Malaysians have a wider choice of Ford models these days compared to the other ASEAN countries (with the exception of Singapore) as the Malaysian market is no longer a ‘subsidiary’ market for Ford, meaning it has no direct involvement in the business unlike previously when it had a joint-venture company. This market is now under the Export & Growth section and can import models from virtually any country, provided Auto ConneXion (the Ford distributor) believes there is a good business case and the model can meet local regulations and conditions.
For example, in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, the EcoBoost engine is not yet available but Malaysia has it in models like the Focus ST, Mondeo and S-MAX. The other countries are dependent on what is assembled in Thailand which is the ASEAN production hub for the Ranger, Fiesta, Everest and Focus. There are some small-volume imports, eg the Thai market gets the Territory imported from Australia while Vietnam, being a lefthand drive country, also has some ‘unique’ models. The Kuga will be imported from Ford’s factory in Spain.