Ford Escort Name Revived for Chinese Market at Shanghai Show
Ford has brought back the Escort name for a new compact saloon, unveiling a concept at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show aimed exclusively at Chinese buyers.
Ford has revived the Escort name for a new compact saloon aimed at the Chinese market, presenting a concept version at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The car is intended as a locally focused model and will not be offered in the UK, Europe or the United States.
The Escort name, long associated with Ford’s British and European operations from 1968 until its discontinuation in 2000, returns after more than a decade. Unlike previous generations, the new Escort is designed specifically for China and will be built by Ford’s joint venture in the country. Company representatives in Europe confirmed there are no plans to introduce the model outside Asia Pacific.
Escort fills a gap in Ford's Chinese range
Ford positions the new Escort above its budget offerings in China but below the Focus, which is marketed as a more premium product in the region. The Escort is intended to appeal to buyers seeking affordable, practical transport with a more upmarket image than entry-level models. Its introduction is part of a broader strategy to expand Ford’s presence in China, where the company has announced plans to launch 15 new vehicles by 2015.
The concept’s design follows Ford’s current global styling direction, including a large front grille reminiscent of recent European models. The car’s proportions and detailing are tailored to Chinese tastes, reflecting Ford’s “One Ford” approach to design, adapting global cues for local markets.
Technical details remain under wraps
Ford has yet to release technical specifications for the Escort concept. At the Shanghai show, the company also presented a 1.5-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, developed with Chinese requirements in mind, but did not confirm whether this engine would be fitted to the production Escort. The concept remains a styling exercise at this stage, with further details expected closer to a production announcement.
No plans for UK or European launch
Ford’s European division has made clear that the revived Escort is strictly for the Chinese and wider Asia Pacific markets. The decision reflects differences in market demand and brand positioning, with the Focus continuing as Ford’s main compact offering in Europe. The company acknowledged the Escort’s historic popularity in Britain but said it is content for the name to be used solely in China for now.
The Escort’s reappearance highlights the growing influence of the Chinese market on global carmakers’ product planning. Ford’s strategy in China is to address a wide spectrum of buyers, from entry-level to more aspirational segments, as competition intensifies and local tastes evolve.
For images and details on the Escort concept’s Shanghai debut, seeFord Escort Concept Revealed at Shanghai for Chinese Market
