Ford Escort Concept Unveiled at Shanghai Motor Show

Meant exculsively for Chinese market, American Marquee Ford has brought us the legendary 'Escort' back as witnessed at the Shanghai Motor Show today. This time around, it has been made available as a compact saloon concept. Escort reminds of the European small car sold from 1968 to 2003, the one which had been Ford’s best-selling small car in North America from 1981 to 2003.The Escort concept is strongly tipped to make production as the Chinese compact saloon segment is worth more than five million unit sales per year. That is why, Ford is keen to extend its presence in the segment with a model developed to suit the Chinese customer base.

The name Escort will play a vital role as it holds resonance with Chinese buyers, they love the car and the old Escorts are still in demand. However, Ford declined the possibility of a comeback of the name elsewhere including in the UK. Ford hasn't revealed any technical specifications of the car yet, however the styling of the concept is familiar to Ford's recent design language, with Aston Martin like grille. The concept has been described as ''a fun driving experience, high level of technology, exceptional roominess, uncompromised functionality and sophisticated design".

“This compact concept highlights the strength of our global One Ford approach to vehicle design, and represents how we can make use of our global design language to bring refined designs to attainable vehicles. Designed with the Chinese consumer in mind, the new Escort Concept has the potential to strengthen our product portfolio here in China as we take advantage of opportunities for diversification within the compact car segment,” said Jim Farley, Ford's sales and marketing chief.

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