Ford's 'dynamic duo' wows visitors to 2004 Lebanon Motor Show

The all-new 2005 Ford Mustang and the 2006 Ford Focus are set to wow visitors to the Levant's highest profile automobile exhibition.

The Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands are represented in Lebanon by the recently appointed importer-dealer, Auto Levant. Marking a new era for the famous Blue Oval in Lebanon, Auto Levant is committing to major investments in the brand, and plans to open an integrated showroom, service and parts centre in Beirut's Chiyah area later this month. Currently, the dealership operates a showroom facility at Galerie Semaan, along with a parts and service facility in Al Dora.

Attending the show, Hussein Murad, Sales and Marketing Director of Ford Middle East said: "Ford is making tremendous progress in the Middle East, and the future for the brand is particularly promising here in Lebanon. With a new dealer partner onboard, we're confident that the Ford name will realise its true potential, especially as we launch these great new products which will lead the Ford brand's rejuvenation across the region."

Murad added: "The major growth for Ford in the Middle East reflects the sound planning of our Ford Drive strategy, which has emphasized the importance of product introductions tailored to this region along with world-class services for local customers. Visitors to the Lebanon Motor Show this week will see for themselves the considerable investment Ford makes in vehicles that redefine their segment. Established nameplates like the Focus, Mondeo, Explorer and Expedition have experienced double digit gains in the region this year, and the healthy demand of the Lebanon market will reinforce these impressive sales figures."

Sheikh Abdullah Al Kraidees, vice-president and consultant to the board of directors, Auto Levant, said: "We're excited by the opportunities in Lebanon, and our operation here will benefit from the vast automotive experience our team enjoys. We plan to expand our business to include other areas in Lebanon, and it is our aim to deliver the highest standards of service to valued customers and only the very best products".

"With the introduction of world-class products such as the all-new Mustang, the world's best-selling Ford Focus and Explorer, we are confident that the Lebanese consumers, young and old alike, will see there is a fresh, new direction for the Ford brand in the country," he added.

The hottest topic at the Lebanon Motor Show will be the brand new Ford nameplates making their first appearance in the country and the region, and the all-new 2006 Ford Focus arguably will be the centre of attention. The new generation of the legendary C-segment car delivers refinements in performance, build, quality, engineering and design, further enhancing a nameplate that has sold millions of units worldwide and won countless awards, not least Autocar's 'Lifetime Achievement Award', and both the North American and European Car of the Year titles.

Built in Spain, the 2006 Ford Focus builds on the edgy look and feel of the original while setting new standards for functionality and efficiency both inside and out. The distinctive high rear lamps remain a fixture but the profile of the vehicle is more coupe in style, and the vehicle has a wider track and longer wheelbase for superior handling and ride comfort.

A new chassis and an even stiffer body frame are important safety advances, complementing Ford's trademark passive safety system, crush zones, and an optional suite of high-performance air bags and side air curtains. Power for the 1.6-litre three and five-door new Ford Focus 119 bhp, which will go on sale in the Middle East early next year, comes from the Ford Sigma engine.

Ford Middle East's Hussein Murad added: "Ford Focus has continued its impressive sales form in the region, posting a 10 per cent increase in the first nine months of 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The new Focus will drive the nameplate's popularity in the Middle East further forward, and we're expecting its popularity to take off in Lebanon too, thanks to the impact of this next generation vehicle."

Visitors to the Lebanon Motor Show can also look forward to another regenerated Ford classic, the all-new 2005 Ford Mustang. Forty years old in 2004, the Mustang nameplate is a legend in the sports car world, and the all-new 2005 model brings the latest advances in sports engineering and design together with an unmistakable retro flair.

An all-aluminium V8 engine, cranking out 330hp, a new chassis, and state-of-the-art safety technology combine with exterior styling cues, like the shark-like nose, tri-bar taillights, and round headlamps that recall the Swinging Sixties. The all-new Mustang is the definitive new-generation American muscle car.

More than 40 automobile brands will be represented at the Lebanon Motor Show 2004 in 22,000 square metres of exhibition space, along with specialists in vehicle accessories, parts, tyres, security equipment and insurance. The show opens from 4:00-10:00pm on weekdays, and from 12:00-10:00pm on weekends.

Aside from the Focus, Mustang, the Ford stand at the exhibition will host other Ford and Lincoln vehicles including award-winning SUVs like the Ford Escape, Explorer, in addition to Fiesta and Mondeo.