Ford's GCC sales grow by 23 per cent in 2008 |
|
Network this!
Company remains focused on product led transformation for 2009
Strong year in UAE for FordFord
, Lincoln and Mercury as customer base grows 35 per cent over 2007, thanks to extensive dealer network support.
SUVs drive growth by 40 per cent, while passenger cars see an increase of 10 per cent.
Regional growth on track with all-new superior products in the pipeline for 2009.
Dubai, UAE, 12 January, 2009 - Ford Middle EastFord Middle East
announced today that it posted a 23 per cent growth in sales across the GCC markets during 2008. The robust growth was led primarily by SUVs and trucks which sold 40 per cent more than last year, while passenger cars sales grew 10 per cent across the FordFord, Lincoln and Mercury brands. For 2009, the company remains focused on successfully advancing its product-led transformation plan by delivering all-new segment-leading quality products that customers want, featuring outstanding fuel economy, unique technologies and innovations.
"FordFord has registered encouraging growth levels in the GCC during the past few years and 2008 is no different, thanks to the outstanding support and confidence that our dealers have put into our brands and the business," said Hussein Murad, Director of Sales for Ford Middle EastFord Middle East.
"But ultimately we owe this success to our customers who put their trust in our products, as they continue to realize the exceptional value that FordFord, Lincoln and Mercury products offer, coupled with the outstanding support that our dealers provide throughout their dealerships," he said.
Commenting on the outlook for 2009, Murad added: "We recognize the economic challenges currently facing us, but thanks to our careful planning we are positioned to stay focused on our roadmap to deliver quality, fuel efficiency, safety, and technology in cars that our customers want and value. We are more confident than ever that we have the right plan, the right products and the right partners to withstand these challenging times and be well positioned for profitable growth in the future."
UAE emerged as a major growth market for FordFord, recording an overall growth of 35 per cent over 2007, driven by over 60 per cent increase in sales of trucks and SUV's across all three brands.
The growth was further fuelled by increased dealership representation of Al Tayer MotorsAl Tayer Motors and Premier MotorsPremier Motors, the FordFord and Lincoln importer-dealers in the UAE. Their dedication to the Brand as well as their relentless drive for self improvement, customer satisfaction and functional facility development throughout the UAE, have allowed them to achieve record breaking sales levels in 2008. Al Tayer MotorsAl Tayer Motors and Premier MotorsPremier Motors continued focus on growing the business, have yielded significant year over year sales improvements.
Together, over the last 5 years, over $200 million was invested in facility developments in the UAE alone, with 8 FordFord, Lincoln and Mercury facilities in total representing and servicing FordFord Motor Company products.
"We enjoy a great relationship with our dealers. They are the best in the business bar none," added Murad. "The significance of these investments lies precisely in the joint dedication of FordFord and its dealers to our customers here. We are thrilled to witness this demonstration of confidence of both Al Tayer MotorsAl Tayer Motors and Premier MotorsPremier Motors in the FordFord, Lincoln and Mercury brands, and we commend them for their ongoing support and commitment to growing our customer base."
"Their efforts don't stop at investing in new dealerships, but they go beyond in offering what the customer really wants and demands: an outstanding ownership experience, both in sales and service. And we continue to relentlessly pursue various joint training programs for all team members in order to provide our customers just that," Murad explained.
Outstanding Products
As it stands, the FordFord brand boasts the richest passenger car lineup in the region with seven distinct models, almost all of which would be completely refreshed by mid 2009. The same development is evident on the utility vehicle lineup, where with the addition of the Flex which was launched in November, FordFord offers seven unique models, each one delivering on a specific customer need.
For 2009, the FordFord lineup will see the addition of exciting new models including the all-new 09 Fiesta, the legendary 2010 Mustang, followed by the all-new 2010 FordFord Fusion and Taurus.
The Lincoln brand, will enhance it's showroom by featuring the debut of the all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT crossover next to the recently launched new flagship full-size sedan, the MKS. Both these products are replete with segment leading design, safety and technology leadership features, that coupled with class leading quality are sure to fulfill every customer's desire in a luxury vehicle. Mercury will also see the introduction of the all-new 2010 Mercury Milan. Again, the Milan will bring class leading quality and comfort to the sophisticated consumer.
Murad highlighted that the Middle East region representing nearly half of FordFord Motor Company's export operations, makes it a crucial growth market. "The region's dynamism and continued growth are sure to keep up the buzz in the automotive industry in the years to come. As a company with more than 60-years of heritage in the region, Ford Middle EastFord Middle East is upbeat about the growth opportunities in 2009," he concluded.
2008: A Year in Review
OUR PROGRESS
Every year, FordFord Motor Company has reason to proudly look back on its progress, and 2008 is no different. What makes this year special is our significant progress in the areas that are important for FordFord and for our customers: quality, fuel efficiency, safety, and technology.
