Ford Escape, Everest, Explorer, Expedition and Mercury Mountaineer sales see double and triple digit growth in 2004 sales over 2003
Growth demonstrates Ford's strong foothold in the UAE's SUV market
DUBAI, UAE: Ford and Mercury SUVs have once again demonstrated a growing popularity in the UAE, posting significant growth figures for 2004 compared to 2003.
The highest achiever in the UAE was the Ford Escape which saw an astounding 230 per cent increase in 2004 sales over 2003, while the Ford Explorer experienced an increase of 30 per cent, and the Mercury Mountaineer mid-size SUV saw a boost of 175 per cent. The Expedition kept its firm grip within the full-size SUV segment, while Ford's latest addition, the Everest - which is based on the popular compact pickup truck, the Ranger - witnessed increasing demand following its introduction at the beginning of 2004.
"The performance of the Ford and Mercury SUV lineup in the UAE clearly demonstrates Ford's growing leadership in this segment throughout the UAE and the GCC overall," said Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing director, Ford Middle East.
"These models set a benchmark in their respective classes for driving dynamics, space and comfort, performance and safety, all at a great value, and customers are more and more aware of the benefits these vehicles bring with them in terms of cost of ownership and overall experience. We have no doubt that this success will extend to 2005," he added.
Globally and locally, Ford offers one of the most versatile and broadest SUV lineups in the automotive industry. In the Middle East, Ford's family of SUVs have gained the consumers' confidence when it comes to delivering the highest levels of functionality, versatility, durability, reliability, safety and performance, be it a full size, mid size, or small size SUV.
Ford Middle East has seen strong market representation across its network of dealer-partners in the GCC over the last few years with solid partnership actions, especially from the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates - Al Tayer Motors, and Premier Motors in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Earlier in 2004, the strength of the UAE dealer partnership was further established when Al Tayer Motors received the Award of Excellence from Ford Motor Company's Worldwide Direct Market Operations (WDMO), for achieving the highest sales ever for the three brands in the UAE for 2003.
"The sales increase in the UAE this year reflects the great strides the whole team has taken in sales, customer service and after-sales support, demonstrating their readiness to offer customer support and the best possible ownership experience of a Ford, Lincoln or a Mercury vehicle on the road at all times in the UAE," continued Murad.
He concluded: "By offering an extensive product range that appeals to a wider range of customers, coupled with competitive after-sales service, we have been able to find the perfect formula in the region. We are committed to offering our customers world-class products with great features at superior value, with ongoing support from our dealer partners around the region."
-Ends-
Editor's notes:
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 327,000 employees and 110 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company and Hertz. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
Ford Motor Company's history in the Middle East goes back more than 50 years. The company's local importer-dealers operate more than 40 facilities in the GCC, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Yemen and directly employ more than 3,500 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals.
Contact:
Sue Nigoghossian
Ford Middle East Public Affairs
+971-50-454-3640
snigogho@ford.com
© Press Release 2005
