Ford of Europe's product portfolio is expanding again ? and in another new direction. The new Ford Kuga is an exciting 4WD crossover that combines style with technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability.

The new Ford Kuga will go on sale throughout Europe during the first half of 2008. "When we unveiled the stunning iosis X Concept car at the 2006 Paris Motor Show I promised that in less than two years we would enter this segment with an all-new vehicle developed and built in-house," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"In delivering that promise, the commitment we also gave in Paris two years ago to add new and exciting niche vehicles to a newly energised Ford of Europe portfolio was also kept," Fleming added.

"Kuga offers a rare blend of a wagon and SUV features together with coup?-like sporting qualities," said Stephen Odell, Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

"A major element of our strategy to return the Ford of Europe business to sustained profitability is the introduction of exciting new products ? like Kuga ? that attract new customers to the brand," explained Odell. "The S-MAX proved to us that there is demand for vehicles which offer the customer universal usability for work, leisure and family roles and where "driving pleasure" is also very important."