The all-new Ford Explorer offers customers an array of convenience technologies to tailor their SUV experience to their individual wants and needs

Technologies such as MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology and Ford SYNC® communications and entertainment integration add convenience while helping keep customers engaged and focused on driving

Explorer offers a Sony® Audio System with HD Radio™, media hub with two USB ports, an SD card reader and RCA video input jacks accessible through an 8-inch LCD screen with intuitive five-way controls mounted on the steering wheel

All-new Explorer will be available in base, XLT and Limited trim series with multiple package offerings, such as adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert and active park assist

DUBAI, UAE, October 10, 2011 - The all-new Ford Explorer will offer 4WD customers a broad range of trim levels and customer convenience and connectivity technologies that will raise the eyebrows among even luxury utility vehicle and 4-wheel drive owners.

"Today's customers really aren't interested in compromising," said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East's director of Sales. "They want luxury, convenience and technology with their all-road capability. Until now, they had to choose a luxury SUV to get the features they want - a feature level that this all-new, industry-leading Explorer now exceeds."

The new Explorer challenges the utility vehicle status quo by offering luxury levels of convenience, connectivity and technology. From the highly equipped base model that includes MyFord driver connect technology through the volume-series XLT to the luxurious Limited series, Explorer provides buyers unexpected technologies and conveniences normally found in premium vehicles.

Blind spot monitoring, which looks out for the driver when backing from a parking spot with limited visibility, adaptive cruise control that safely monitors vehicles ahead, and active park assist that aids in finding and executing a parallel parking maneuver all represent technologies a buyer might expect to find when shopping premium vehicles. The all-new Explorer offers these and more.

Base is the new well-equipped

The base Explorer delivers a strong package of customer convenience and technology features, which includes the following as standard equipment: hill start assist, air filtration system, media hub, including an auxiliary input jack, four 12-volt power points; steering wheel-mounted five-way and secondary audio controls; cruise control; single CD/MP3-capable six-speaker audio system; and, MyKey™ owner control feature.

The base Explorer features cloth seats with first-row adjustable buckets, a 60/40 split fold-flat bench seat in the second row, and a 50/50 third-row split folding bench.

XLT volume series adds tasteful touches

The all-new Explorer XLT offers all the base model equipment with a higher level of harmonizing chrome and satin-finish accent trim, 18-inch aluminum wheels, unique cloth seating, leather covering for steering wheel and shift knob, SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, fog lamps, perimeter alarm and reverse sensing system.

A premium audio system with eight speakers, rear view camera and dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control is also available.

Explorer XLT also offers a dual-panel moonroof, power-operated liftgate, BLIS with cross-traffic alert, inflatable second-row seat belts for outboard seating positions, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, and premium paint colors - White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat and Red Candy Tinted Clearcoat - as stand-alone options.

Range-topping Limited adds more luxury

Buyers seeking luxury with their capability will be impressed with the generous levels of convenience and connectivity technologies offered in the all-new Explorer Limited. From remote start through a 10-way leather-trimmed driver's seat to adjustable pedals with memory settings, Limited takes Explorer luxury to a higher level.

Visual distinction is assured with a unique body-color grille, body-color PowerFold® sideview mirrors with memory functionality, and 20-inch painted aluminum wheels.

Explorer Limited includes all of the feature content offered in the XLT, plus: ambient lighting; adjustable pedals with memory; cargo net; dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control; leather-trimmed, heated seats; 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar and recline; six-way power first-row passenger seat with lumbar and recline; second-row 60/40 split bench seat with armrest and dual cupholders; electrochromic interior rearview mirror; Sony® Audio System with high-definition radio and 12 speakers; rear view camera; remote start; 110-volt outlet; SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system; intelligent Access with push-button start; and, universal garage door opener.

The most luxurious Explorer model also comes standard with MyFord Touchdriver connect technology. This includes a pair of cluster-mounted driver-configurable displays, an 8-inch LCD color touch screen in the center stack with compass and temperature display, media hub with a pair of USB ports, and an SD card reader and RCA video input jacks. Explorer Limited offers five-way supplemental controls on the steering wheel.

Explorer Limited also offers second-row captain's chairs and a second-row console for large vehicle buyers placing a higher priority on rear seat luxury and seating comfort.

"All these features help the all-new Ford Explorer challenge the notion of what 4WDs can offer customers," Murad said. "This level of luxury, capability, convenience and connectivity, combined with jaw-dropping fuel efficiency, is the kind of leadership today's SUV customers need and appreciate, coming from a nameplate they know and trust - Ford Explorer."

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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 to over 60 years. The company's local importer-dealers operate more than 100 facilities in the region and directly employ over 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$1.1 million in grants to over 130 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000. For more information on the Ford Grants please write to fmegrant@ford.com

© Press Release 2011