More Success for Ford in Best Car Awards

[RPO83]

Press Release.

Ford Australia has continued its run of success in the prestigious Australia's Best Cars Awards, scoring two trophies in the 2005 awards.

The Focus CL was judged Australia's Best Mid-size Car under $28,000 and the Ford Territory Ghia AWD was named Australia's Best Recreational Four Wheel Drive.

It is the second successive year the sales-topping Ford Territory has secured the highly sought after 4WD award, while the new Ford Focus – launched earlier this year – was a winner in its first outing with Australia's Best Cars judges.

"To win one award in Australia's Best Cars is an honour," said Ford Australia President Tom Gorman.

"Winning two is a fantastic achievement and reinforces the pride everyone in Ford Australia feels with delivering great vehicles.

"Even more satisfying is the fact Ford vehicles were named Australia's best in two of the fastest-growing and most competitive market sectors."

Australia's Best Cars are judged by representatives from all of Australia's motoring clubs - the NRMA Motoring & Services, RACV, RACQ, RAASA, RACWA, RACT and AANT.

Considered the nation's most consumer-focused motoring awards, they are based on a unique objective scoring system taking into account value for money, design, function and performance.

"It's a fantastic effort for Territory to be named Australia's Best Recreational Four Wheel Drive two years in succession, particularly when you consider that since the judging took place we have launched an updated version, incorporating a state-of-the-art, German-engineered six-speed transmission.

"Territory is the vehicle that redefined the term SUV and is responsible for the phenomenal sales surge in medium SUVs.

"Similarly, the small car market in Australia continues to dominate the sales chart. The new Focus continues to find new devotees as it steadily builds sales results.

"The combination of practicality and performance makes Focus a winner and it's a tremendous thrill to have the vehicle recognised as Australia's Best Mid size Car under $28,000," Mr Gorman said.