Ford Mondeo production hits 1,000,000

Winner of more than 20 automobile awards internationally, and two years following its debut in the region, Mondeo continues to gain traction with GCC consumers.

Boasting class exclusive and segment leading features, the Ford Mondeo continues to rise to greater heights of popularity, both in retail and fleet categories in the Middle East, highlighting two years of impressive sales growth in the region.

So far, one million Ford Mondeos have found their way to consumers in more than 67 countries around the world, including in the Middle East. The one millionth Ford Mondeo rolled off the assembly line in Genk, Belgium, just recently.

Closer to home, the Mondeo is available at Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealerships in the region and comes in three trim levels: Ambiente, Trend and Ghia. New and exciting models are on their way to the Middle East, including the world-acclaimed high performance version, the ST220, and another 2005 model featuring a 2.5L engine.

"We are delighted with the positive reaction to the Mondeo both on the retail and fleet front," said Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East. "The Mondeo has been designed to provide the optimum combination of segment-leading features as standard, and drivers across the Middle East have always demanded high levels of performance and comfort at a competitive price and great cost of ownership."

Built in Belgium and featuring advanced technologies, the Mondeo was the first Ford to be designed entirely by computer using futuristic C3P technology. This process not only reduced development time by more than a year, but also guaranteed even higher standards of build quality and safety.

Leading these new safety features is the Intelligent Protection System (IPS) that assesses frontal crash severity and deploys dual-stage air bags for the front seats accordingly. Pre-tensioners and load-limiting retractors on front safety belts, collapsible pedals, deployable head restraints, and ISO-Fix child seat attachment points further enhance interior protection, while available chest-protection bags and inflatable side curtains help to minimise the effects of side impacts.

Meanwhile energy-absorbing crush zones have been built into the high-strength steel body structure, meaning that the energy created by a colliding vehicle is directed away from the Mondeo's passengers.

ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), maximising handling and stability, come as standard on the Mondeo. Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) - which automatically applies even braking power in an emergency to reduce stopping distances by up to a staggering 54 per cent - is optional. If the EBA system assesses that a driver is emergency braking, it will intervene to further shorten stopping distances. Tests at speeds of 200km/h have shown that EBA can reduce stopping distances to as little as 21 metres.

Thanks to a lightweight aluminium 2-litre I4 Duratec HE engine, Mondeo boasts 151 horsepower plus dependable engine performance and economy. Ford's team of acoustic engineers has ensured that engine mountings and the chassis infrastructure are optimised to reduce noise and thus ensure a relaxing ride. In fact, Mondeos use a MacPherson rigid front suspension system and multi-link rear suspension design to eliminate vibration while enhancing comfort. Combined with rack-and-pinion steering and the available Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), the Mondeo's road-holding and drivability remains unsurpassed in its class.

While the exterior of the Mondeo exudes strength and confidence, its interior has been designed with a fresh and contemporary feel in mind. Seats and controls have been ergonomically designed, and the metal-finish trim accents add an elegant sports car touch to the furnishing aesthetics.

Space is one of the Mondeo's major selling points. Not only does the boot offer 500 litres of flat-floor capacity, but the rear-seat legroom is the most generous in its class. This means the Mondeo is ideal for family use as well as for executives on the move.

"It is the combination of safety-conscious driver aids and performance enhancements, coupled with an unsurpassed ownership experience and value, that has really made the new Mondeo a big hit in the region," concluded Benintende. "It sets a benchmark in its class for drivability and style, and I have no doubt the Mondeo will sustain its success in the coming years especially with the new and exciting products that are on their way soon."