CHINA - Ford in the U.S. has exported the first batch of F-150 Raptors to China.

• First all-new Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew shipped to China, bringing unmatched levels of off-road excitement and performance to the world’s largest auto market
• F-150 Raptor – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 Raptor ever – marks first-ever official export program for Ford F-Series and F-150 to China
• All-new F-150 Raptor joins Ford GT, all-new Focus RS, Focus ST and Fiesta ST to expand Ford Performance portfolio in China and offer more powerful, fun-to-drive products for customers there

Ford has started shipping its all-new 2017 F-150 Raptor – the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup truck – to eager customers in China, marking the first time any U.S.-built F-Series truck has been officially exported to China.

F-150 Raptor is a class of one among off-road performance vehicles, with purpose-built engine, chassis and suspension – all of which enable it to travel fast over challenging desert landscapes or crawl along rocky terrain, from Baja to the Gobi Desert.

“Ford is one of America’s top exporters, and F-150 Raptor’s appeal and unmatched off-road performance has earned the truck a loyal following around the globe,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “Export to China enables us to bring a new group of enthusiasts into the Ford family.”

Exported as a four-door SuperCrew model, the second-generation F-150 Raptor leverages the latest advanced technologies, including a military-grade, high-strength, aluminum-alloy cab, while its muscular body is uniquely composite. The all-new Raptor features an exclusive high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine, plus a Ford-built 10-speed automatic transmission and advanced six-mode Terrain Management System^™.

Other one-of-a-kind F-150 Raptor features include a Ford Performance-engineered high-strength steel frame with custom Fox Racing shocks with higher ground clearance, BFGoodrich off-road tires and full dual-performance exhaust system.

“Raptor’s unique looks and capability have generated amazing buzz at every auto show we’ve brought it to around China,” said David Schoch, Ford group vice president and president, Ford Asia Pacific. “F-150 Raptor is another example of our commitment to offer a wide range of vehicles for customers in China – everything from SUVs to high-performance cars and trucks.”

F-150 Raptor is one of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020. It joins Ford GT, Focus RS, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in a growing Ford Performance lineup.”

The all-new Ford F-150 Raptor is built at Dearborn Truck Plant in North America. 

Four-door saloon implements new progressive Volkswagen design language

• Four-door saloon implements new progressive Volkswagen design language
• Headlights and Volkswagen emblem merge into a wholly new interpretation of the front section

Three months ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen is providing a first look at the fascinating contours of its new premium saloon, the Arteon. 

The totally new model sits above the Passat and emphasises emotion in the upper mid-class.

In addition to a new and emotive outline Volkswagen is also introducing with the Arteon a highly expressive, horizontally accentuated brand look. 

The bars of the radiator grille extend into the three-dimensional headlights, while LED lighting elements additionally emphasise the striking layout and demonstrate dominance.

The four-door saloon impresses both through revolutionary design and great practicality. While the doors' frameless windows reflect the typical stylistic elements of a grand tourer, the top-hinged and wide-opening tailgate provides optimum access to the huge boot. Tobias Sühlmann, Exterior Designer, explains: “At first sight, the Arteon arouses enthusiasm through its expressive design. It then surprises through its practical virtues. This combination is unique."

The name Arteon – with the emphasis put on the first syllable – is made up of two component parts: 'Art' describes the saloon's harmonious lines and emotionality. The ending 'eon' identifies it, in the same way as Volkswagen's top model for the Chinese market, the PHIDEON, as a premium model.

The new Arteon is being publicly unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show; its launch will then follow in summer 2017.