Ford Middle East announced a record 21 per cent increase in total vehicle sales, with over 55,000 units delivered to customers in 2006. The strong performance was attributed to high demand for its North American as well as European products which constitute 95 per cent of its entire volume.
Hussein Murad, Sales & Marketing director of Ford Middle East said: “Ford Middle East is certainly moving forward as evidenced by our unprecedented performance last year. Our SUV sales have grown 30 per cent over the same period last year, thanks to the continued confidence of our dealers and customers in the Ford lineup.”
“This year promises even more dynamic growth for the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands across all markets as we set ourselves for a series of launches, bringing at least nine all-new models to our showrooms. We expect to grow a further 25 per cent by year end,” Murad added.
The SUV models proved to be popular as demand remained strong in 2006. For this year, Ford Middle East expects its SUV line up to be well received by the region thanks to the advanced safety and technology features across its 2007 models.
Ford Middle East also sees the youth-targeted products to have contributed significantly to 2007’s performance particularly the European Focus which saw a growth of 55 per cent, as well as the Mustang which witnessed sales increase by 25 per cent.
“2007 looks more promising for the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands as we continue to offer customers high quality world-class models which promise peace of mind and a great ownership experience,” added Hussein Murad.
“This achievement is naturally possible thanks to the ongoing commitment of our dealer-partners from across the region who have tremendous confidence in our brands and models. Their efforts in delivering the highest levels of sales and service experience are truly commendable,” he concluded.
The new model launches are expected to kick start in the first quarter with the all-new Mercury Milan, the first mid-size sedan from Mercury in a decade which promises to attract a younger audience to its showrooms. Mercury gets a further boost later this year with the full-size Montego.
The all-new Ford Edge, Escape and Explorer Sport Trac promise to expand the Ford utility vehicle lineup for 2007, bringing it on top of the manufacturers list as the region's largest lineup featuring all-new and refreshed models (Edge, Escape, Explorer Sport Trac, Explorer, Expedition, and Expedition EL).
The Ford 500 full-size sedan also adds to the passenger car lineup by mid year, followed by the widely acclaimed all-new Ford Mondeo, popularized by the recent James Bond movie, Casino Royale.
As for Lincoln, the brand gets invigorated this year with the all-new and dynamic MKX luxury crossover utility vehicle. Customers who have known the Navigator's luxury full-size SUV qualities are in for a delight with the all-new Naviagtor L model that features an extended wheelbase offering unmatched interior and cargo space.. The lineup is expected to get a further zing with the all-new and stylish MKZ sport sedan from Lincoln.
# # #
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 108 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.
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.
# # #
