Ford SUVs hit the mark with GCC customers in January

The robust performance was boosted by strong demand for 2007 models of the Ford Escape, Explorer and Expedition.

The full-size Ford Expedition registered the biggest growth levels totaling 76 per cent increase in the GCC, followed by the mid-size Explorer which grew by nearly 30 per cent and the compact SUV Escape by 15 per cent.

In the UAE, Ford recorded a sales rise in Escape by 30 percent, while Explorer continued witnessing unwavering demand as customers lined up for the model. Moreover, Expedition sales more than doubled (117 per cent) especially with the launch of its new model.

'This outstanding performance is a true indicator of the increasing levels of consumer confidence in our Ford Tough SUVs,' said Hussein Murad, Sales and Marketing director of Ford Middle East. 'The new and improved 2007 Ford Expedition, and its brother, the all-new Expedition EL have proven instantly popular in the GCC thanks to their superior and class-exclusive features.'

'As for the new Explorer and its smaller brother the Escape, they continue building on their success as the best value SUVs in their categories, thanks to the rich mix of standard features as well as class-leading safety features and driving dynamics that discerning customers look for and demand,' he added.

For 2007, Ford features the largest and most diverse utility vehicle line up in the Middle East. The lineup includes the Edge (crossover UV), Escape (compact SUV), Explorer (mid-size SUV), Sport Trac (Sports Utility Truck), Expedition (full-size SUV) and the Expedition EL (extended wheelbase). Currently, no other manufacturer matches the diversity of the Ford lineup in the Middle East which enjoys a 60-year heritage in the region.