All-new 2008MY Mondeo and refreshed Focus boast their new dynamic looks and technology in their Middle Eastern debut.
Both cars are winners of various awards for safety with Mondeo in line for the 2008 European Car of the Year Award
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 14 November, 2007 - The award-winning all-new 2008MY Ford Mondeo and refreshed Focus bow at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show, showing off Ford of Europe's latest kinetic design concept to the Ford stand (Hall 3) visitors.
Both models, famous for benchmarking innovative features across the European continent, boast of stronger attributes for 2008, in terms of driving dynamics, technology and safety.
"The new Mondeo and Focus are sure to strengthen our Ford line up with their smart and zesty looks inside out. They are both beautifully designed with substance and are true to the quality craftsmanship that our customers have come to know of Ford of Europe," said Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing director of Ford Middle East.
Murad added: "They are sure to wet the appetite of the youth, and we are confident that they both will take our youth communications strategies to greater heights next year!"
All-new Mondeo
Since its first introduction in 2002, Mondeo has carved a name for itself among Middle East customers. With is class-exclusive and segment leading features, Mondeo has proved to be very popular to both retail and fleet customers.
Now, the Middle East gets to preview the all-new Mondeo - completely redesigned inside and outside packed with the latest technology and innovation. The 2008 Mondeo is the most technologically-advanced passenger car to ever roll out of Ford's manufacturing plant in Europe. Already, it has received the Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating and is a finalist in the 2008 European Car of the Year award,
The new model offers new technologies for driver assistance such as keyless entry and keyless start with "Ford Power" start button, new Ford "Convers+" Human Machine Interface (HMI) instrument display, Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert, and Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control with Hill Launch Assist.
Furthermore, drivers will never have the problem of misfuelling as the new Mondeo is the first production of Ford to feature the company's award-winning Easyfuel system. Ford has engineered its system only to allow the nozzle that matches the corresponding fuel type (petrol or diesel) of the car to enter the filler neck.
Mondeo has been acclaimed for its driving quality and with the all-new Mondeo, its reputation will be extended even further. From the outset, it was developed with superior driving dynamics as a core attribute, combining a refined ride with minimal noise, vibration and harshness. Major modifications include: wider track, optimised front, suspension design, new rear suspension design, isolated rear subframe, optimised steering system.
The new Mondeo is available with the following petrol engines: 2.0-litre Duratec HE 145PS (NET) petrol engine with Durashift 5-speed manual transmission and a new 2.3-litre Duratec HE 161PS (NET) 4-cylinder petrol engine with Durashift 6-speed automatic transmission.
2008 Focus - Beautifully arranged
Benefiting from Ford's 'kinetic design' approach to styling, the 2008 Focus takes its inspiration from the critically acclaimed new Mondeo. The result is a classier and more distinctive appearance from a vehicle that's now as exciting to look at as it is to drive.
For 2008, Focus has been completely redesigned and presents a bold new face to the world. Carefully designed, the refreshed Focus has consistent styling from front, rear and side. This dynamic link from front to rear gives the vehicle its new sleek appearance.
Focus comes with new equipment and options. Just like the Mondeo, Focus enjoys the benefits of the acclaimed Ford capless refuelling system. Focus also comes with available Ford "Power Button" button enabling the vehicle to start up simply and in style, without having to insert and turn a key in a steering column switch.
Focus is available with the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre Duratec engines, producing 100 NET hp and 145 NET hp respectively, coupled with the Durashift 4-speed automatic transmission.
Multi-awarded vehicles
The new Mondeo already has been named one of seven finalists for 2008 European Car of the Year Award and is the latest Ford model to garner a top safety rating. It has scored 35 points for adult occupant protection, garnering a five-star rating among the top 10 best results ever in Euro NCAP testing.
Focus is no stranger to awards either. The Ford Focus, with around 5 million vehicles produced in Europe, is the first and - to date - the only car in the world to be acclaimed "Car of the Year" both in Europe and in North America. In total the Ford Focus has won over 80 awards in Europe alone. It has significantly influenced the automotive world and at the same time triggered a successful new direction of Ford in Europe.
-Ends-
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
Ford 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 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 USD600,000 in grants to over 75 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000. For more information, please visit www.ford-environmentalgrants.com.
Contact:
Sue Nigoghossian
Ford Middle East Public Affairs
971-50-454-3640
971-4-3327767
snigogho@ford.com
Chloe Martinez
Asda'a
971-50-544-8536
971-4-335-5969
c.martinez@asdaa.com
Rami Halawani
Asda'a
971-50-655-8750
971-4-335-5969
r.halawani@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2007
