The auto industry'sregion's largest SUV line-up posts outstanding sales figures in the Middle East

All-new 2005 Escape joins Ford's SUV family and sees sales rise by 60 per cent

Dubai, UAE, August 26, 2004 -- After Following the successful recent introduction launch of the all-new 2005 Ford Escape in the GCC, Ford's extensive line-upfamily of sport utility vehicles is looking stronger than ever.

Though a relative newcomer to the Middle East, Ford's compact SUV has seen sales from January to July this year rise by 60 per cent compared to the same period in 2003.

More established Ford SUV favourites in the Gulf have also posted major gains in the region. The ever-popular Ford Explorer has seen sales grow by 6 per cent compared to last year, while the full-size Expedition has posted a 10 per cent increase.

The sales record of Ford's world-class SUVs has been the lynchpin of the blue oval's impressive growth in the Middle East during the first three monthshalf of 2004, which reached 10 per cent. "These encouraging results reflects how more and more well our plans are unfolding here in the Middle East. customers Customers are appreciating what Ford and our dealer-partners in the region have to offer - great products, great service, and great value. These are the key components of delivering the best possible ownership experience with of a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle," said Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East.

"Ford offers a more comprehensive line-up of SUVs than any manufacturer here in the Middle East," he added. "Currently, no other brand equals the diversity and versatility of the five models of Ford's SUV range - the Escape (compact), Everest (medium), Explorer (medium), Expedition (full-size) and Excursion (super-premium) - catering to consumers from all walks of life.Our family of SUVs is one of the biggest available in the region, offering five different sizes of vehicle, including compact, mid-size, large and super-premium SUVs in various trim levels that are designed to meet customer expectations."

Escape

With no fewer than 18 top awards, such as Consumer Report's 'Recommended Buy' and Kiplinger's 'Best Small SUV' awards, the Ford Escape continues to be the best-selling compact SUV in the United States.

The all-new 2005 Ford Escape was launched in the GCC in May this year. And Ford's newest member of its SUV family of products has been redesigned and rejuvenated with significant improvements in style, safety and performance.

The all-new Escape is already impressing GCC customers with its V6 power, independent rear suspension, floor-mounted shifter, and outstanding roominess and cargo space. It is the only small SUV on the market designed to pass the rigorous 'Tough Truck' tests conducted on all Ford trucks and SUVs.

Its Duratec V6 engine is smoother and more responsive than previous generations, and it is one of the most powerful engines available for its size. The Escape also comes in a front-wheel drive version that provides more traction and stability than many rear-wheel-drive competitors.

New engine mounts mean the new Duratec power plant is as quiet as it is capable, and larger front shocks make for a smoother ride and superior driving dynamics. More sound proofing panels and tighter seals reduce cabin noise.

Inside, the new Escape has been refitted and now boasts a floor-mounted gearshift, smartened dials and gauges, more storage space, and swankier upholstery.

Outside, there are new headlamps, fog lamps, a more purposeful-looking front grill in Ford's now classic 'egg-crate' design, new fascias front and back, and 15-inch aluminium wheels. The lower bumpers, front and back, also have a cool rib effect to add to the Escape's confident exterior appearance.

A strengthened body structure to improve safety performance in head-on crashes, and Ford's Personal Safety System which uses passenger weight-sensing technology to optimally deploy the vehicle's airbags, mean that the 2005 Ford Escape is expected to be the first vehicle in its class to meet the United States' amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 for occupant protection.

Making for even greater peace of mind, the Ford exclusive Safety Canopy technology is also an option with the all-new Ford Escape.

What's more, anti-lock brakes are standard on all Ford Escape models for 2005. The system features Quick Brake Assist, a power-assistance technology that kicks in during hard braking conditions to help the driver apply maximum brake power to reduce stopping distances.

Explorer

When it comes to SUV models, the all-new Ford Escape joins a distinguished set of quality performers.For over 14It is 14 years since its global debut in a row but the Ford Explorer has maintained still maintains its lead as the world's best-selling SUV, and the five millionth Explorer was sold in January this year - more sales than any other SUV in the market.

Like its predecessors, the 2004 Explorer provides a perfect blend of ride, comfort and ruggedness. It is a true multi-purpose SUV with excellent people and cargo-carrying flexibility, cargo capacity and off-road capabilities. It has a wide, bold, confident exterior style and is loaded with safety and convenience features that promise to keep it at the top.

Everest

First introduced in the GCC in December 2003, the all-new seven-seat family SUV Ford Everest brings to GCC families a safe, comfortable, flexible and affordable mode of transportation, as well as a tough SUV look and road presence that consumers look for. 

Built in Thailand, the Everest offers a great value package, featuring the classic Ford Truck ruggedness, interior space and versatility and safety features, together with great driving dynamics. 

Expedition

In the full-size SUV segment, the 2004 Expedition maintains the number one slot worldwide, building on the success of the re-designed and re-engineered 2003 model by providing class exclusive and class-leading features, great interior versatility, driving control and safety features. 

The 2004 Expedition delivers a variety of class-exclusive features, including fold-flat-to-the-floor second and third-row seating, the PowerFold third-row seat, second-row CenterSlide section, AdvanceTrac, Safety Canopy, Reverse Sensing System and standard power-adjustable pedals. Expedition also is the first SUV in its class to offer independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

Excursion

Excursion is Ford's largest sport utility vehicle offering a seating capacity of up to nine adults, and best-in-class interior volume and interior space. For 2004, the Excursion continues to offer customers outstanding room for both people and cargo, along with enhanced towing capacity.

Service excellence in the region supports Ford's commitment to quality. Continuous technical training for dealership personnel and competitive pricing on genuine parts further enhance the ownership experience for customers.

Ford's dealer partners in the GCC have also played their part with the introduction of stand-alone maintenance and light repair facilities, and Quality Care Service Centers (QCSC) for customers, which provide quick and affordable routine services and light repairs. 

DID YOU KNOW?

o There have been more than 72 SUV entrants in the US over the last 10 years and Ford SUVs are still number one for sales, by nearly 28,000 units.

o All Ford's SUVs are Low Emissions Vehicles, 58 per cent recyclable with higher ratings than the competition in the United States' Environmental Protection Agency's Green Guide.

o If 5 million Ford Explorers were placed end to end, they would form a chain more than 20,000km long. This is 3.5 times the length of the Great Wall of China and more than halfway around the globe.

-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 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 Credit, Quality Care and Hertz. Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003.

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 and directly employ more than 3,500 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals.

Distributed for Ford Middle East by Polaris Public Relations.

For more information, contact
Rami Halawani/Stephen Worsley,
tel: (+9714) 3348522,
fax: (+9714) 3341326,
email: r.halawani@polaris-me.com

© Press Release 2004