The legendary Ford RS performance car brand is back, as a preview of the exciting new 2009 Ford Focus RS heads the star attractions on the Ford stand at the 2008 British International Motor Show.

The eye-catching, bright green model exudes high-performance cool, marking a welcome return for the Ford RS mantle and 40 years of the Ford RS story.  It takes centre stage on the Ford stand as development work continues on the production model, before its launch in 2009.

The frugal Fiesta ECOnetic also receives its world premiere in London, a city where its ultra-low, 98g/km CO2 rating will be exempt it from UK road fund duty.

Alongside ECOnetic, the sporty all-new Fiesta Zetec S will head a cast of three and five-door new Fiestas on stage in the UK for the first time, with Ford also choosing the show to announce UK prices for latest version of Britain’s best selling small car.

The newcomers will sit alongside Ford’s award-winning current line-up, including the recently-launched Kuga, bathing in the limelight of an extremely positive reception from media and customers alike and bringing new levels of driving quality to the 4x4 segment.

Occupying a massive 3318 square metres of London’s purpose-built ExCel venue, the Ford stand is a star in its own right, with a series of attractions for attendees, including live shows every day and a six-metre Ford Ranger climbing wall, to provide visitors an unusual view of the show and for all ages to test their head for heights.

Ford of Britain’s marketing director, Mark Ovenden, said:  “Ford has been the UK’s most popular car brand for over 30 years, driven by a loyalty to core products like Fiesta and a dedicated following for niche vehicles like Focus RS.  I’m delighted to recognise that by bringing these to the British public first.”