Lincoln MKX also named in the luxury mid-size SUV/Crossover category

DUBAI, UAE, 10 February, 2014

Two Ford-brand vehicles have been named to the KBB.com 2014 5-Year Cost to Own Award list by Kelley Blue Book. Kelley Blue Book projects customers shopping for full-size SUVs and crossovers will get the lowest five-year ownership cost from the 2014 Ford Explorer, while sports car buyers will get the best deal with the 2014 Ford Mustang. The Lincoln MKX also emerged with the lowest five-year ownership cost in the luxury mid-size SUV/Crossover category.

The KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Awards are designed to help shoppers make more informed purchase decisions by breaking down typical ownership cost details, and naming the brands and models with the lowest projected total over five years. Purchase price, fuel, insurance and repair costs, plus maintenance, financing and depreciation are factored in.

"This latest accolade is yet another proof point that we are delivering not only world-class vehicles and technologies, but also providing real value to our customers," said Thierry Sabbagh, Ford Middle East's director for Sales.

"Our growth in the Middle East also reflects the increasing popularity of our models in terms of great value for money. The Explorer is currently the leader of its segment for example. This comes as customers realize the outstanding offer most of our models come with, including a

5 years/100,000 kms manufacturer's warranty, as well as comprehensive free service and maintenance packages which give outstanding peace of mind. It's almost like just gas and go."

Ford Middle East had recently announced a 12 percent growth in the entire region, with both Ford Explorer and Taurus taking the lead in their respective segments according to the MEAC (Middle East Automotive Council) data. The Ford Mustang, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, also saw a 10 per cent increase in sales.

Lincoln also saw an unprecedented growth of 50 percent, led by the continued growth of the MKX which saw sales soar by 125 percent in Middle East markets.

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About Kelley Blue Book(www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Suggested Retail Values, and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a subsidiary of AutoTrader Group, which includes AutoTrader.com, vAuto, VinSolutions and HomeNet Automotive. AutoTrader Group is a majority-owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises.

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 177,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford and its products worldwide please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ford's history in the Middle East goes back more than 60 years. The company's local importer-dealers operate more than 155 facilities in the region and directly employ more than 7,000 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 with currently three CSR initiatives running in the region including the Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants, Ford Warriors in Pink® breast cancer awareness campaign and Ford Driving Skills for Life safe driving awareness programme for young drivers and teens.

The Ford Grants is a grass-root level initiative that has offered US$1.3million in grants to more than 150 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000. Ford Warriors in Pink® is a breast cancer community-based awareness initiative recognising the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of battling breast cancer throughout the year.  Ford Driving Skills for Life is a free programme designed to impart safe driving practices to students to help improve their road safety record.

Contacts:
Sue Nigoghossian
Ford Middle East Public Affairs

Chloe Martinez
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller

Rasha Ghanem
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller

971-4-3327767
971-4-4507600
971-4-4507600

snigogho@ford.com
Chloe.Martinez@bm.com  
rasha.ghanem@bm.com

© Press Release 2014