Youth models put Ford in the driving seat

Ford's youth-targeted models - the Fiesta, Focus, Mustang and compact SUV, the Escape - witnessed significant growth in the year to date, reinforcing their popularity among younger customers.

Middle East sales of the Ford Fiesta shot up 43 per cent January to November this year, while the all-new Mustang's volume tripled, underlining the nameplate's popularity in the region. Sales of the agile Ford Escape compact SUV also increased about 25 per cent compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the world's best-selling SUV, the Ford Explorer registered 10 per cent growth while the F-150 saw a 30 per cent increase as more and more Middle Eastern customers grow fond of the world's best-selling pickup truck.

As for Ford's flagship nameplate - the Focus - its success shows no sign of abating, as sales of this record-setting, award-winning model have increased by 10 per cent following the introduction of its all-new 2006 model in March this year.

"The Middle East automobile market continues to show major growth specifically among younger buyers," said Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing director, Ford Middle East. "Ford Motor Company's commitment to innovation in technology and design allows us to deliver on what young people expect from a car - style, functionality and affordability."

"These results show that our new models meet those expectations here in the Middle East just as they do elsewhere in the world. Our youth-targeted lineup features trendy, practical and affordable models that deliver the highest engineering standards at a great value," he added.

For 2005, Ford is aiming to sell 50,000 units in the Middle East, while projecting a further 20 per cent growth in 2006, led mainly by its youth-oriented strategy.

Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East said:

"Ford Middle East is in a privileged position, because it can pick and choose models from different plants from all over the world to suit specific customer needs in the region. Ford of Europe is known for its excellence in engineering small cars, while North America leads the field when it comes to manufacturing large sedans and class leading SUVs."

"We're confident that our customers will appreciate the choice of award-winning world-class models that have been carefully selected to suit their needs whatever their lifestyles may be," he added.