Thought you current Focus owners would like to know this : :o

Ford launches extended warranty for Focus[/siz]


September 09, 2002

Ford Motor Co. will offer a five-year, 100,000-mile extended powertrain warranty on the 2003 Focus in a bid to boost car sales and overcome the Focus' reputation for shoddy quality.

Ford has conducted seven U.S. safety recalls of the 2000 Focus, three recalls of the 2001 models and one recall of the 2002 Focus.

In July, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials upgraded an investigation into reports of engine compartment fires in the Focus. The investigation covers 690,000 Focus units sold in the United States in the 2000, 2001 and 2002 model years.

"Our immediate priority is to reinvigorate the Focus," Lyons said. "There will be a substantial increase in advertising. We will take the advertising budget to a level that is higher than even when we launched the car."

The extended warranty is part of a marketing campaign for the Focus, introduced in the United States as a 2000 model. Advertising will exceed an estimated $100 million as the automaker strives to underscore the car's agile handling and driving dynamics.

The extended service plan, which includes roadside assistance and towing, will be transferable to subsequent vehicle owners. The extended powertrain warranty is offered with the standard three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

"It will be transferable. That is a big advantage," Lyons said Monday. "It also will affect the resale value of the product."

Advertising for the 2003 model-year vehicle will center on the driving dynamics, Lyons said. As part of the effort, Ford will turn the SVT Focus into the line's flagship.