August 2014 August | Page 59

Ford Goes Further offer vehicles here that our customers want and value.” Vehicle sales in the MEA are expected to grow by 40 percent by the end of the decade to 5.5 million vehicles. To attain a dedicated focus and to support the diversity of the markets, Middle East and Africa is now being managed in two sub-regions - South Africa and SubSaharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa. Park Assist, Active City Stop, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear View Camera, Lane-Keeping System, the awardwinning rear inflatable seat belt safety system, and the expansion of EcoBoost drivetrain options. See more by visiting www.abrbuzz.co.za and clicking on the picture gallery While regional operations are headquartered in Dubai, Ford maintains regional offices in both South Africa and Dubai. “The new business unit will give the region the focus it deserves and help spearhead Ford’s continued growth in emerging markets. Africa is one of the youngest markets in the world, and there is an opportunity to provide an affordable product for the people of the continent,” he added. Ford currently sells about 200,000 vehicles a year throughout the Middle East and Africa. ➲ Jim Benintende ➲ Jeff Nemeth Go Further is Ford’s Sub-Saharan Africa is a massive opportunity brand promise for growth “South Africa remains our engine of growth for the continent, and moving forward, Sub-Saharan Africa will be a key market for Ford,” said Nemeth. “Our vision is to become the first choice for mobility in Africa, and our event underscores our commitment to serve customers throughout Africa.” At the event, amongst a dizzying array of current and future models, FMCSA showed off new models that are destined for African shores, including the new Focus, Fusion, Ranger XL-Plus, Transit and Tourneo Connect, and the much anticipated Mustang. The Go Further event reinforces Ford’s brand promise and it has already been held in Australia, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. With nearly 1 000 media, stakeholders, suppliers and VIPs in attendance, a strong message was imparted and the future was outlined, including new technologies such as SYNC with AppLink, SYNC 2, Active ➲ Moray Callum ➲ Mark Kaufman Ford design gives the driver an emotional connection | words in action 57 august 2014 Ford Sync sets Ford apart Ford goes further Benintende emphasised that priorities include supporting Ford’s dealer network throughout the Middle East and Africa to service customer needs.