Continues to define the SUV category with class-exclusive technology and designs inspired by the Blue Oval's unique product heritage.
For 2008, Ford Flex will seal Ford's position as having the largest and most diverse utility vehicle line up in the region offering seven products.
Dubai, UAE, November 15, 2007 - Ford continues to show its prominence in the utility vehicle category in the region with a preview of its 2008 model-year nameplates at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show.
For 2008, Ford offers the region's largest utility lineup, with six distinct products: the Edge (Crossover Utility Vehicle), Escape (compact SUV), Explorer (mid-size SUV), Sport Trac (truck SUV), Expedition (full-size SUV) and the Expedition EL (extended wheelbase SUV) displayed at a special section of Ford's stand in Dubai World Trade Centre's Hall 3.
Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East's Sales & Marketing director, said: "Ford's utility vehicle lineup for 2008 continues to offer diversity and a growing youthful appeal. Ford has defined the SUV category since the 1980s, and we continue to build on this heritage with class leading vehicles."
"The Ford brand currently offers an impressive mix of utility vehicles ranging from the small crossover Ford Edge to the full-size extended Expedition EL. And with the addition of the full-size crossover Ford Flex in the course of next year, Ford's diversity of utility vehicles will be unmatched in the Middle East, further building on the Ford brand's heritage as manufacturer of world-class trucks and SUVs," Murad added.
Ford Edge
Ford Edge, which made its maiden appearance in March 2007, takes utility vehicle ownership in an exciting new direction. Anticipating customer demand for vehicles with the character of SUV styling but the flexibility and convenience of car-like handling, Ford enters the fray with its first 'crossover' (CUV) breakthrough. Edge is the recipient of numerous awards such as "Urban Truck of the Year" and earned top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
With its sleek body shape, elegant chrome grille and imposing tyres, the Ford Edge represents tomorrow's CUV driving today, and its advanced technology ensures style is matched by substance. Standard safety features include Ford's industry-leading AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control®, and the 3.5-litre V6 engine delivers 265hp net and impressive fuel performance, paired with a 6-speed auto transmission.
Ford Escape
For 2008 the Ford Escape has a completely new look inside and out and makes for a powerful statement with a bolder, rugged exterior design that bears family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Expedition. The all-new interior resets the bar for small utility vehicles, with more upscale appointments, new innovative storage options, and improved comfort and quietness.
The Escape's standard 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine delivers 200 net horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 net lb.-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Ford Explorer
The Explorer continues to lead the mid-size SUV segment in sales, and remains the first choice when looking for a vehicle that will serve family adventures well. For 2008, Explorer adds new technology and safety features while still meeting the needs of SUV customers with its generous interior and capable towing performance.
For 2008, Ford Safety Canopy™ becomes standard on all 2008 Explorer models to provide increased confidence and security. Power is still delivered via standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine which generates 210 net hp at 5,100 rpm and 254 lbs-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm. It is also very clean, meeting federal Tier II, Bin 4 emissions requirements to achieve Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) status.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Explorer Sport Trac is the unrestricted utility vehicle that delivers rugged styling, capable power and performance along with a versatile cargo area to take customers where they want to go. Sport Trac offers a growing number of standard features and exciting new technologies like the drop-in storage bin with power point and Ford's side curtain air bag system.
The Explorer Sport Trac comes with the 4.0-liter V-6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Ford Expedition / Expedition EL
The 2008 Expedition and its sibling, Expedition EL, combine bold Ford Truck design, functionality and toughness with high levels of interior refinement for consumers who need the flexibility of a full-size SUV.
With six available arrays across the lineup, Expedition and Expedition EL provide customers the most choice amongst full-size SUV offerings.
Expedition is powered by Ford's tough truck-proven 5.4-liter Triton™ V-8 engine. With three valves per cylinder and variable cam timing, the 5.4-liter engine delivers a balance of refinement and muscle. Rated at 300 net horsepower and 365 net pound-feet of torque, Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds, for the best tow rating in its class.
For full-size SUV customers who want even more cargo-carrying capability, Ford offers the 2008 Expedition EL. With 14.8 inches of additional overall length, Expedition EL delivers 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space - including 24 cubic feet more behind the third-row seat than the already spacious Expedition. Expedition EL rides on a 131-inch wheelbase - 12 inches longer than the standard Expedition - to preserve the base model's superior ride and handling.
Expedition EL is unique from the B-pillar back with its own floor pan, one-piece body side, running boards, rear fascia, roof rack, rear quarter glass, one-piece headliner and quarter panel trim. The second-row doors are also unique to improve the ingress and egress to both second and third rows.
-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.
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
Sue Nigoghossian
Ford Middle East Public Affairs
971-50-454-3640
971-4-3327767
snigogho@ford.com
© Press Release 2007
