LAS VEGAS, Oct. 30, 2000 - The new Made in Detroit Focus concept builds on the vehicle's increasing popularity with today's youth with features, functionality and co-branding targeted to young people's diverse and adventurous lifestyles. The concept is another example of the versatility and customization potential of the Focus, the world's most popular car.

Unveiled at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the concept Focus features a panel van bodystyle designed to combine functionality and organized living in a smart, urban design. The Made in Detroit Brand Clothing co-branding builds on Focus' already successful association with other noted brand names, including Sony and Kona Focus editions.

Detroit Motor Company, producers of Made in Detroit Brand Clothing, is a Detroit based and operated streetwear company that targets young people who are fascinated by techno music, urban/suburban hip hop, hybrid rock, automobilia and industrial culture. Their products are Detroit themed, edgy and well connected to the regional and national music scene.


"Focus offers tremendous potential for customization because of its simple, functional design," says J Mays, Ford Motor Company vice president of Design, speaking at the vehicle's SEMA introduction. "With almost half of today's Focus buyers being 35 years old and younger, our forward strategy is to continue to find ways to make the vehicle attractive to the younger generation. The Made in Detroit Focus concept provides yet another possibility."

Based on the three-door Focus ZX3, the Made in Detroit Focus concept has a more upright rear hatch and a flat top, which provide more usable interior space and innovative interior storage spaces. The design - coupled with a lowered suspension and 18-inch wheels - also gives the exterior profile an urban, performance look.

Uniquely designed front and rear lighting, anodized aluminum finishes and reflective, molded Focus and Made in Detroit badging add to the concept's industrial look. The no-skid, removable roof rack is one of several functional attributes.

The Focus' already innovative interior packaging is modified further to meet the active lifestyle of its non-conservative, "urban savvy" target consumer. It features integrated storage in the floor and tailgate, a removable first-aid kit and two messenger bags that attach to the inside panels and are fully detachable. The messenger bags feature 48-inch shoulder straps for pack-and-go ability when going to school, the office, the beach or "clubbing" with friends.

The vehicles' tactile functional elements are organized into distinct zones through the use of 'zone specific' materials and colors. For example, high wear areas, such as the load floor and storage bins, utilize a non-skid, flexible material. The all new color and trim scheme features low contrast colors and low sheen finishes. The sport seats and fold-flat rear seat offer passengers roomy "personal" space in an environment that is naturally lit through the vehicle's skylights.

The Made in Detroit Focus is powered by a 2.0-liter SOHC I-4 engine and features vented, four-wheel disc brakes, and an exhaust tuned to sound solid and industrious.

The concept incorporates many of the improvements found in this year's production car. Highlighting the list for 2001 is a new interactive vehicle dynamics system designed to provide precise handling in adverse situations. The new AdvanceTrac™ system is available as an option on the 2001 Focus ZTS sedan and ZX3 hatchback. Rear disc brakes are standard when ordering AdvanceTrac™.

Six-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels also are available for 2001. In addition, the SE Wagon now has a standard 2.0-liter DOHC Zetec I-4 engine, and for the first time, a manual transmission is available with the wagon. The ZX3 now offers a Premium Group (with air conditioning, 16-inch aluminum wheels and tires, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, front center armrest, speed control and front map lights), and the optional Power Group now includes power door locks and a Remote Keyless Entry System.

Since its U.S. introduction in the 2000 model year, Focus has been an unqualified sales success, not just in overall units, but also in its ability to attract younger people. Ford Focus was the first car ever to be named both North American and European Car of the Year.

Focus is now the world's most popular car with more than half a million sales in nearly 75 countries worldwide through the first six months of this year. One of the biggest reasons for the success of Focus is that it delivers much more than buyers expect, including driving dynamics, a roomy package, safety features and value not normally found in this size vehicle.

The Control Blade multi-link independent rear suspension provides excellent handling, especially in cornering situations. The result is better handling when braking and in increased lane-change maneuvers on the highway.

Focus also offers outstanding performance. A 2.0-liter SOHC I-4 engine is standard on LX and SE, producing 110 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0-liter DOHC Zetec I-4 engine delivers 130 horsepower and 135 lb.-ft. of torque, and is standard on ZX3, ZTS and Wagon, and optional on SE Sedan.

Focus offers a very high level of standard and optional comfort and convenience features. In addition, the actual design of the car helps overcome a feeling by some buyers that they have to compromise comfort in a small car. The long wheelbase of Focus provides impressive interior room, and the high roofline allows exceptional front-and-rear head room. The sedan trunk can hold two normal-sized suitcases side by side, standing up, and the liftgate/decklid release can be operated from inside or outside the vehicle.