Made specially for China

THE new vehicle market in China is the biggest in the world, having overtaken the US market in 2009.

Last year, around 26.3 million new vehicles were sold, about 15 million more than the US volume.

Every manufacturer would like to sell in China as even a small share of the market still means big volumes.

However, apart from its own regulations, the China market also has some specific requirements which need to be met if a model is to appeal to the consumers and sell well.

Because of the potential volumes, foreign manufacturers are willing to develop models or alter existing models to meet the tastes of the Chinese customer. These tastes extend to styling and also size, with extended wheelbases being favoured.

One example is the new Ford Explorer recently unveiled in China. The model, an extremely popular SUV in America, has been sold in China since 2012 and for the latest generation, Ford has given it an appearance and features that are specifically for the market.

The Explorer for China was developed in China at Ford’s state-of-the-art facility design centre in Shanghai.

“Being the first time the Explorer was designed outside of North America, it was important that it continues its successful heritage of pioneering innovation and adventure whilst being modernized for the progressive China market,” said Simon Brook, chief designer of Ford China design centre.

The Explorer design fully integrates the design DNA of the Explorer and combines it with modern Chinese aesthetics.

The key visual signatures of the Explorer heritage – such as the connected grille to lamps, C-clamp rear lighting signature and an open and expansive cabin – are all retained in the latest Explorer.

Aside from the overall proportion and form language, Chinese customers pay close attention to the mastery of craftsmanship and are more willing to embrace new, advanced technologies.

The overall interior architecture and wide 27-inch touchscreen both reflect the commanding presence of the exterior, giving the Explorer a “masculine presence” while ensuring it lives up to the “tech enhanced” demands for well-integrated high technology.

That’s further heightened through the newly designed instrument panel and centre console with its strong horizontal emphasis.

Driving the Explorer had to remain a rewarding experience, which necessitated finding a balance between comfort and technology.

This was achieved via the harmonious integration of the technology itself and its intuitive usages, combining them with experiences that stimulate the senses.

In order to improve physical comfort, designers came up with new seating with wider seat dimensions and fuller side bolsters to enable an optimally comfortable seating posture for the Asian frame.

A standout feature is the unique China seat material and patterns designed in cooperation with Eagle Ottawa.

Via the application of high-definition technology, the design team was able to express extremely fine detailing and new innovative patterns that would not have been possible using traditional quilting techniques, resulting in a design that is immaculate in its precision without sacrificing functionality. ‘