Changan Ford (CAF) announces today that it plans to set up “Changan Ford Racing” and the Ford Focus will be participating in the 2000cc race series of 2006 China Circuit Championship (CCC). Changan Ford is committed to carrying on Ford’s world-renowned sport spirit in China by striding into China ’s motor sports competition. CAF’s participation in the CCC marks another milestone of the company’s expansion in China market.

Ford Focus has a strong motor sports heritage and has achieved outstanding results in worldwide auto sports competition. In the recent 2006 World Rally Championship, Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen, drivers of the Ford rally car, took first place in the first two events of the season while driving the newly introduced Focus RS. Continuing this successful racing tradition, Changan Ford will capitalize on the growing interest in motor racing to demonstrate its superior technical capability and dynamic nature of the Ford Focus in China. The new team will be named “Changan Ford Racing” and the Ford Focus 2000cc will be the race car, showcasing CAF’s newly launched Focus series.

As the top auto racing event of its kind, CCC will raise the curtain for the 2006 season at Shanghai International Circuit on March 10, 2006. Scheduled events include Formula 2000cc, 1600cc, and Campus races for vehicles made in China. Changan Ford Racing will compete in the 2000cc series with rivals for the championship at events to be held at the Shanghai International Circuit, Beijng Goldenport Circuit and Zhuhai International Circuit this year.

The 2000cc series of CCC is designed as a demonstration of power, speed, handling and performance. Two 2000cc Ford Focus production vehicles will be modified by FRD who will also manage the team operation of Changan Ford Racing. The two cars are expected to be radiating with brilliance in CCC season with their outstanding performance and penetrating outlook. Champion drivers Ma Hanhua and Li Wanqi will steer for Changan Ford Racing.

“The speed and passion embodied in motor sports is the best interpretation of Ford’s new tagline of ‘Make Every Day Exciting’,” said Phil Spender, president and CEO of Changan Ford. “This time, Focus will offer an exciting experience to the Chinese fans of motor sports by means of its outstanding performance. We believe that, starting from CCC this year, Focus alongside the Changan Ford Racing will be the highlight in the competition. Our participation in CCC demonstrated CAF’s commitment to motor sports in China.”