proud of what they have accomplished. The levels of quality and professionalism I see in Taiwan are competitive with any Ford facility around the world." FORD LIO HO: 30 PLUS YEARS OF LEADERSHIP Ford Lio Ho was established in 1972 and is today engaged in production, distribution, sales, service, vehicle-finance and associated businesses for both Ford and Mazda brands in Taiwan. With a market share of 16.6 percent and unit sales of over 85, 0 00 vehicles in 2005, Ford Lio Ho is among the top auto makers in Taiwan and serves as an important engineering and design hub for Ford in the region. Jeffrey Shen, president of Ford Lio Ho, said, "We have been proud to be a significant contributor to the growth of the Taiwanese automotive industry for over 30 years. With the ongoing efforts and full support of the industry, the scholastic community and the government, Ford Lio Ho has continued to improve its capabilities in design, engineering and manufacturing." "While our past accomplishments have derived from our success in the domestic market, the export program will open a new chapter of growth for Ford Lio Ho, one that will showcase our strength and competencies beyond the shores of Taiwan. "In fact, in recent years, Ford Lio Ho has been exporting our much valued people-talent and expertise to Ford Motor Company's international operations. The newly launched Ford Escape is one product where our Taiwanese design and engineering teams had led in its development for the Asia Pacific region," added Shen. MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE "Consumers here in Taiwan have the same high expectations for quality as they do in any market around world, from the U.S. to Europe and to Asia," commented Shen. "I am convinced our manufacturing operations here in Taiwan can meet those high expectations." The export program poses increased complexity in the production process requiring, for example, right-hand and left-hand drivetrains coupled with different powertrain options that must comply with each individual country's regulatory standards. Ford Lio Ho had invested in upgrading its facilities to incorporate the latest in manufacturing technology. The plant features mixed line production capability that allows the assembly of a complex and mixed vehicle schedule on one production line, demonstrating high flexibility and quality control consistent with global manufacturing standards. Ford Lio Ho holds the distinction as the first company in Taiwan to obtain certifications for T S16949:2002 and ISO14001:2004, two internationally recognized automotive quality standards. Building as many as 13 nameplates - including Ford Focus, Ford Escape, Ford Metrostar, Ford RS Mondeo, Ford Tierra, Ford Activa, Ford Pronto, Ford Econovan, Mazda3 , Mazda 5, Mazda Isamu, Mazda Bongo and Mazda Tribute - Ford Lio Ho has a production capacity of 20 0,000 units per annum. NEW FORD ESCAPE The new Ford Escape, unveiled to Taiwanese customers in April earlier, features a fresh new exterior styling, a more luxurious and convenient interior package and upgraded powertrain s that significantly improve driving quality and reduce fuel consumption. The new Escape features a completely reworked front end that is much sleeker and more stylish. At the front, Escape boasts a restyled hood with new feature lines that blend into a bright three-bar grille with larger Ford badge and new four-chamber chrome-ringed headlamps with jewel-like details. Interior changes are even bolder, giving the Escape a more integrated and up-market luxury appeal while making driving easier and more comfortable. Under the hood, the Escape offers the choice of two powerful engines - a 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder or 3.0-liter V6. "The new Escape is a fun, versatile, refined and tough vehicle," said Shen. "It was designed for customers who desire the style, superior comfort, space and interior quietness normally found in a sedan. Escape owners, however, can seek adventurous new experiences with confidence as only the Escape can take them places a sedan would never go. Best of all, they can have fun with their families and friends while they're doing it!" The Escape styling communicate Ford's SUV DNA by building on the Escape's appeal as a tough yet refined vehicle that is fun to drive while giving owners the added freedom and capability of being a genuine 4WD vehicle. The new Escape is expected to be introduced in the rest of the Asia Pacific markets in the months to come. An earlier teaser concept of the vehicle, called the Ford Equator, debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, followed by the 2006 Taipei Auto Show and several other appearances at major auto shows across Asia Pacific. Ford Lio Ho was proud to be the leading design team for the Ford Equator concept , chalking an industry-first as the first a utomaker in Taiwan to design and develop a world-class concept vehicle for international audiences. (May 30, 2006)
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