Ford Mondeo joins UAE 'National Taxi' fleet

Al Tayer Motors, the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealer in Dubai and Northern Emirates, signed a fleet agreement with National Taxi for 200 sedans and 50 station wagons.

"This is another key milestone for the Ford Mondeo in the GCC and we're delighted," said Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East. "Right after we introduced the Mondeo in our region, we announced various fleet deals with this great European model."

Benintende added: "The Mondeo is reproducing its European success in the Middle East and fleet operators are discovering the benefits that this model offers them: reliability, safety, impressive driving dynamics and, most importantly, low cost of ownership."

National Taxi currently has a fleet of more than 750 vehicles, making it one of Dubai's largest public transport companies.

The arrival of the new Ford Mondeo will enable the company to meet the transport needs of Dubai's growing population, according to Toufic A. Mitri, General Manager of National Taxi.

He said: "With the rapid expansion of the residential and city landscapes, we require a vehicle that is capable of providing both comfort and safety to our drivers and customers, while offering economical benefits to us."

Dr Andrew Humberstone, general manager of Al Tayer Motors, added: "National Taxi is one of a large number of UAE companies to have chosen the Ford Mondeo after consultation with our fleet sales team.

"The Mondeo meets their business needs with reliability, practicality and economical performance, while Al Tayer Motors provides efficient and dependable after-sales service."

The award winning Ford Mondeo was first launched in the GCC in October 2002. Standard features include a 2.0 litre Duratec HE I-4 engine (151 hp), air conditioning, and Ford's Intelligent Protection System, which features ABS, Electronic Breakforce Distribution (EBD), driver and front passenger airbags.

To reduce unwanted noise and vibration, the Mondeo uses a refined chassis and suspension system while its rack-and-pinion steering with hydraulic power assist ensures ease of handling in the heaviest traffic.

Ford's European flagship model is a success around the globe and has earned more than 20 awards, including this year's "Best Upper Medium Car" award from Fleet News magazine in the UK and "Best Upper Medium Car" at the UK's Fleet Excellence Awards. Mondeo was also voted European Car of The Year in 1994.