The Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineups will see dramatic changes and freshening over the next two years with more than 20 all-new models coming to the region's dealerships, Ford Middle East announced today.
"Customers are in for a pleasant surprise at our dealership showroom floors as they witness a dramatic freshening of our lineup across the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands," said Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East, at the company's news conference on the eve of the Middle East International Motorshow. "We expect that these new models will expand the customer base of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands, and drive our business further as our dealership network expands across the region."
Ford plans to kick start the launches with the all-new 2006 Explorer. The best-selling SUV on the Planet for the past 15 years is set to appear in its new look offering more power, improved fuel economy, new safety technologies and class leading interior quietness. New additions to the Ford lineup will include the new Expedition as well as other additions which promise to further enrich the Ford truck and SUV lineup.
As for Lincoln, the all-new Zephyr and the Mark LT are all set to dazzle luxury lovers as they debut in the Middle East, next to the new full-size Navigator, the classic Town Car and the sporty LS.
With the all-new mid-size Zephyr, Lincoln will introduce an entirely new generation of consumers to the qualities that have made Lincoln a classic American luxury brand for more than 70 years. The new V6 model embodies qualities such as bold and distinctive exterior design, an interior that is rich and inviting, featuring, and a driving experience that can be both luxurious and spirited.
As for luxury pickup fans, the Mark LT is here to make its mark. Combining the functionality of a full-size pickup truck and the luxury and refinement of Lincoln, the V8 Mark LT is an authentic pickup with superior power and driving dynamics, and is a true fit for Lincoln thanks to its unique elegance.
The Mercury family witnesses various additions this year as the all-new 2006 Mountaineer mid-size SUV, the Monterey minivan, and the mid-size Milan join the brand's landmark nameplate, the Grand Marquis. The 5-passenger mid-size Milan embodies Mercury’s new sleek, modern and affordable form that breaks the mid-segment mold and appeals to younger customers.
"These are not just any models, but they are all world-class, award-winning products that we have carefully selected from our resources around the globe to bring nothing but the best of the world of Ford Motor Company to our customers," Benintende added.
On the distribution network front, Ford's importer-dealers are investing heavily across the region in developing state of the art facilities that promise to bring a unique ownership experience and customer satisfaction to higher levels. Over US$100 million have been pumped in the last two years in developing major world-class dealership sales and service facilities especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
John Fitzpatrick, director of Ford Motor Company's Worldwide Direct Market Operations said: "Our dealer network in the Middle East is second to none. We have some of the best dealer partners in the world – fully committed to growing the business, employing over 3,500 of the most qualified people, to deliver the best sales and service experience to our customers in the region.
"And not only do they already operate more than 40 facilities in the GCC, but the partnership keeps growing with the recent opening of Al Tayer Motors state-of-the-art facility in Dubai and the upcoming dedication of two major facilities in Saudi Arabia, for our importer-dealer Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co.," Fitzpatrick added.
"As you can see by the unprecedented number of new products you are receiving, the state-of-the-art dealer facilities opening their doors throughout the region, and the innovative vision of the local team, it is fitting to say that the future of Ford Motor Company is here now," he concluded.
A Diverse Lineup of Quality Products
Ford can look for further success in the region with its impressive array of products that have made their mark among consumers in the GCC as well as the world.
These include its diverse SUV lineup – featuring the Ford Escape, Explorer, Everest and Expedition – in addition to the best-selling European classics Ford Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo, and the mighty American legend, the Mustang. This of course in addition to the powerful rear-wheel drive E-segment leaders, the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car, and the legendary world's best selling truck for the past 28 years, the F-150.
Investing in Customer Satisfaction
Ford Middle East and its network of dealer-partners are constantly investing in delivering higher levels of customer satisfaction across the region. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury importer-dealers have invested in facilities and network expansion projects especially in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Further efforts aimed at delivering the perfect service and ownership experience of a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle include extensive and continuous technical training of dealership personnel and genuine parts availability at competitive prices.
Ford dealers in most GCC markets also have established stand-alone maintenance and light repair facilities, the Quality Care Service Centers (QCSC), in convenient locations for customers. These centres provide for quick, cost-effective service for routine services and minor repairs.
Reaching Out To Local Communities
Just as Henry Ford invested in his employees and communities, this principle of reaching out to make the world a better place continues at Ford today with programmes like the Ford Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants. A global initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable environmental projects and greater local awareness of environmental and conservation issues, the Ford Grants have donated millions of dollars over 20 years, to assist the work of countless dedicated volunteers across more than 50 countries across Asia, Europe, Middle East and South America.
More than half a million dollars have been granted to fund about 70 non-profit environmental initiatives in the Middle East since the programme debuted in the region in 2000. This year the Grants celebrate their sixth year in the GCC and Levant countries.
Ford At the Middle East International Motor Show
Visitors to the Ford stand (Hall 3) will see various all-new models from the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands making their regional debut at this year's Middle East International Motorshow.
Speed and muscle car lovers will be delighted to see the legendary Ford GT return in its production version. The Ford Mustang appears as part of Ford's youth driven lineup also featuring Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo ST220. The all-new 2006 version of the Ford Explorer SUV also debuts with impressive upgrades inside out.
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Show visitors will see substantial changes and additions to Lincoln and Mercury. The all-new 2006 version of the Mountaineer SUV is flanked by the all-new Milan mid-size sedan and Monterey minivan, adding a new dimension to the Mercury lineup. As for Lincoln, the luxury range will see the addition of two all-new models: the mid-size entry model, Zephyr, and the highly acclaimed luxury pickup truck, the Mark LT.
Ford Middle East's stand features: Ford Fiesta, Focus, Mondeo, Mustang, GT, Crown Victoria, Escape, Explorer, Expedition, Ranger, F-150; Lincoln Zephyr, LS, Town Car, Navigator, Mark LT; Mercury Milan, Grand Marquis, Monterey, Mountaineer.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With nearly 325,000 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 and Hertz. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
Ford Motor Company’s history in the Middle East goes back more than 50 years. The company’s local importer-dealers operate more than 40 facilities in the GCC and directly employ more than 3,500 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals.
