The next-generation Ford Focus will go into production simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011.

It forms part of the "One Ford" plan to globalise core models and will use Ford's new C-car platform that also underpins the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX models.

These models will also appear at Geneva in their production-ready versions, giving cusotmers in this segment the choice of a new five-seat C-MAX or a new seven-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility.

At Geneva, the interior of the five-seat C-MAX is revealed for the first time and will show how the car employs a coupe-like, sweeping roofline without compromising comfort and practicality. The seven-seat model features a higher roofline and thinner pillars to increase room and visibility on offer within the cabin.

The C-MAX will also show the next generation of Ford's human machine interface (HMI) system, which employs two five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel to control two main vehicle displays: one in the instrument cluster and the second mounted in a high position in the centre console. The system is said to be simple and intuitive, and enables the driver to operate the key vehicle features while keeping both hands on the wheel, and with a minimum of distraction.

Powertrains for the C-MAX range include the new 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and updated 1.6- and 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines.

'The launch of the new C-MAX range is highly significant, and shows customers worldwide that they can expect some truly exciting designs as we roll out our new global range of medium cars,' said Ford CEO John Fleming. 'The new C-MAX is just the start – with the next-generation Focus coming quickly after, we look forward to revealing more of the story in the very near future.'