Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
FORD’s first ever crossover utility vehicle makes its Gulf debut, creating excitement among the youth, with orders pre-sold across various markets.
Ford Edge enjoyed a monthly hike of 37 per cent in the US in March.
Ford’s all-new crossover utility vehicle, the 2007 Edge, has made its long-awaited debut across the region recently, creating exceptional popularity and interest among the younger customers.
The new model enjoyed similar response in the US market, where Edge sales there rose 37 per cent in March, to nearly 11,000 units, outselling its nearest competitors, combined. The CUV is expected to be equally successful in the Middle East.
Edge is equipped with an all-new 286-horsepower 3.5L V-6 engine and class-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. The powerful engine features a strong, lightweight, die-cast aluminum block and lightweight 4-valve-per-cylinder heads for smooth operation at high rpm.
The Edge also boasts a number of design innovations, such as the three-bar chromed grille and its class-exclusive panoramic Vista Roof, which allows passengers to view the sky above while enjoying the ride.
Its standard advanced safety features include the Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control, Personal Safety System, front-seat side airbags and Safety Canopy.
Hussein Murad, sales and marketing director, Ford Middle East, said: “Before it even arrived in the region, Edge piqued the curiosity of young people here. The first reaction of the GCC youth segment was that of excitement, particularly with Edge’s powerful engine and bold design as well as looks. This means that our youth communications strategy has yielded expected results, with Edge helping us attract new customers.”
In the US, the Edge has been enjoying brisk sales since its introduction in January, with a total of 24,478 units for the first quarter. In Canada, too, the Ford Edge continues to top its own sales numbers month after month.
Mr Murad expects similarly brisk sales in the GCC. “Already,” he said, “Edge is starting to make waves here, with orders pre-sold, and our dealers are very much excited about the new model.”
In keeping with its youthful appeal, the Edge’s designers provided such features as a large centre console with a removable divider, meaning that space can be organised both vertically and horizontally, accommodating everything from laptops to handbags to iPods. There is also a segment-first MP3 audio jack. Small slots molded into the side of the console keep phone and MP3 cords neat and organised.
“The arrival of Edge, Sport Trac and the new Escape has strengthened Ford’s position as the brand with the largest and most diverse utility vehicle line up offered in the Middle East,” said Mr Murad.
