Ford re-sets the SUV standard with reinvigorated line-up and all new models

The company also launched the smart looking all-new Ford Edge CUV and America's best-selling Explorer Sport Trac truck SUV.

For 2007, Ford offers the region's largest utility lineup, with six distinct products: the Edge (Crossover Utility Vehicle), Escape (compact SUV), Explorer (mid-size SUV), Sport Trac (truck SUV), Expedition (full-size SUV) and the Expedition EL (extended wheelbase SUV).

Local and international journalists experienced first-hand the significant improvements in capability, comfort and styling to Ford's established SUV nameplates and got to grips with the all-new models that will broaden the SUV experience for drivers and passengers alike.

Waldo Galan, Managing Director of Ford Middle East, said: "Ford's utility vehicle lineup is larger, stronger, more youthful and perfectly placed to deliver a great new ownership experience to our valued customers in the region. Ford has defined the SUV category since the 1980s, and our determination to remain at the front of this important and growing market is clear for all to see."

Galan added: "Ford was the first manufacturer to enter the Arabian Peninsula with the F-1 pickup truck, and the heritage of America's best-selling truck range for the last 29 years continues to inspire many of our SUV and truck models. But Ford is also dedicated to reinventing the possibilities of the utility vehicle category, and the brand new Ford Edge makes a bold statement in the rapidly emerging CUV segment."

Ford Edge
The brand-new Ford Edge takes utility vehicle ownership in an exciting new direction. Anticipating customer demand for vehicles with the character of SUV styling but the flexibility and convenience of car-like handling, Ford enters the fray with its first 'crossover' (CUV) breakthrough.

Hussein Murad, Sales and Marketing Director of Ford Middle East, said: "The Edge epitomises Ford's progressive and bold design philosophy and reflects the brand's sensitivity to the needs of the region's burgeoning youth market. We predict substantial growth for CUV models and the Edge defines how these nameplates should look and perform."

With its sleek body shape, elegant chrome grille and imposing tyres, the Ford Edge represents tomorrow's CUV driving today, and its advanced technology ensures style is matched by substance. Standard safety features include Ford's industry-leading AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control®, and a new 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to a 6-speed auto transmission that delivers 265hp net, and impressive fuel performance.

Edge's available panoramic Vista Roof™ opens up a whole world of possibilities. The large glass moon roof provides a grand view of the sky above and can open for a sense of freedom that accentuates Edge's sporting nature.

The roof features a large 27.3- by 29.4-inch forward panel that offers tilt and slide opening, and a 15.75- by 31.3-inch fixed rear glass panel. A one-touch-open switch provides open-air touring. Close the forward roof, and the enormous skylights allow natural light to flood the cabin, while protecting the cabin from the elements. When preferred, the twin power-operated cloth shades can be closed simultaneously to block glare.

Ford Escape
For 2007 the Ford Escape builds on its sporty looks and capability.

Inside, the look and feel is enhanced with new fabrics, modern gauges and a floor-mounted gear stick. Under the hood, the Escape's 200hp Duratec 3.0-litre V6 means there is driving muscle to go with its versatile manner, but this does not compromise the nameplate's great fuel economy and low cost of ownership.

The Escape has boasted double-digit growth in 2006 in the Middle East, but Ford's runaway sales performer remains the world's number one SUV, the Ford Explorer.

Ford Explorer
Regional Explorer sales are up by more than 30 per cent this year, and the nameplate gears up for 2007 with improved safety, functional improvements to the interior and a new choice of exterior colours.

For 2007, Eddie Bauer models are equipped with Safety Canopy side air curtains as standard, and offer new available power running boards. All 2007 Explorer models also offer an available heated windshield and a DVD entertainment system.

These changes are an extension of the simple formula for the successful Explorer: Put people first. Explorer continues to do that in a market that now puts greater emphasis on sport utilities as functional vehicles rather than fashion statements. The Ford Explorer serves those who have the need for the passenger room, cargo space, and load and towing capacity that only a traditional sport utility can provide.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac
The 2007 Explorer may be reassuringly familiar but the arrival in the region of the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac will add extra punch to Ford's world-class SUV marque. The 2007 Explorer Sport Trac is an all-new version of Ford's groundbreaking sport-utility truck - an SUV with the cargo box of a truck.

With styling cues from the traditional Explorer and the F-150 pick-up, the Sport Trac boasts a durable but comfortable interior, an upgraded 4L V6 engine delivering 231hp and superior emissions performance. Designed to meet all known safety requirements through to 2010, the Sport Trac offers standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control and adaptive safety features.

Ford Expedition / EL
The 2007 Expedition adopts styling cues from the famous F-Series, and the nameplate's prominent grille, raised powerhood dome and new dual-beam headlamps make for a more confident and agile stance. The all-new Expedition EL, meanwhile, is 14.8 inches longer and has 24 cubic feet more space behind the third row seat than its stable mate, making for a total cargo space of 130.8 cubic feet.

A stiffer chassis and all-new suspension systems at the front and rear provide enhanced ride and handling, and the 2007 Expedition's restyled interior offers increased comfort and quietness. The Expedition also has more standard safety features, including standard seat-mounted front side air bags and the three-row Safety Canopy™ rollover detection system with larger side curtain air bags.

As owners would expect from Ford's full-size SUV leader, the new Expedition packs capability as well as comfort. Its proven 5.4-litre Triton™ V8 engine produces 85 per cent of its torque at just 1,500rpm, the highest rate in its class - and the Expedition's new six-speed transmission achieves superior fuel economy and performance.

Ford's Regional Sales & Marketing director, Hussein Murad, said: "Ford's SUV line-up on show today is just a taste of the new products in store for the region moving forward. Nine launches are planned over the next 12 months, including additions to the Lincoln and Mercury family, as part of our drive to connect Middle East customers with Ford's commitment to innovation and bold design."