Ford unveils new 2008 Escape, completing largest utility vehicle line up in the region

The new model joins the athletic Edge and Sport Trac nameplates, as well as the family-oriented Explorer, Expedition and the all-new Expedition EL, forming the largest UV lineup available in the region under a single brand.

Hussein Murad, Sales and Marketing director of Ford Middle East said: "With the launch of the new Escape, our line-up of utility vehicles in the region is now completely renewed and refreshed, featuring six distinctive models that cater to every lifestyle. No other brand currently matches the diversity of our product offering in this segment.

"Each and every model is a star in its own right and is not only award winning, but also best-selling the world over - if not the benchmark in its category. The variety we offer with these models emphasises our strong heritage and leadership in truck and SUV manufacturing," he added.

Ford Middle East revealed also its results for the first 5 months of the year, posting a 10 per cent increase over last year. Both Explorer and Expedition models registered unprecedented growth levels over last year, following the introduction of their new models. As for the new Ford Edge CUV, the model has been witnessing exceptional popularity and interest among the younger customers across the region's markets, with units pre-sold all over the region. The new Sport Trac Truck SUV on the other hand promises to reiterate its success in North America, following a well-received regional debut.

"Customer preference and trust in our nameplates is increasing year over year and our latest sales results prove this. This also confirms that our youth strategy is yielding great results, with Edge attracting new customers to our dealerships. And with the introduction of the new Escape and the Sport Trac, we have more product offerings that promise to receive positive response from the youth. We are definitely seeing stronger performance and healthier results with our all-star line up."

But it's not just the looks on the outside that are attracting more and more customers to Ford's showrooms, as the manufacturer has been focusing on the quality of its products globally. And in recognition of its efforts, Ford Motor Company has just received 14 total vehicle honors in the J.D. Power and Associates customer-based initial quality survey - more than any other automaker - where Ford had the most top-quality vehicles in the industry, according to the study.

"It's great to have this affirmation from customers who drive our cars and trucks every day," added Murad. "While we're pleased that our internal focus on quality is receiving this kind of recognition from J.D. Power and Associates, we will not let up. We will continue to deliver even more high-quality products that customers want."

"Ford is tireless in improving its products to stand testament to its heritage. This year's all-star line up is larger, stronger, more youthful and perfectly fit to deliver a great new ownership experience to our valued customers. It is Ford's resolve to continue defining the UV category. Our customers will be delighted and more confident to drive home cars equipped with cutting edge technology, class-leading and class-exclusive safety features, outstanding value for money and most of all, ownership experience thanks to the ongoing support of our dealer partners," Murad concluded.

The Ford Utility Vehicles Family - The largest in the Middle East
Ford prides itself in the extensive lineup of world-class utility vehicles that it brings to its Middle Eastern customers across all segments.

Ford offers 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.

Ford Escape
For 2008, Ford Escape has the undaunted, bolder look, completely redesigned inside and out. The new Escape features one of the most advanced safety packages in the small SUV segment, including standard side curtain air bags and AdvanceTrac® with RSC®.

As America's best-selling compact SUV Escape's interior has been redressed with a modern, upscale look, innovative storage options and improved levels of comfort. At night, the interior becomes distinctive with the "Ice Blue" lighting on instruments and switches. Outside, Escape makes a powerful statement with a bolder, rugged exterior design that bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition.

The 2008 Escape's standard 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine makes 200 NET horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 NET lb.-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

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 becomes a force to reckon in the crossover utility segment with the increasing popularity of Edge both in the US and Middle East.

With its sleek body shape, elegant chrome grille and imposing 18" 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 NET 265hp, and impressive fuel performance.

The Edge boasts the class-exclusive panoramic Vista Roof™ which opens up a whole world of possibilities. The available large glass moon roof (largest in its class) provides a grand view of the sky above and can open for a sense of freedom that accentuates Edge's sporting nature.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac
The Explorer Sport Trac's arrival in the region is seen to add extra punch to Ford's world-class SUV marque. The 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, and a 4.0L V6 engine delivering 210 NET hp at 5,100 rpm and 254 NET pound-feet of torque at 3,700 rpm, mated to a 5-speed transmission. 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 Explorer
Explorer's sales have grown year over year since its debut, attesting to consumers' confidence in the nameplate, especially with the introduction of the refreshed model last year with its enhanced safety features and functional improvements to the interior. The nameplate registered a 15 per cent growth in the first quarter of this year thanks to the rich array of safety features it offers and its great value package as well as bold SUV styling.

Explorer continues to put 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 Expedition
The Expedition, a true leader in its category as shown by its 70 per cent sales increase during the first quarter of this year, adopts styling cues from the famous F-Series, and the nameplate's new prominent grille, raised powerhood dome and new dual-beam headlamps make for a more confident and agile stance.

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™ 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 (delivering 300 NET hp and 365 NET foot-pounds of torque) 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 Expedition EL
For full-size SUV customers who want even more cargo-carrying capability, Ford has extended its Expedition lineup with the new 2007 Expedition EL. With 14.8 inches of additional overall length, Expedition EL delivers 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space - including 24 cubic feet more behind the third-row seat than the already spacious Expedition.

Expedition EL rides on a 131-inch wheelbase - 12 inches longer than the standard Expedition - to preserve the base model's superior ride and handling. Expedition EL is unique from the B-pillar back with its own floor pan, one-piece body side, running boards, rear fascia, roof rack, rear quarter glass, one-piece headliner and quarter panel trim. The second-row doors are also unique to improve the ingress and egress to both second and third rows.