IF you were to ask the Global Ford Focus Programme Manager – Rainer Wode – what one element of the new Ford Focus pleased him most, what would you expect him to say?
The fantastic handling and ride composure perhaps? The greater quality interior maybe? How about the more direct steering or the quietness of the car at speed on the motorway? Or perhaps the stunning new look at the front?
All put their hands up for the accolade.
But no. It’s none of those.
In fact it’s the tailgate. Yes, the tailgate.
A tailgate with a new £6m pressing attached to it. Gulp!
“Yes, that needed some pushing through,” says Rainer Wode, “but it makes such a difference to the rear of the car. It looks cleaner, more upmarket and gets rid of squeaks and rattles.”
Essentially what Rainer has asked Ford to do is get rid of a bit of plastic surround, and replace it with a laser weld that combines a top section pressing to a bottom section pressing.
A piece of laser welding that has cost Ford £6m globally to implement.
Wow!
No wonder Rainer is pleased with it. The technology will also be filtered through to other Fords in the future.
It is, though, just one element of what makes the new Ford Focus such a brilliant new car. And the pick of the bunch? The 1.0t 125PS EcoBoost model.
