The new 2006 Ford Explorer has arrived in the UAE, setting the benchmark once again for the mid-size SUV segment in the local and regional markets.
The new model is available at the local Ford, Lincoln and Mercury importer-dealers, Al Tayer Motors (Dubai & Northern emirates) and Premier Motors (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain) in three trim levels: XLS, XLT, and for the first time, the luxury Eddie Bauer version.
The world's best-selling SUV saw a 25 per cent increase in Middle East sales in 2005, and is on track for another successful year. With sales in the first quarter of 2006 up 35 per cent. The Explorer has been the world’s best selling SUV for the last 15 years, selling over 5.5 million units to date.
“Explorer has been one of our best-sellers, and we are confident that the new model will enjoy instant popularity,” said Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing director of Ford Middle East. “It boasts a bold design, while being stylish and functional, and there’s no compromise on durability, build quality and performance. With these features and strong support from Al Tayer Motors and Premier Motors, we are providing our customers with nothing less than a prize package!”
For 2006, the Explorer comes with a V6 4.0-litre SOHC engine, 10 advanced safety technologies, all-new interior, the lowest ever noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in its class, and enhanced performance. Also, for the first time in an Explorer, the gearshift is floor mounted.
“The 2006 Explorer is ideal for customers looking for a SUV that's tough yet remarkably refined and versatile,” Murad added. “The key strength for Explorer in the mid-size category has been its value for money, and the 2006 edition builds on this with an array of standard features that focus on safety, comfort, performance, durability and reliability.”
Explorer's 4.0-litre SOHC V-6 engine generates 231 horsepower and 275 lbs.-ft of torque and is certified to the same level of ultra-low emissions as the Ford Escape Hybrid. Mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, the engine has received significant improvements for the 2006 model year. A new camshaft and spark plugs have improved idle quality by 40 per cent. New engine calibrations and improved emission controls cut smog-forming emissions by 74 per cent compared to the previous model.
Murad added: “Car safety is becoming increasingly important to our customers around the region, especially families. The 2006 Ford Explorer leads its class with 10 standard advanced safety technologies. Seven of these are new to the mid-size SUV class, including four new adaptive technologies specifically designed for Ford's stringent internal safety targets. As a result, the new Explorer provides the most active and passive safety features in its class.”
The 2006 Explorer offers the following advanced safety technologies as standard equipment:
1) Advanced Restraints Module and Dual Front-Crash Sensors
2) Five-level Front Passenger Sensing System
3) Adaptive Load-Limiting Safety Belt Retractors
4) Front-Passenger Seat Adaptive Air Bag Tether
5) Adaptive Air-Bag Venting
6) Adaptive Stroking Steering Column
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7) Front-Seat Side Airbags
8) Dual Stage Front Air Bags
9) Driver Seat Position Sensor
10) AdvanceTrac® with class-exclusive Roll Stability Control®
Ford Motor Company is the leader in providing active safety technologies by offering as standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control® on most Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sport-utility vehicles, including the 2006 Mountaineer. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control® is unlike any other stability control system made by any other automaker.
The available Safety Canopy™ side air curtains protect front and second-row occupants in the 2006 Ford Explorer. The ‘roll-fold’ technology deploys the curtain between the occupant’s head and the window as it inflates.
Immediately upon its introduction, the 2006 Explorer started receiving prestigious accolades. It has earned five stars in frontal and side impact crash tests for drivers and passengers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). It was voted "Best SUV for families" by the American Automobile Association and Parents magazine in the United States, and recommended as “Best Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
A combination of new technologies also makes the 2006 Explorer the quietest SUV in its class; it is nine per cent quieter on the highway and 30 per cent quieter on rough roads.
The 2006 Ford Explorer is available with a special 3-year / 60,000 Km free service and maintenance package (offer valid until July 2nd, 2006) as well as Ford's 3-year / 60,000 Km warranty and 24-hour Roadside Assistance.
Notes to the editor:
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and 110 plants 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 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 more than 4,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals.
For more information contact :Rawnak Tahir: r.tahir@polaris-me.com
Tel: 04-3348522; Fax: 04-3341326
