Ford, Lincoln and Mercury retail sales grew by 21 per cent in the Middle East during the first half of 2008, setting a record performance for the three brands across the region.
Led by a strong surge in Ford utility vehicle sales (up by nearly 50 per cent), the results show an increased consumer preference across the range and Ford believes this trend would get stronger with the launch of the all-new 2009 Ford Flex full-size crossover in the next quarter.
In UAE the trend was similar with an increase of 25 per cent.
"While the US market is witnessing a downturn in SUV sales, Ford has a success story in the Middle East where we see considerable growth across our utility vehicle range," said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East's Sales and Marketing director.
"Ford now offers an extensive and diverse lineup of utility vehicles with six distinctive models to suit various consumer needs. And with the upcoming launch of the all-new 2009 Ford Flex full-size crossover, we are confident the growth trend will go stronger as we bring yet another innovative product to the region."