Year-to-date sales of Ford and Lincoln see 5 per cent growth in the Kingdom, driven by increased consumer preference. Al Jazirah Vehicles announces expansion plan for 2010, with further investments in additional dealership facilities.
Year-to-date sales of Ford and Lincoln vehicles grew 5 per cent in Saudi Arabia at a time where regional industry averages were estimated to have dropped by 15 per cent, according to Ford Middle East's director of Sales, Hussein Murad.
The company sees further growth in the Kingdom next year thanks to ambitious expansion plans announced by the local Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer, Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. (AJVA), in the run up to the 2009 Riyadh Motorshow (12-16 December). AJVA currently runs 14 major branches across the Kingdom and the region's largest parts depot. It plans to operate four additional facilities by the end of 2010.
"These are exciting times for Ford Motor Company both globally and regionally, as we see the results of our transformation plan come to life through the exciting new products and innovations that we are introducing as well as our recent achievements in the areas of manufacturing, quality and technology," said Murad.
"This global success naturally is reflected in the Middle East and specifically here in the Kingdom as we see increased consumer preference on our products," he added. "And the proof is in the great performance that our dealers Al Jazirah Vehicles have registered so far this year. Ford today is gaining market share thanks to the dedicated efforts of Al Jazirah and their commitment to the Ford business, and we are positive that the momentum will grow as they launch additional dealerships and serve more Saudi customers."
Murad concluded: "The significance of this expansion plan lies precisely in the joint dedication of Al Jazirah Vehicles and Ford Motor Company to Saudi customers. We are thrilled to witness this demonstration of confidence of Al Jazirah Vehicles in the Ford and Lincoln brands."
Sabah bin Abdullah Al Kraidees, AJVA's director of Sales and Marketing said: "Al Jazirah's relationship with Saudi consumers goes back a long way. Since more than two decades, we have kept true to the Al Jazirah promise, which is to offer world-class products from the Ford and Lincoln brands, while delivering superior service through our state-of-the-art dealerships, and we pride ourselves in this.
"Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co is today synonymous with quality products and service, and we intend to build on this reputation as we deliver outstanding new models from Ford Motor Company, such as the widely acclaimed 2010 Ford Taurus and the Lincoln MKT. Visitors to our stand in next week's Riyadh Motorshow will see the quality and variety of our product offering in the Kingdom, thanks to the fully refreshed or renewed products we now offer across the range."
Al Kraidees added: "I think we have a great formula. We're offering Saudi consumers world-class products through world-class sales and service facilities, and we continue to invest in both facilities and our employees so as to deliver quality products, quality services and quality ownership experiences."
Great New Products
For 2009, the Ford lineup in Saudi Arabia saw the addition of exciting new models including the legendary 2010 Mustang, followed by the all-new 2010 Fusion and the recently introduced flagship model, the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus full-size sedan.
As for the Lincoln brand, it is set to enhance its showrooms with the all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT full-size crossover that joins the Lincoln MKS full-size sedan.
These models are featured together with the rest of the Ford and Lincoln lineup at the Ford and Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co stand at the 2009 Riyadh Motor Show.
2010 Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus is all-new for 2010 and ready to take on the world's best, with an upscale new design, impeccable driving dynamics and class-leading technologies.
The 2010 Ford Taurus's exterior design details are more sculpted and powerful - from the powerdome that speaks of the strength behind its confident grille to the pronounced fenders and fascia. Bold new headlights combined with recessed parking lamps frame a new expression of the signature Ford three-bar grille - and the lowered roofline helps make the new Taurus more aspirational.
Inside, a forward-leaning center stack - home to the climate controls, audio components and available navigation screen - flows in a continuous unbroken form through the instrument panel and down into the center console. The smart design allows for the interior to be formed with unbroken lines to impart seamless quality and craftsmanship.
New wheels, from 19-20 inches in diameter, fill the sculpted wheel wells and lend Taurus a muscular and athletic stance. To match its more athletic looks, the new Taurus features sportier driving dynamics. The 2010 Taurus comes standard with Ford's proven Duratec 3.5 liter V-6, generating net 263 hp and net 249 foot-pounds of torque. This award-winning engine earns a ULEV-II emissions certification and comes paired with a choice of two new six-speed automatic transmissions.
High-end Technology goes Mainstream
Tech-savvy customers will find plenty to like about the new 2010 Taurus. Its technologies enable customer connectivity, while fulfilling desires for personalization, customization and control.
Key class-exclusive technologies available on Taurus include:
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) - This class-exclusive feature consists of two multiple beam radar modules, one each per rear quarter panel. When an approaching vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides warning to the driver in the corresponding side view mirror.
Cross Traffic Alert - Also a class-exclusive feature, Cross Traffic Alert uses the existing BLIS radar modules to sense oncoming traffic when slowly backing out of a parking spot. This industry-exclusive system functions only while the vehicle is in reverse and warns when cross-traffic appears within three car widths.
Adaptive Cruise Control - Another Ford-exclusive technology, Adaptive Cruise Control allows the driver to set the vehicle cruising speed while using radar technology to monitor traffic travelling up to 600 feet ahead, automatically adjusting Taurus speed to help maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
Collision Warning with Brake Support is a new, exclusive active safety feature, enabled by Adaptive Cruise Control. This system uses a radar sensor to detect moving vehicles ahead and provides a visual "heads-up" warning signal transmitted across the base of the windshield and an audible warning when slower moving traffic is detected ahead. The system also pre-charges the brakes and engages an electronic brake assist to help the driver stop more quickly.
