Ford's sport utility vehicles impress GCC customers

Though a relative newcomer to the Middle East, Ford's compact SUV has seen sales from January to July this year rise by 60 per cent compared to the same period in 2003.

More established Ford SUV favourites in the Gulf have also posted major gains in the region. The ever-popular Ford Explorer has seen sales grow by 6 per cent compared to last year, while the full-size Expedition has posted a 10 per cent increase.

The sales record of Ford's world-class SUVs has been the lynchpin of the blue oval's impressive growth in the Middle East during the first half of 2004, which reached 10 per cent. "These encouraging results reflect how more and more customers are appreciating what Ford and our dealer-partners in the region have to offer - great products, great service, and great value. These are the key components of delivering the best possible ownership experience of a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle," said Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East.

"Ford offers a more comprehensive line-up of SUVs than any manufacturer here in the Middle East," he added. "Currently, no other brand equals the diversity and versatility of the five models of Ford's SUV range - the Escape (compact), Everest (medium), Explorer (medium), Expedition (full-size) and Excursion (super-premium) - catering to consumers from all walks of life."

Escape
With no fewer than 18 top awards, such as Consumer Report's 'Recommended Buy' and Kiplinger's 'Best Small SUV' awards, the Ford Escape continues to be the best-selling compact SUV in the United States.

The all-new 2005 Ford Escape was launched in the GCC in May this year. And Ford's newest member of its SUV family has been redesigned and rejuvenated with significant improvements in style, safety and performance.

The all-new Escape is already impressing GCC customers with its V6 power, independent rear suspension, floor-mounted shifter, and outstanding roominess and cargo space. It is the only small SUV designed to pass the rigorous 'Tough Truck' tests conducted on all Ford trucks and SUVs.

Its Duratec V6 engine is smoother and more responsive than previous generations, and it is one of the most powerful engines available for its size. The Escape also comes in a front-wheel drive version that provides more traction and stability than many rear-wheel-drive competitors.

Explorer
It is 14 years since its global debut but the Ford Explorer still maintains its lead as the world's best-selling SUV, and the five millionth Explorer was sold in January this year - more sales than any other SUV.

Like its predecessors, the 2004 Explorer provides a perfect blend of ride, comfort and ruggedness. It is a true multi-purpose SUV with excellent people and cargo-carrying flexibility, cargo capacity and off-road capabilities. It has a wide, bold, confident exterior style and is loaded with safety and convenience features that promise to keep it at the top.

Everest
First introduced in the GCC in December 2003, the all-new seven-seat family SUV Ford Everest brings to GCC families a safe, comfortable, flexible and affordable mode of transportation, as well as a tough SUV look and road presence that consumers look for.

Built in Thailand, the Everest offers a great value package, featuring the classic Ford Truck ruggedness, interior space and versatility and safety features, together with great driving dynamics.

Expedition
In the full-size segment, the 2004 Expedition maintains the number one slot worldwide, building on the success of the re-designed and re-engineered 2003 model by providing class exclusive and class-leading features, great interior versatility, driving control and safety features.

The 2004 Expedition delivers a variety of class-exclusive features, including fold-flat-to-the-floor second and third-row seating, the PowerFold™ third-row seat, second-row CenterSlide™ section, AdvanceTrac™, Safety Canopy™, Reverse Sensing System and standard power-adjustable pedals. Expedition also is the first SUV in its class to offer independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

Excursion
Excursion is Ford's largest sport utility vehicle offering a seating capacity of up to nine adults, and best-in-class interior volume and interior space. For 2004, the Excursion continues to offer customers outstanding room for both people and cargo, along with enhanced towing capacity.