FORD and Lincoln sales in the Middle East closed 2012 on a high note, breaking the 75,000-unit barrier, the US-based carmaker said. The sales, representing a 10 percent year on year growth, were boosted by a 42 percent jump in deliveries in the last quarter of the year, a statement said. Larry Prein, Ford Middle East's managing director, said he was confident that the momentum will be equally strong for 2013. Kuwait posted a positive growth owed largely to the strong sales of trucks and SUVs which registered a 56 percent growth versus 2011, he said in the statement. “2012 has truly been a landmark year for Ford in the region,” Prein said. “We continued to drive growth aggressively across our markets thanks to the great new products we've introduced lately, and the tremendous support we've seen from our dealers. “In the last quarter we've gained momentum as our supply got better.” In Saudi Arabia, overall sales were flat year on year. However, excluding the impact of the Crown Victoria discontinuation, sales of the remaining vehicles grew by nearly 30 percent, the statement added. Ford also saw growth in other GCC markets where sales recorded an increase of 107 percent in Qatar, 42 percent in Oman and 48 percent in Bahrain. In the UAE, total Ford and Lincoln sales posted growth of 55 percent in 2012 where passenger cars recorded a 38 percent growth. Best sellers included the Taurus, Mustang, Fusion and Ford's new Figo. Meanwhile, trucks and SUVs registered a 55 percent increase, driven by increased demand on Edge, Escape, Explorer, Expedition and F-Series trucks. Prein said: “We are confident that... we will set yet another record performance in the Middle East.” — SG
