Ford’s all-new crossover utility vehicle, the 2007 Edge, has made its long-awaited debut across the region recently, creating exceptional popularity and interest among the younger customers.
The new model enjoyed similar response in the US market, where Edge sales there rose 37 per cent in March, to nearly 11,000 units, outselling its nearest competitors, combined. The CUV is expected to be equally successful in the Middle East.
Edge is equipped with an all-new 286-horsepower 3.5L V-6 engine and class-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. The powerful engine features a strong, lightweight, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight 4-valve-per-cylinder heads for smooth operation at high rpm.
The Edge also boasts a number of design innovations, such as the three-bar chromed grille and its class-exclusive panoramic Vista Roof, which allows passengers to view the sky above while enjoying the ride.
Its standard advanced safety features include the Advance Trac ® with Roll Stability Control (RSC®), Personal Safety System®, front-seat side airbags and Safety Canopy™.
Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing director, Ford Middle East, said: “Before it even arrived in the region, Edge piqued the curiosity of young people here. The first reaction of the GCC youth segment was that of excitement, particularly with Edge's powerful engine and bold design as well as looks. This means that our youth communications strategy has yielded expected results, with Edge helping us attract new customers."
In the US, the Edge has been enjoying brisk sales since its introduction in January, with a total of 24,478 units for the first quarter. In Canada, too, the Ford Edge continues to top its own sales numbers month after month, most recently doubling sales from February to March. Murad expects similarly brisk sales in the GCC. “Already,” he said, “Edge is starting to make waves here, with orders pre-sold, and our dealers are very much excited about the new model.”
In keeping with its youthful appeal, the Edge’s designers provided such features as a large center console with a removable divider, meaning that space can be organised both vertically and horizontally, accommodating everything from laptops to handbags to iPods. There is also a segment-first MP3 audio jack. Small slots molded into the side of the console keep phone and MP3 cords neat and organized.
The Edge design also makes for a safer, more exciting driving experience. By constantly monitoring and predicting traction, the available AWD system delivers torque to all four wheels, even before the wheels begin to slip. An active on-demand coupler can deliver the precise amount of torque to the rear wheels. Paired with AdvanceTrac® traction control, intelligent AWD can transfer torque front-to-rear and side-to-side.
Following Edge's launch, Ford's utility vehicle lineup gets a further boost this year with the introduction of the Explorer Sport Trac sports utility truck, as well as the new 2008 Escape that boasts an all-new and tougher exterior design.
“The arrival of Edge, Sport Trac and the new Escape has strengthened Ford's position as the brand with the largest and most diverse utility vehicle line up offered in the Middle East,” said Murad.
The Ford Utility Vehicles Family – The largest lineup in the Middle East
Ford prides itself in the extensive lineup of world-class utility vehicles that it brings to its Middle Eastern customers across all segments.
For 2007, Ford offers the Edge (crossover UV), Escape (compact SUV), Explorer (mid-size SUV), Explorer Sport Trac (Sports Utility Truck), Expedition (full-size SUV) and the Expedition EL (extended wheelbase). Currently, no other manufacturer matches the diversity of the Ford lineup in the Middle East which enjoys a 60-year heritage in the region.
The 2007 Edge, with its bold American design, creates quite a stir among car lovers.
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 more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin 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 more than 4,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals.
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.
