Utility vehicles drive Ford sales up

Middle East sales of Ford, Mercury and Lincoln products January to September 2008 are up by nearly one third over last year, registering a record performance for Ford Middle East.

The growth is mainly driven by the increasing demand over trucks and utility vehicles across the three brands, which in total sold 45 per cent more this year.

In the UAE, this trend was similar, with an overall 35 per cent growth, and a 71 per cent increase in trucks and SUV sales. Best sellers were the Ford Edge (up 121 per cent), Escape (up by 33 per cent), Expedition (up by 30 per cent), Expedition EL (up by 93 per cent), Explorer (up by 53 per cent), Explorer Sport Trac (up by 139 per cent), Lincoln MKX (up by 88 per cent), Navigator (up by 31 per cent), and Mercury Mountaineer (up by 73 per cent).

Ford expects the popularity for its utility vehicles to grow further, with the introduction of the all-new Ford Flex, the latest nameplate to join its lineup which now offers seven different products including Edge (compact CUV), Escape (compact SUV), Explorer (mid-size SUV), Explorer Sport Trac (sport utility truck), Expedition (full-size SUV) and the Expedition EL (extended body).

Flex is the new full-size, seven-passenger crossover offering from Ford that has been making waves in North America since its introduction a few months ago. It has distinctive design coupled with a stylish interior, a smart package and unmatched technology including Sync, the exclusive, voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system.

"Now it's safe to add daring and intriguing to the list of adjectives describing Ford vehicles as the new provocative Flex is here," said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East's director of sales. "The new Ford lineup now offers unprecedented diversity which will attract new customers."

From its planted stance and broad shoulders – flanked by signature side grooves – to its all-black greenhouse and distinctive multi-panel Vista Roof, Ford designers have created a provocative vehicle with the Flex.