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Jan 22 2012

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Retail Sales Drive Ford into the Fast Lane with 2011 GCC Sales Surging by 50 per cent

Speaking to the media, Ford Middle East's managing director, Larry Prein, said: "Consumers' perceptions about Ford continue to strengthen, thanks to our ongoing introduction of new products that are leading in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value, and this is evidenced by the outstanding achievements we registered in 2011."

Ford Middle East's director of Sales, Hussein Murad said that Ford continued to witness increasing consumer preference throughout the region and that confidence in its products was on an unprecedented high as shown by the increasing share of retail sales over fleet, with nearly 65 per cent of total sales.

"Our performance in 2011was truly remarkable thanks mainly to our strong product lineup and the tireless commitment of our dealers to the business and their investments in growing their networks while delivering on customer satisfaction initiatives.2011 has been a landmark year for usdespite arelatively flat industry in the main markets," Murad said.

On the product front, the Ford Explorer, Expedition and Edge led the truck and SUV sales with 63 per cent rise in 2011 versus 2010.Passenger cars followed closely with a 55 per cent increase with Ford Taurus, Fusion and Focus leading the charge.

In the UAE, Ford and Lincoln sales posted a remarkable growth of 35 per cent in 2011 where passenger cars recorded a 50 per cent growth. Best sellers included the Taurus, Mustang, Fusion and Ford's all-new small car, Figo. Meanwhile, trucks and SUVs registered a 20 per cent increase, driven by increased demand on Edge, Escape, the new Explorer, Expedition and F-Series trucks. Lincoln's new-gen crossovers, the MKX and MKT were also among the well-performing models in the UAE having achieved a double digit growth.

"This success wouldn't have been possible without the tireless commitment of our importer-dealer, Al Tayer Motors and their subsidiary, Premier Motors, to the business and their continued investments in growing their network and setting the standards for the highest levels of customer satisfaction across the UAE," added Murad.

"And here I'd like to congratulate Al Tayer Motors for the remarkable achievement they posted last year, with not only marking10successful years as the Ford importer-dealer in the UAE, but also delivering on customer satisfaction on all fronts."

Positive in the Middle East

Ford Middle East remains positive for 2012with thestrengthened network expansions and major regional investments such as the opening of its Middle East Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Jebel Ali, to help support the growing customer base and dealerships of Ford and Lincoln in the region.

This year, Ford sees further expansions and additional facilities in the region, including an office setup in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Other expansions are also planned in Iraq and other parts of the region. Ford also remains steadfast in reinvigorating and intensifying its customer service and after salesprogramme, with high focus on dealer training programmes in technical as well as skills areas.

"As we look to 2012 and beyond, we will work relentlesslywith our dealers to provide service excellence and enhance the ownership experience for Ford and Lincoln customers,"concluded Murad.

Line up for 2012

Ford is all geared up with its 2012 offering led by the all-new 2012 Ford Focus and the all-new Ford Ranger 1-tonne pickup truck joining the tough line up of Ford trucks. New-generation Ford models such as the all-new Ford Explorer, Edge, Taurus, Mustang are also seen to boost 2012 sales.

"We remain focused on our One Ford plan, and this is working as evidenced throughout our range of products, and the new models coming this year further cement Ford's commitment to delivering outstanding products, with great design, fuel economy, technology, comfort and convenience, and quietness. Everything that's important to our customers," concluded Prein.

-Ends-

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Ford's history in the Middle East goes back more than 60 years. The company's local importer-dealers operate more than100 facilities in the region and directly employ more than 7,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals. For more information on Ford Middle East, please visit www.me.ford.com.

Ford Middle East is also a responsible corporate citizen in the region, with the Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants, a grass-root level program that has offered US$1.2 million in grants to more than 145 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000.

The Parts Distribution Centre is a local branch of Ford International Services, LLC. Ford International Services is a direct subsidiary of Ford Motor Company whose primary purpose is to operate the Middle East Parts Distribution Centre.

Contacts:
Sue Nigoghossian
Ford Middle East Public Affairs
971-4-3327767
snigogho@ford.com

Chloe Martinez
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
971-4-4507600
c.martinez@asdaa.com

Tarek El Moukachar
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
971-4-4507600
t.elmoukachar@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2012