MyKey™ allows the vehicle's owner to activate a restricted driving mode. When enabled, Ford's exclusive MyKey features a Persistent Belt-Minder® with Audio Mute until safety belts are buckled, an earlier low-fuel warning, and consistently engaged AdvanceTrac® stability control, Blind Spot monitoring, Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning. Additional programmability includes restrictions on audio volume, limiting top speed to 80 mph and speed chime warnings at 45, 55, or 65mph.
Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ is available - on an industry-exclusive basis - for driver and passenger, integrating a six-way lumbar support and subtle rolling pattern massage. The bottom cushion features Active Motion technology, providing minute but continuous movement, stirring a change of muscular activation helping a driver avoid back pain.
In-addition to the exclusive technologies listed above, Taurus features many other impressive features including: Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start, SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad, Auto High Beams/Rain-Sensing Wipers, Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler System, Sony® Audio and Ford SYNC® - a the fully integrated, in-vehicle voice-activated communications and entertainment system jointly developed with Microsoft. SYNC connects to MP3 players, iPods, memory sticks and PDAs.
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Emphasizing its leadership in manufacturing tough trucks, Ford is also featuring the new F-150 Special Vehicle Team (SVT) Raptor. The purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck is versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute.
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is powered by the new 6.2-liter V-8 engine that features all-new architecture specifically designed for robustness in a truck application, and delivers an estimated 400 net horsepower and 400 net lbs.-ft. of torque.
But building a high-performance off-road truck is not about the horsepower - it's about the suspension. The F-150 SVT Raptor doesn't disappoint, with 13.4 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 in the front.
Lincoln MKT
Lincoln is offering full-size luxury crossover customers a fresh new choice with the 2010 Lincoln MKT, a three-row crossover that delivers the optimal blend of distinctive design, interior spaciousness, fuel economy and technology.
Most striking on the Lincoln MKT is the brand's signature design - complete with a split wing grille, a beveled chamfer along the vehicle's shoulder line, a flowing cantrail that frames the greenhouse and full-width horizontal taillamps that span the subtly curved weight-saving magnesium liftgate to adds visual character while protecting generous rear cargo space.
The Lincoln MKT is propelled by a powerful yet practical V-6 engine - a 3.7-liter, 24-valve variation of the award-winning Duratec engine family. This MKT powerplant delivers 268 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 267 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,250 RPM, and has been tuned to provide brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery.
EcoBoost Engine Technology
EcoBoost is Ford Motor Company's new high-volume, affordable engine technology slated for a range of global vehicles - from small cars to large trucks.
EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology to deliver superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines, while also achieving up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions.
The fun-to-drive nature of EcoBoost engines is leading Ford to introduce these powertrains in large volumes virtually across its lineup. By 2013, more than 90 percent of Ford's North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology, and nearly 80 percent of Ford's global nameplates will have an available EcoBoost option.
Ford's new high-performance, fuel-saving EcoBoost™ technology is making waves in the engineering community, with the 3.5-liter version of the engine contributing 125 new patents and patent applications. The additions build on Ford Motor Company's current roster of 4,618 active U.S. patents, with thousands more patent applications pending.
Ford Action All The Way
Visitors to the Ford stand in the Riyadh Motorshow will get a chance to experience the F-150 SVT Raptor in an engaging ride with pounding terrain, radical turns and unpredictable manoeuvers to handle.
Race car lovers can opt to challenge their gaming skills with the Ford Mustang slot car race, while fans of customization and Mustang can see for themselves, live, how a Mustang is upfitted and personalized.
-End-
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 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
Ford Motor Company's history in the Middle East goes back to over 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 820,000 in grants to over 100 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000.
For more information on Ford Middle East, please visit www.me.ford.com or log on to our channel on YouTube located at www.youtube.com/user/fordmiddleast.
Summary
Ford sales up 5 per cent in Saudi Arabia in 2009, during a time where regional industry averages have dropped by 15 per cent.
Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. (AJVA) to invest in four additional facilities in 2010.
All-new 2010 Ford Taurus redefines what to expect from Ford's future car portfolio - sophisticated, upscale design, segment-leading safety and quality, outstanding driving dynamics, class-exclusive technologies and great value.
All-new 2010 Lincoln MKT delivers distinctive design, interior spaciousness and class-leading technology for full-size luxury crossover customers.
New Ford F-150 Special Vehicle Team (SVT) Raptor arrives in KSA this spring.
Ford's EcoBoost™ engines use gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology to deliver superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines, while also achieving up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions.
For more information please contact:
Sue Nigoghossian
Ford Middle East Public Affairs
Tel: 971-50-454-3640
Tel: 971-4-3327767
Email: snigogho@ford.com
Chloe Martinez
Asda'a
Tel: 971-50-544-8536
Tel: 971-4-335-5969
Email: c.martinez@asdaa.com
Bashar Kharbat
Malik Abdullrahman
Asda'a Burson-Marstellar
T: +966 2 6575194
F: +966 2 6575277
Email: b.kharbat@asdaa.com
Email: M.Abdullrahman@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2009
