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 percent more this year. In the Kingdom, this trend was similar, with an overall 43 per cent growth, and a 54 percent increase in trucks and SUV sales. Best sellers were: the Ford Edge (up 138 percent); Expedition (up by 113 percent); Expedition EL (up by 73 percent); Explorer (up by 106 percent); Lincoln MKX (up by 25 percent). Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford-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 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 Ford lineup now offers unprecedented diversity which will attract new customers to our dealerships.” 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. 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'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. 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.
