RPO83

HONG KONG – A new chapter in the long history of Wallace Harpers' representation of Ford here got under way today with the official opening of Ford Hong Kong's new showroom and celebrations to mark 80 years of partnership with Ford Motor Company.

Wallace Harper – a division of Sime Darby's Motor Group – have represented the Ford brand in Hong Kong since 1922, making it the longest serving Ford dealership in the Asia-Pacific region.

Henceforth, Wallace Harper & Co., Ltd will trade as Ford Hong Kong. The name change is in line with the revitalization of the Ford brand in the local market. Echoing Ford's own "No Boundaries" theme, Ford Hong Kong also has launched its own revitalization plan under the motto "All Things Are Possible With Ford".

"We are committed to providing a range of products and services to our customers that will set new standards in our local market" said Peter Goh, Managing Director of Ford Hong Kong. "Our 'No Boundaries' showroom is an important step towards that goal."

The new upscale showroom at 66 Gloucester Road in Wanchai was renovated at a cost of HK $1.5million and aims to raise Ford customers' buying experience and the Ford brand image in Hong Kong to a higher level.

The new display area will support the expansion of the current line-up -- Focus, Mondeo and Galaxy – to five models, with the addition of the new Fiesta and Fusion, later this year.

"This is the dawn of a new day for Ford in Hong Kong" said Dan Brieschke, Ford's regional sales manager for Asia-Pacific Direct Markets, in Hong-Kong for the occasion. "This new showroom is a clear sign that Ford Hong Kong is on the right track, prepared to do what it takes to serve its customers and carve a rightful share of the Hong Kong auto market for Ford."

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*Retired.