Top performance for Ford's flagship models in the Middle East

Sales of the all-time E-segment favourite - the Ford Crown Victoria - shot up 26 per cent; Mercury brand's flagship model - the Grand Marquis, showed a 10 per cent increase in sales; and the luxurious Lincoln Town Car sales have increased by 5 per cent during the period from January to May of this year, over the same period last year.

Also, Ford's family of SUVs have gained further consumer confidence as they continue to deliver the highest levels of functionality, durability, reliability, safety and performance. During the first five months of 2005, Ford's compact sport utility vehicle - the Escape - doubled its sales, followed by a 65 per cent increase in sales for the Everest, 10 per cent for the Excursion and 5 per cent for the Expedition.

Commenting on Ford's upward sales trend in the region, Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing Director of Ford Middle East, said: "Customers across the GCC continue turning to our brands and these results represent a clear return on our dealer partners' investments and commitment to offer world-class product portfolios and services.

Sales growth in the large car and SUV segments, the recent launch of the all-new Ford Focus and the all-new Mustang, and revitalization of the Lincoln brand with the launch of the 2005 Navigator leaves us with great expectations for the rest of the year."