Kuala Lumpur, 30 November 2009 – After more than a decade without a large sedan in the Malaysian market, the launch of the new Ford Mondeo by Sime Darby Auto Connexion Sdn Bhd (AutoConneXion) signals a renewed determination by Ford to compete in all key segments of the local automotive market.

The fully-imported new Ford Mondeo for the Malaysian market is powered by a 2.3-litre Duratec HE 4-cylinder engine with a maximum power output of 161PS (118kW) at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 208Nm at 4,200rpm. Designed for high performance, the 16-valve, all-aluminium, DOHC engine is mated to Ford's 6-speed automatic transmission. It is priced at RM178,888 (on-the-road with insurance).

Since the original car was launched in 1993, the Mondeo has become one of Ford’s most important products. Although the current Mondeo was first launched in 2007, it has remained one of the most popular large sedans in Europe. From January till August this year, more than 75,000 units of Mondeo were sold in Europe. Now the flagship nameplate is made available in Malaysia for the first time in the history of the brand.

The latest model builds on traditional Mondeo strengths such as its acclaimed driving dynamics and safety while adding distinctively premium features, including limousine-like comfort and NVH characteristics, ambient interior lighting, and soft-touch materials.

Dynamic and eye-catching styling of the new Mondeo embodies Ford's 'kinetic design' form language, expressing energy in motion. Immediately obvious when seen from the front is the new Mondeo’s distinctive ‘face’, which is characterised by its trapezoid-shaped lower grille, a 'kinetic design' element that is increasingly recognised as part of the new Ford identity.

The most technologically-advanced car launched by Ford to date, the new Mondeo is equipped with a host of new driver-focused technologies including Ford’s Easyfuel capless refuelling with fuel inhibitor to prevent misfuelling. Cruise control, audio and information center control and toggles on steering column help the driver stay focused while driving. Front and rear parking sensors provide accurate assistance when parking.

The Mondeo’s class-leading ride and legendary handling can be attributed to the use of Macpherson struts at the front and control blade multilink rear suspension with stabiliser bars.

In the area of safety, the 5-star Euro NCAP-rated Mondeo’s Enhanced Intelligent Protection System provides latest driver assistance and occupant protection technologies. The Mondeo is equipped with seven airbags comprising dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, knee airbag for the driver, side airbags for side impact protection and curtain airbags for rear passengers.

A collapsible steering column with anti intrusion pedals further protects the driver in the event of a collision.  Anti-whiplash head restraints, seat belt pretensioners, retractors and load limiters hold front occupants in place, reducing potential injury from airbag deployment. Active safety features such as Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) ensure quick and accurate braking while auto hazard lights are activated automatically when the Mondeo detects emergency braking.  ISOFIX mountings in the Mondeo also ensure that childseats are firmly secured at all times.

For the first time on the new Mondeo, Ford is utilising an innovative manufacturing technique known as laser-brazing.  Laser-brazing is one of many 'first to Ford' or 'first to segment' applications evident in the car.  This provides a way of joining the side and roof panels together in a more aesthetically pleasing way, thereby providing a higher quality finish.

"We are delighted to finally introduce the Mondeo in Malaysia to provide an attractive option for discerning motorists looking for a large family saloon.  The Mondeo has always been acclaimed for its driving dynamics, safety performance and interior package. With this latest model, Ford has taken these qualities a step further and enhanced its performance in all of these areas as well as dramatically transforming its design and quality," said AutoConneXion managing director Mohd Hazem Abd Rahman.

The new Ford Mondeo benefits from Ford Motor Company's Global Shared Technologies initiative, sharing many elements of its core architecture with the Ford S-MAX multi-purpose vehicle that will be launched in Malaysia soon and the new generation Ford Galaxy. A major advantage to developing vehicles in this way is that much of the development and testing techniques are shared with other models. This approach to product development significantly reduces costs and allows Ford to focus more attention on providing additional customer benefits.

AutoConneXion’s aggressive revitalisation of the Ford brand paid off handsomely when it was awarded ‘Best Comeback Brand’ in the 2009 Asian Auto-VCA Industry Awards. Ford was applauded for introducing a constant stream of new and better products at competitive prices and living up to its promise to deliver a better ownership experience to customers by launching innovative aftersales campaigns and refurbishing its showrooms. 

The success was evident as Ford has to-date, registered a 15 per cent year-on-year growth in total sales in Malaysia despite the challenging period faced by the automotive industry in 2009.  The new Ranger was the most popular Ford model by far with sales rising by 59 per cent over the same period last year. The brand received another boost recently when the new Escape was named Best Small/Mid-size SUV in the Autocar Asean Car of the Year Awards 2009.

The new, fully-imported Ford Mondeo 2.3 comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.  For more information, please call AutoConneXion Voice hotline at 1-800-88-3181 or visit www.ford.net.my

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion Sdn Bhd is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sime Darby Motors Division and the Ford distributor in Malaysia.