FORD Middle East revealed on Oct. 30 three of its iconic products ahead of the 2017 Dubai International Motorshow, with the new-generation 2018 Ford Expedition, as well as the new 2018 Ford Mustang and new 2018 F-150 making their regional debut. The three-model announcement further reinforces Ford’s commitment to deliver 30 products by 2020 across the MEA.

Held under the theme #FordMovesME, the event served as a curtain raiser for the company’s activities leading up to show, setting the tone for a dynamic cadence of products and technologies, while reinforcing Ford’s continued drive to deliver products and services that will help move consumers well into the next era of mobility.

“As our CEO Jim Hackett said last month, Ford Motor Company was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress. It’s a belief that has always fueled our passion to create great cars and trucks,” said Thierry Sabbagh, Ford Middle East’s managing director. “And today’s launches epitomize this culture of freedom of movement.

“We are proud to present this strong line-up of Ford’s top three legendary nameplates. These models have not only created their segments, but they continue to set the benchmark and reinforce our commitment to delivering what our customers here in the Middle East want,” Sabbagh added.

The new generation 2018 Ford Expedition charges into the Middle East, promising to redefine the full-sized SUV segment with its all-new design inside and out, its unique smart technologies, more power for drivers, and more expected towing capability than any other full-sized SUV. The new generation 2018 Ford Expedition is the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever.

Powered by a second-generation 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine with standard Auto Start-Stop plus a class exclusive new 10-speed automatic transmission, the new-generation Expedition is the most powerful Expedition ever, offering up to 400 horsepower on Platinum models along with a whopping 610Nm of torque.

The new-generation Expedition’s Terrain Management System has up to 7 drive modes including a Sand Mode, paired with a two-speed transfer case with low gear range and a rear electronic limited-slip differential that allows a full differential lock, offering excellent off-road capability.

The 2018MY Expedition also offers the best-in class leg room as well as hip room in both the second and third row seats.

With a sleeker design, more advanced technology and even more muscle, the 2018 Mustang – the most advanced Mustang ever – promises to wow car lovers at this year’s Dubai International Motor Show.

A host of improvements including new technology and design changes give owners ways to customize Mustang to their preferences even better performance from more powerful engines, delivering 460 horsepower on the GT (570 Nm torque), and 310 horsepower on the EcoBoost turbo engine (475 Nm torque). The new 2018 Mustang also offers the new 10-speed auto transmission on all models with an upgraded manual on the GT.

Customers have more ways than ever to personalize Mustang to make it their own, with new paint colors, a variety of wheel choices and its new optional 12-inch customizable digital instrument cluster which it receives from the legendary Ford GT supercar.

Ford’s new F-150 debuts for 2018 even tougher, smarter, and more capable than ever – with the most advanced F-150 powertrain line-up ever that delivers best-in-class towing and payload for the Middle East’s pickup drivers.

The new F-150 has best-in-class towing (up to six ton) thanks to the 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 and enhanced 5.0-litre V8, respectively.

For 2018, the new truck arrives with bold new styling, advanced technologies, a segment-first 10-speed automatic transmission and F-150’s most advanced engine line-up yet. F-150 is part of Ford’s F-Series truck line-up – America’s best-selling truck for 40 consecutive years and its best-selling vehicle for 35 years.

“Today, more than ever, Ford is connected with its customers here in the Middle East,” added Sabbagh. “We continue to help move customers with leading innovations, technologies, mobility solutions, and exceptional products like the iconic full size SUV Expedition, muscle car Mustang, and pickup truck legend F-150 and we can’t wait to have them in Ford dealerships around our region.”

Ford’s latest range for 2018 will be on display at the Dubai International Motor Show on Nov. 14-18. 2017. — SG