Ford Focus (first generation)

Ford Focus (first generation)
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	1998–2007
Model years	1998–2005 (Europe) 2000–2008 (Argentina) 2000–2007 (North America)
Assembly	Germany: Saarlouis (Saarlouis Body & Assembly) Spain: Valencia (Ford Valencia Plant) United States: Wayne, Michigan (Wayne Stamping & Assembly) Mexico: Hermosillo (Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly) Argentina: General Pacheco (Ford Argentina) Philippines: Santa Rosa, Laguna (FMCP) Venezuela: Valencia (Valencia Assembly)
Designer	John Doughty (1995)[1] & Claude Lobo (1995)[2]
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car / small family car (C)
Body style	3- and 5-door hatchback 4-door saloon/sedan 5-door estate/station wagon
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Escort (Europe/Latin America/South Africa) Ford Escort (North America) Ford Laser (Asia and Australia)
Successor	Ford Focus (second generation, Europe) Ford Focus (second generation, North America)

The Ford Focus (first generation) is a compact car that was manufactured by Ford in Europe from 1998 to 2004 and by Ford in North America from 1998 to 2007. Ford began sales of the Focus to Europe in July 1998 and in North America during 1999 for the 2000 model year. Manufacturing in Argentina continued until 2008, and it was still on sale in Brazil until 2009.

In Europe and South Africa, the Focus replaced the various Ford Escort models sold in those markets. In Asia and Australia, it replaced the Ford Laser.