OUR GREAT NEW PRODUCTS
New 2009 FordFord F-150: More Capability, More Choice, More 'Smart' Features
The vision for FordFord's truck team was clear: Redesign Full Size Truck Consumer's favorite truck inside and out to give customers unrivaled capability, unprecedented choice and a host of smart, game-changing features. The result is the new 2009 FordFord F-150, the new benchmark in the full-size pickup segment from the industry's truck leader - which has built more than 33 million F-Series pickups since 1948.
Lincoln MKS: Modern Design, Leading Technology Come Standard on Brand's New Flagship Sedan
Lincoln MKS is the all-new Lincoln luxury flagship, a dynamic and elegant vision of the Lincoln design DNA that is meticulously crafted with the largest selection of comfort and convenience technology features of any other luxury sedan in its class, including: Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Access, next-generation SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry, Adaptive HID headlamps with Auto High Beam, Rain-Sensing Wipers, Forward Sensing System, Rearview Camera System and Easy Fuel™ capless refueling.
2009 Flex Overview: Provocative FordFord Flex Dares to Be Different
Now it's safe to add daring and intriguing to your list of adjectives describing FordFord vehicles - the new Flex is here. The distinctive design of the new 2009 FordFord Flex provokes and polarizes opinions. With its signature side grooves, all-black greenhouse and distinct roof, it is like no other vehicle on the road.
The All-New FordFord Fiesta: Production Begins Of a Small Vehicle Going Global
Volume production of the new FordFord Fiesta, the first of a generation of new global small FordFord cars, started at the company's Cologne plant in Germany. This Fiesta has been conceived and developed to meet the demands and expectations of customers around the world. It is also the blueprint for future FordFord global product development, bringing together Europe, the Americas and Asia.
DELIVERING QUALITY
Virtual Manufacturing Technology A Big Factor Behind FordFord's Continually Improving Quality
As an industry leader in virtual technology, FordFord Motor Company's use of these technologies is a big factor of what's behind the company's soaring quality performance. FordFord's virtual ergonomic tool set predicts and eliminates movement and fatigue issues for assembly operators using digital employees known as Jack and Jill. The virtual build tool set ensures manufacturing feasibility long before physical prototypes are built, allowing designers, engineers and suppliers to make upstream, cost-efficient fixes.
FordFord Quality Equal to Best - Including Toyota and Honda
FordFord, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles continue their impressive quality gains, collectively improving for the fourth straight year and moving into a virtual tie with Honda-Acura and Toyota-Lexus-Scion for the 2008 model year, according to the latest U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study.
DELIVERING FUEL EFFICIENCY
FordFord Prepares to Launch EcoBoost Engines to Deliver Affordable Fuel Economy for Millions
EcoBoost is FordFord's near-term answer to significantly improving fuel economy for our customers. The EcoBoost family of four- and six-cylinder engines uses turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions versus larger-displacement engines. EcoBoost builds upon today's affordable gasoline engine and improves it.
DELIVERING SAFETY
FordFord has More Top Safety Picks and U.S. Government Five-Star Safety-Rated Vehicles Than any Other Automaker
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded FordFord Motor Company 16 "Top Safety Pick" ratings, besting Honda's second-place tally of 13. The latest vehicle to earn this rating is the new 2009 FordFord F-150, which was bestowed with the highest rating for front and side impact tests and in evaluations of seats and head restraints. FordFord has been aggressively implementing safety technologies, across its vehicle lineup, such as the exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control). Electronic stability control is a required feature to qualify for IIHS's Top Safety Pick.
FordFord Leads All Automakers with Most 'Top Safety Picks' and Most U.S. Government 'Five Star' Ratings
FordFord Motor Company has earned more "Top Safety Pick" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) than any other automaker with a total of 16 to date. FordFord surpassed its closest rival Honda this week (Sept. 25) when four of its 2009 models - FordFord Flex, FordFord Fusion, Lincoln MKS and Mercury Milan - achieved "Top Safety Pick" ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). FordFord also has more 5-star government crash test ratings than any other automaker.
FordFord Launches Industry-First Side Mirror Design on 2009 Edge Minimizing Blind Spot Risk
2009 FordFord Edge receives the Blind Spot Mirror, an industry-first innovation, as standard equipment beginning this fall. The Blind Spot Mirror replaces traditional side view mirrors and features an integrated convex spotter mirror that provides an optimized view of the driver's blind spot.
FordFord's Latest Safety Breakthrough - Collision Warning With Brake Support - Coming In 2009
FordFord to introduce new "active" safety radar warning system, Collision Warning with Brake Support, in 2009 to help drivers avoid rear-end accidents. This technology uses radar to detect moving vehicles ahead and warns the driver of danger with an alarm and warning light, along with helping drivers stop more quickly. Collision Warning with Brake Support is one of three new radar-based active safety technologies FordFord is launching in 2008 and 2009. The others are Adaptive Cruise Control and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert.
