Ford Motor Company, a global automobile maker, last weekend launched its Ford Focus 2012 in Nigeria. The company also launched an initiative known as Ford Focus Relay Challenge to create awareness on the car, which was paraded as environment-friendly.

Speaking at the launch, which held at Oriental hotel, Lekki, Lagos, the General Manager, BrisccoeFord, Oseme Oigiagbe, described the car as a green technology, given its environment-friendly nature, adding that “the feeling can only be experienced.”

According to a statement from the company, the 2012 Ford Focus engine has a powerful 2.0-liter fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, with dual independent variable valve timing cam and direct fuel injection, which delivers 16-kilometre/L on highway, certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, among other immense and great features of the car.

The statement added that “the challenge is all about building excitement and spreading the word about the arrival of the all-new Ford Focus in Nigeria”.

The Managing Director of Exp Marketing Nigeria Limited, the organisers of the challenge, Wole Olagundoye, explained that the challenge started with 841 persons that registered, which was whittled down to eight persons after passing through various stages.

The eight contestants that emerged included Ayodeji Anthony Oyinlola, a business development professional; Munachiso Ezenwa Okereke, a banker; Babatola Ademilua, an engineer’ Isioma Nkechinyem Okeleke, a media planner; Anabara Stanley Nnamdi, a logistics manager; Adefemi Adekunle Aladelua; and Mpi Elizabeth Azuka, educationist. These contestants were grouped into four, through random selection that journalists participated in.

The final stage of the relay challenge commenced on November 19 and will run for four weekends, when the star prize winners of the cars will emerge.

Olagundoye said the challenge Give Your Friends a Ride; and Lagos Road Rally Challenge, which would mark the end of the challenge.

“The Ford Focus Relay Challenge is the biggest event to hit the streets of Lagos this year.” said the statement.

The public are therefore, encouraged to join any of the four groups at Facebook.com/FordNigeria, as there are prizes to be won by members of the public who participate in the challenge.