"Recognisably a Ford and evidently a Focus, the new generation Ford Focus Concept sedan is a clearly refined evolution from the original vehicle," said Ford Asia Pacific Design Manager, Paul Gibson.

"Presenting the four-door as the style setter for a new generation of car buyers, it is Focus with a new sophistication."

The concept clearly states its European heritage with clean taut lines and an aggressive stance. It conveys solidity and substance while boasting generous curves and a distinct shoulder. A low sweeping roofline and fast rear screen angle visually elongates the overall shape and promotes a perception of athleticism.

The vehicle's surfaces are taut, precise and exhibit a quality execution.

There are several design components unique to the Focus Concept.

Lamps

"One of the most exciting aspects of developing a concept vehicle is that you can experiment with new design elements and technologies that are cutting edge for our industry. The unique front and rear lamps on the Focus Concept are a perfect example," said Gibson.

Developed in conjunction between Ford and Osram Opto Semiconductors, the lamps utilise the latest LED technology.

The front lamps present as a continuous ring of light when illuminated. Producing a cool white appearance with high luminance output, the lamps complement the vehicle's overall design. The fog lamps also produce a continuous ring of light.

"The LED headlamps are unique to the Focus Concept," said Gibson. "The continuous ring of light is very different to the effect created by a conventional bulb and parabola.

"Even when switched off, the headlamps and fog lamps have the depth and quality of deep glass."

The rear lamps also use LED technology and allowed the designers to produce a three dimensional lamp design that combines the aesthetics of the latest technological innovation with the benefits of increased light distribution and efficiency for an ideal and dependable lighting solution. When lit, they also give a clean continuous light but also have bubble detailing to add surprise and delight.

Wheels

Unique 19-inch wheels and pronounced wheel arches demonstrate the superior driving dynamics for which Focus is renowned. The seven spoke wheels also feature polished spokes and a rubber-like high-tech insert for a new twist on finishes.

Colour

Known as Sapphire Ice, this unique colour for the Focus Concept sedan exhibits the same characteristics as metallic silver but adds the depth of blue to result in an exciting new colour that matches the concept's contemporary styling.

"The new Focus Concept sedan is based on Ford DNA – Genuine, Progressive and Smart – while building on its strong European styling themes," said Gibson.

"These themes have been moulded to create a contemporary new concept vehicle that is insightfully geared to the needs and wants of Asia-Pacific customers. It is a very exciting concept that we believe will generate a lot of interest throughout the region this year."

Biography of Paul Gibson

• Design Manager, Ford Asia Pacific Design
• Integral part of the team responsible for the evolution of the new generation Focus

Paul Gibson is one of Ford Asia-Pacific's lead designers. Gibson specialises in interior and exterior future development projects. With passion for design and cars, Gibson is the visionary and design leader behind the Focus Concept making its global debut at Auto China 2004.

Gibson was the ideal choice to lead the Focus Concept project since he was an integral part of the team responsible for the evolution of the new generation Focus from its successful predecessor. While the original Focus and its New Edge design was revolutionary, the new generation Focus design concept builds on the strengths of the original, and can best be described as "evolutionary."

While attached at Ford of Europe's Product Development Centre in Merkenich, Cologne, between 2000-2002, Gibson worked on the exterior themes for the 3-door, 5-door and wagon body styles. The 4-door represented a unique challenge as Gibson and the team's task were to deliver a unique 4-door for the Asian customer that represents an "authentic European car with an Asian flavour."

Gibson's career began when he first joined Ford Australia in 1990 where he worked on several Falcon derivative projects and the V8 race car. Following his stint in Australia, he joined the team at Dearborn in Michigan from 1992 to 1996, where Gibson worked on small car studies like the early Ford Thunderbird and Ford Minivan exterior projects. Gibson next moved to the renowned Ghia Design Studio in Italy where he was involved in designing the Lincoln show car and early Ford GT Concepts as well as Ford Streetka.

Gibson is currently based in Australia and collaborates closely with design studios in Hiroshima, Melbourne, and Taipei, as well as the product marketing teams in Bangkok, China, South Africa and throughout Asia-Pacific. Gibson's international experience lends a true global design perspective to the region.

Gibson is a graduate from the Royal College of Art, London, England, where he obtained a Masters degree in Automotive Design in 1989.