FordFord's New MyKey System Helps Teens Drive Safer, Conserve Fuel; Gives Parents Peace of Mind
MyKey™ allows parents to limit speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency. Harris Interactive Survey shows that many parents would allow teens to drive more often if their vehicle was equipped with MyKey, which will debut as a standard feature next year on the 2010 FordFord Focus and will quickly be offered on many other FordFord, Lincoln and Mercury models.
DELIVERING TECHNOLOGY
FordFord launches Sync, revolutionizing the driving experience
FordFord Sync™, powered by Microsoft Auto software, is FordFord's new fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players. The factory-installed system is available on most 2009 North American models.
-Ends-
About FordFord Motor Company
FordFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include FordFord, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through FordFord Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding FordFord's products, please visit www.ford.com
FordFord Motor Company's history in the Middle East goes back to nearly 60 years. The company's local importer-dealers operate more than 55 facilities in the region and directly employ over 4,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals. For more information on Ford Middle EastFord Middle East, please visit www.me.ford.com
Ford Middle EastFord Middle East is also a responsible corporate citizen in the region, with the FordFord Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants, a grass-root level program that has offered nearly USD700,000 in grants to about 90 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000. For more information, please visit www.ford-environmentalgrants.com
Contact:
Sue Nigoghossian
FordFord Middle East
Public Affairs
971-50-454-3640
971-4-3327767
snigogho@ford.com
Rami Halawani
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
971-50-655-8750
971-4-335-5969
r.halawani@asdaa.com
Chloe Martinez
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
971-50-544-8536
971-4-335-5969
c.martinez@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2009
Comment on this article 
Loading ...-
Zawya encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You agree that when you add content to this discussion your comments will not:
1.1 Contain any material which is libelous or defamatory of any person, is obscene, offensive, hateful or inflammatory or causes damage to the reputation of any person or organisation.
1.2 Promote sexually explicit material, violence, discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age or any illegal activity.
1.3 Be made in breach of any legal duty owed to a third party, such as a contractual duty or a duty of confidence.
1.4 Be threatening, abuse or invade another's privacy, or cause annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety.
1.5 Be used to impersonate any person, to misrepresent your identity or affiliation with any person, or be likely to deceive any person.
1.6 Give the impression that they represent Zawya.
1.7 Advocate, promote or assist any unlawful act such as (by way of example only) copyright infringement or computer misuse. - The content posted on www.zawya.com is created by members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of Zawya. Zawya reserves the right to review all comments prior to posting and edit or delete any contribution, but Zawya is not responsible for and can not be held liable for any content posted by members of the public on www.zawya.com.
- Zawya is not responsible for the availability or content of any third party sites that are accessible through www.zawya.com. Any links to third party websites from www.zawya.com do not amount to any endorsement of that site by Zawya and any use of that site by you is at your own risk.
- By submitting your comment, you hereby give Zawya the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comments worldwide, in perpetuity.
from issuers in both public and private sectors. It is not an e-tendering service and is entirely FREE.
As an Issuer, you can benefit from posting an unlimited number of Tender
Notices for FREE and reaching out to an online community of bidders.
The service also offers you a tool to track the interest of bidders to your
tenders 'live' online.
| Transport Tenders | Due Date |
Stories
Companies
| Company Name | Country | Industry |
| Consolidated Contractors Company | Overseas | Construction and Design |
| Saudi Telecom | Saudi Arabia | Telecommunications Services |
| Saudi Binladin Group | Saudi Arabia | Construction and Design |
| Saudi Electricity Company | Saudi Arabia | Electric Utilities |
| Emirates Aluminium Company | UAE | Metal Production |
| Roads and Transport Authority - Dubai | UAE | Regulatory and Administrative Bodies |
| Commercial International Bank (Egypt) | Egypt | Banking |
| Pepsi Cola International (Middle East) | Region-wide | Beverages |
| Dodsal Engineering and Construction | UAE | Construction and Design |
| Emirates Telecommunications Corporation | UAE | Telecommunications Services |
Projects
| Project Name | Country | Sector |
| Takreer - Ruwais Refinery Expansion | UAE | Oil and Gas |
| Emirates Aluminium (EMAL) - Smelter Complex - Phase 1 | UAE | Industry |
| ENEC - Nuclear Power Plant | UAE | Power and Water |
| Abu Dhabi DOT - Abu Dhabi Metro | UAE | Infrastructure |
| Dubai RTA - Dubai Metro | UAE | Infrastructure |
| SATORP - Jubail Refinery and Petrochemical Complex | Saudi Arabia | Oil and Gas |
| Al Safwa - Jeddah Cement Plant | Saudi Arabia | Industry |
| SATORP- Jubail Refinery and Petrochemical Complex - Conversion Unit and Sulphur Package (Part 2) | Saudi Arabia | Oil and Gas |
| Qatar Bahrain Causeway Foundation - Qatar Bahrain Causeway | Bahrain | Infrastructure |
| Qatar Bahrain Causeway Foundation - Qatar Bahrain Causeway | Qatar | Infrastructure |