Following the recent introduction of the all-new 2005 Ford Escape in the GCC, Ford’s extensive family 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. 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 SUVs has been the lynchpin of the blue oval’s impressive growth in the Middle East during the first half of 2004, which reached 10 per cent. "These encouraging results reflect how more and more 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 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.” (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
