Bangkok--20 Mar--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Kinetic design is key to dynamic and expressive character of Verve Concept Ford proved today at an exclusive reveal of its Verve Concept that small car design can be bold, exciting and dynamic. Having garnered rave reviews at unveilings around the world, the Verve Concept was revealed for the first time in Thailand as a four-door notchback in a vibrant shade of purple called Frosted Grape. This exciting concept car is a direct indication of Ford's future small car design for Europe, Asia and North America. Many of the Verve Concept's distinct and dynamic design elements will be incorporated into Ford’s new global B-car (the auto industry term for the small-car segment), and is sure to capture the imagination of customers in markets around the world. “We’re particularly thrilled that the Verve Concept will inspire Ford's new global small car, which we'll produce here in Thailand,” said Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president of Ford Thailand. “What’s more, the Verve Concept really underscores our mantra to Make Everyday Exciting for our customers,” said Kiatfuengfoo. “The Verve Concept is a showcase of Ford’s kinetic design philosophy. Having the concept car here will allow Thai consumers to see, understand and experience the essence of such design being developed from Ford's design studio in Europe. Moreover, many of the kinetic design elements you see on Verve Concept will be seen in future Ford vehicles to be introduced in Thailand,” he added. Verve Concept — kinetic design rules "The four-door Verve Concept is a result of the clever application of Ford’s kinetic design philosophy to a small car," explained Chelsia Lau, Chief Designer, Ford Motor Company, Asia Pacific and Africa, China/ASEAN Programs. "The design of Verve Concept clearly conveys dynamism, emotion and refinement — “energy in motion” as the team describes it." Dynamic lines and full surfaces are vital elements of kinetic design and interact boldly to create the four-door Verve Concept's dynamic exterior. It is bold, individual and immediately appealing. Its strongly defined wheel arches clearly communicate tension and muscularity. The Frosted Grape colour accentuates perfectly the concept's modern, contemporary and fashionable look and feel. “The Verve Concept is truly the small car for the new generation,” said Lau. “This young group is growing quickly everywhere in the world and plays a crucial part in driving consumer trends. They have grown up with the Internet and mobile phones. They believe precision is everything and technology rules. That’s why we believe our future small car, based on the Verve Concept, is the answer to their needs.” “The four-door Verve Concept provides a very clear vision about our future small car design direction,” Lau added. The global small car Ford's global B-car category small car will be designed and engineered in Europe. Ford's new B-car, however, will be manufactured globally. Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation in October 2007 announced joint-venture plans to invest more than US$500 million for a new, highly-flexible manufacturing facility at the existing AutoAlliance Thailand plant. AAT will begin manufacturing Ford's and Mazda's respective B-car small cars in 2009. When completed, AutoAlliance Thailand’s production capacity will increase to 275,000 units from its current annual 175,000 units. In addition to domestic sale, Ford and Mazda plan to export their respective small cars manufactured at AAT to markets in the ASEAN region, as well as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo Car and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding the company and its products visit www.ford.co.th.