STRONG PRODUCTS, HIGH END TECHNOLOGIES, INDUSTRY LEADING QUALITY DRIVE FORD INTO FOCUS AT 2009 DUBAI MOTORSHOW

• Ford lineup features all-new and completely refreshed models, including the 2010 Ford Taurus, the Lincoln MKT 3-row luxury crossover and the mighty F-150 SVT Raptor ultimate off-roading truck
• Ford’s new high-performance, fuel-saving EcoBoost™ engine technology will power up to 1.3 million vehicles globally by 2013, and will be available in the Middle East beginning in the 2011 model year.
• Ford action on the stand includes: Live Mustang customization, Ford Mustang slot car races, 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor simulator challenge and opportunity to be on YouTube
• YTD sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury outperform regional industry average for 2009

Dubai, UAE, 16 December, 2009 – Visitors to the Ford stand (in Hall 3) at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show will have the chance to see the latest product offerings from Ford, Lincoln and Mercury for 2010, and participate in a host of exciting activities including racing games, live-customisations, wild simulator rides, live DJ music and competitions as well as fun opportunities to be on YouTube.

Year-to-date sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles outperformed the regional industry mean by 7 per cent at a time where the latter’s average was estimated to have dropped by nearly 20 per cent, according to Ford Middle East’s director of Sales, Hussein Murad.

The Ford passenger car line-up is led by the all-new 2010 Ford Taurus full-size sedan, which redefines what to expect from Ford’s future car portfolio – sophisticated, upscale design, segment-leading safety and quality, outstanding driving dynamics, class-exclusive technologies and great value. The new Taurus saw great response during its regional debut in this year’s GITEX, thanks to the host of high-end technologies that enable customer connectivity, while fulfilling desires for personalization, customization and control. Innovative technologies to help add convenience, safety and fuel efficiency have been introduced in many of Ford’s 2010 models.

Also on the stand is the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – the mighty off-roading truck from the world’s top truck and SUV manufacturer. The F-150 SVT Raptor boasts Ford’s new 6.2-liter V8 that features all-new architecture designed for robustness in a truck application, and delivers an estimated 400 net hp and 400 net lbs.-ft. of torque. The F-150 SVT Raptor suspension is a dream for the off-roading enthusiast, with 13.4 inches of usable travel in the rear suspension and 11.2 in the front. Those that want to have a taste of this super truck’s capability can have a go at the simulator ride on Ford’s stand in Hall 3.

For consumers with a taste for luxury, they can see the all-new full size 3-row luxury crossover, the Lincoln MKT. The Lincoln MKT is propelled by the 3.7-liter, 24-valve Duratec engine that delivers 268 hp and 267 ft.-lb. of torque.

Race car lovers can opt to challenge their gaming skills with the Ford Mustang slot car race, while fans of customisation can see for themselves, live on the Ford stand, how a Mustang is upfitted and personalized in no time. Also, those born with the natural desire to be on YouTube can be part of Ford Middle East’s YouTube Channel by answering a fun question on camera on the stand.

“Green” petrol heads are in for a real treat with a preview of Ford Motor Company’s award-winning EcoBoost™ engine display. EcoBoost™

is Ford’s new high-volume, affordable engine technology slated for a range of global vehicles – from small cars to large trucks. The new engine uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology to deliver superior driving performance versus larger displacement engines, while also achieving up to 20 percent better fuel economy and 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions.

 

Ford’s new high-performance, fuel-saving EcoBoost technology has made waves in the engineering community, with the 3.5-liter version contributing 125 new patents and patent applications. The additions build on Ford Motor Company’s current roster of 4,618 active US patents, with thousands more patent applications pending.

The new V6 engine recently also has been named to the Ward’s 2010 “10 Best Engines” honoree list further adding to Ford Motor Company’s accolades on Green technology.

Ford will introduce EcoBoost engines in its Middle East product lineup beginning in the 2011 model year on the Ford Taurus SHO, Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT. By 2013, this technology will power more than 1.3 million vehicles globally each year.

The Dubai International Motor Show takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and ends on December 20^th.

For more information, please visit me.ford.com or catch the Ford action on YouTube.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Ford Motor Company’s history in the Middle East goes back to over 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 East, please visit www.me.ford.com.

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 820,000 in grants to over 100 Middle Eastern environmental projects since 2000.

For more information on Ford Middle East, please visit www.me.ford.com or log on to our channel on YouTube located at www.youtube.com/user/fordmiddleast.

For more information, contact:

 

Sue Nigoghossian Chloe Martinez Chandan Belani

Ford Middle East ASDA’A B-M PR ASDA’A B-M PR

Mob: +971-50-454-3640 Mob: +971-50-544-8536 Mob: +971-50-506-8465

Tel: +971-4-332-7767 Tel: +971-4-3355969 Tel: +971-4-3355969
Email: snigogho@ford.com Email: c.martinez@asdaa.com Email: c.belani@asdaa.com