The Ford Motor Company has always been a top player in Brazil — the company’s done business there for 90 years, and the country is Ford’s top market after the U.S. and Great Britain. If the automaker’s showing at this week’s Sao Paolo Motor Show is anything to go by, things are just heating up.
On the stand, two concepts: The Beauty and The Beast. The first is a two-seater convertible based on the revamped Ford Ka. It’s a sporty way to soak in the Brazilian sun, designed to show off the versatility of the new city car. The Beast also takes after the Ka, but it’s a decidedly different package. It’s been outfitted with 2.0-liter engine for maximum performance (in contrast to Beauty’s 1.6), and hits up to 155 mph.*
Ford also debuted the bi-fuel Ford EcoSport 2.0, a spacious and rugged design update to one of Brazil’s favorite cars.* The SUV now features the dramatic contours Ford’s been applying across the line, and it boasts even more interior room. Joining it on the stand are some of Ford’s 2009 offerings: the new Focus, the Fusion, the Ranger, and more.*
All point to Ford’s deep commitment to South America. The company is ready to invest $3.4 billion in Brazil, recognizing the importance of this emerging market to the industry’s future.