This year, Ford announced that it will launch 17 new or revamped models of Ford and Lincoln vehicles over the next two years to increase growth in the Middle East and Africa. The new selection will include the Ford Fusion sedan and the EcoSport, a small SUV which were introduced recently at the Dubai International Motor Show.
“The Middle East and Africa is poised to become one of the next big automotive growth markets and we want to be there for these customers with
great new cars and trucks,” Stephen Odell, president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa, said recently at the show.
“Ford and Lincoln sales have grown 60 percent in the Middle East over the past four years, and we expect total industry sales in the combined Middle East and Africa region to increase nearly 40 percent to around 5.5 million units by 2020.”
Two all-new vehicles made their Middle East debut this week at the show. The Ford EcoSport is a small sport utility vehicle that is based on Ford’s global B-segment platform and combines the affordability, agility and fuel efficiency of a small family car with the flexibility, style, and spaciousness of a sport utility vehicle.
The all-new Ford Fusion brings mid-size sedan customers an unprecedented selection of driver-assistance technologies, such as Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Information System, Active Park Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Middle Eastern customers also have an opportunity to see the Ford Atlas Concept, which made its premier outside of North America at the show in Dubai. The Atlas Concept aims to raise the bar on capability, fuel economy, and innovation, and pushes the limits of what a full-size pick-up can be.
In the meantime, Ford is combining the four regions of North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa and the Middle East into a single business unit.
All sales, share and financial reporting will be consolidated for the 47 Ford markets throughout the Middle East and Africa.
The new Ford Middle East and Africa operation – Ford’s fifth global business unit – will have its headquarters in Dubai.
Leading the new Ford Middle East and Africa region is Jim Benintende, a Ford employee of 36 years, who will oversee operations in all 47 markets.
