Despite Crisis, Ford Unveils Longer SUV
Despite the economic slowdown and fuel price swings, Ford Group Philippines recently launched its 2009 Expedition that is 14 inches longer than the previous model.
Those extra inches cost P100,000 as the 2009 Expedition Eddie Bauer Extended Length version carries a sticker price of P3.099 million, a Ford Philippines official said yesterday.
The previous Expedition models sell for a little less than P3 million.
“The launching of the 2009 Expedition affirms the belief of Ford in the future of the Philippine market, and we are here for the long haul,” the official said.
The Expedition has chalked up sales of 8,000 units since its introduction in Manila in 1997.
Ford Group was banking on the vehicle’s sales track record, family-friendly features, ample cargo space, and tank-like reliability to rack up more sales and do much better than its North American counterparts, the source said.
Also known as the Expedition Max in Canada and Mexico, the 2009 Expedition EL is equipped with the Triton V8, 24-valve, 5-liter engine, the kind that some motorists call powerful but gasoline-hungry.
The new Expedition is capable of running on a blend of gasoline and ethanol— fuel derived from plants—as its engine has been built using Ford’s flex fuel technology.
Ford wantede to highlight its “green technology,” so it was not bringing in the diesel variants available in other markets overseas, the official said.
Ford is offering a special service package for buyers of the 2009 Expedition EL, with an eye on politicians and fleet buyers. This package allows a buyer to customize the units or install gears and equipment such as light bars and blinkers, communication system and body armor, among other things.
Built in Ford’s truck plant in Louisville, Kentucky, the new Expedition is pitted against other full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban (P3.395 million) and the Toyota Land Cruiser (P3 million to P5 million).
Dino Ray Directo III, Manila Standard
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