DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, 11 October, 2008 - Middle East sales of FordFord, Mercury and Lincoln products January to September 2008 are up by nearly one third over last year, registering a record performance for Ford Middle EastFord 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); Mercury Mountaineer (up by 73 per cent).

FordFord expects the popularity over its utility vehicles to grow further, with the introduction of the all-new 2009 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 innovative new full-size, 7-passenger crossover offering from FordFord that has been making waves in North America since its introduction just a few months back. It has distinctive and daring design coupled with a stylish interior, a smart package and unmatched technology including SYNC, the new FordFord-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 FordFord vehicles as the new provocative Flex is here," said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle EastFord Middle East's director of Sales. "The Flex is like nothing else on the road, and it defies being categorized. It is going to appeal to a group of customers who feel absolutely the same way about themselves. We are excited with this new addition as the FordFord lineup now offers unprecedented diversity which will attract new customers to our dealerships."

Flexing its Character

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

In a world of automobiles that are easy to categorize, Flex is difficult to define and polarizing. Embracing that enigmatic nature was the key breakthrough in the design process, according to Peter Horbury, executive director, Design, The Americas.

"Flex is a radical departure," Horbury said. "At first we were uncomfortable with the way Flex could polarize, but its ability to compel an opinion, good or bad, was fascinating. It inspired us forward with courage to create a breakthrough design."

Flex's prominent stance is a key design element setting it apart from all other vehicles. Park Ford Flex next to an SUV or a typical crossover. The proportions are immediately surprising.

Capping the horizontal design cues in bold contrast is the unique roof of the new Ford Flex. Available in two colors, White Suede or Brilliant Silver, the roof contrasts stylishly with the Flex exterior paint palette.

The Flex's multi-panel Vista Roof adds even more distinction. Available on SEL and Limited models, the Vista Roof has four glass panels to provide abundant natural light to occupants of all three rows of passengers. The forward panel is a moonroof that opens to let in fresh air.

Style, Luxury and Space for Individuality

The exterior design of the Flex creates interest, but it's the surprising space and comfort for seven, the elegant, upscale style and clever flexibility of the interior that will magnetically keep people in the new Flex.

"We wanted the interior to be a place of contemporary, relaxed style - somewhere you could feel very comfortable, yet involved and connected," said Anthony Prozzi, chief interior designer. "The interior presents an environment that is radically different. You'll notice the improvement in materials, the appointments and the general appearance of the car. Even the way you interact with the car will be different because of all the new technology we're introducing." 

Smart Features for the Demanding Lifestyle
Flex is packed with innovative, class-leading technology solutions that seek to empower, not overpower the driver.

• FordFord SYNC ™, the FordFord-exclusive, voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system.

• Sony audio system that features 700 watts of power, 5.1 surround sound and 10 speakers is certified by Sony to deliver a unique, rich listening experience.

• EasyFuel™ capless fuel filler. This exclusive feature saves time by replacing a fuel-filler cap and provides a better seal, reducing the release of smog-forming vapors.

• Class-exclusive refrigerated console. Mounted between the second-row captain's chairs, the available compressor-driven refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles from room temperature to 5°C in a little more than two-and-a-half hours - 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.

• Ambient Lighting. Flex owners can program any of seven different interior lighting colors to fit their mood. With this feature, customers can change the lighting on two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on the front console, footwells and around the two front cupholders. 

Flex is powered by FordFord's award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 262 NET hp at 6,250 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of NET torque at 4,500 rpm, mated to a fuel-efficient, advanced 6-speed automatic transmission that uses a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio to deliver good fuel economy of up to 24 mpg highway, which is equal to or better than many of our competitors, and outstanding performance.

Flex's available intelligent all-wheel-drive system is tuned to provide confident driving in all weather conditions. By constantly monitoring and predicting traction, the system can deliver torque to all four wheels, even before the wheels begin to slip. An active, on-demand electronic center coupler can allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear - up to 100 percent to either axle. Paired with standard Advance Trac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control), intelligent AWD can transfer torque front to rear and side to side.

Some of the most advanced safety technology available today is standard on Flex, including FordFord's SPACE architecture, AdvanceTrac with RSC system, the Personal Safety System, the Safety Canopy side curtain airbag system, anti-lock brakes and more.

Flex is manufactured to the highest quality standards at FordFord's Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.

The Ford Utility Vehicles Family: The most diversified offering in the Middle East

FordFord prides itself in the extensive lineup of world-class utility vehicles that it brings to its Middle Eastern customers with seven distinctive products from all segments, including: the Edge, Flex, Escape, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition and Expedition EL. Currently, no other manufacturer matches the diversity of the FordFord lineup in the Middle East which enjoys more than 60-years of heritage in the region.

-Ends-

About FordFord Motor Company
Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through FordFord Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding FordFord's products, please visit www.ford.com.  

Ford Motor CompanyFord 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 over 4,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals. For more information on Ford Middle EastFord Middle East, please visit www.me.ford.com  

Ford Middle EastFord Middle East is also a responsible corporate citizen in the region, with the Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company Conservation & Environmental Grants, a grass-root level program that has offered nearly USD700,000 in grants to about 90 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000. For more information, please visit www.ford-environmentalgrants.com

Sue Nigoghossian
Ford Middle EastFord Middle East Public Affairs
971-50-454-3640
971-4-3327767
snigogho@ford.com

Rami Halawani
Asda'a
971-50-655-8750
971-4-335-5969
r.halawani@asdaa.com

Chloe Martinez
Asda'a
971-50-544-8536
971-4-335-5969
c.c.martinez@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008 from ASDA'A Public Relations

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