AUTO CONNEXION REGISTERS POSITIVE GROWTH FOR FORD VEHICLES
2010-02-19 16:13:25 Author: admin Source:
The Ford brand is making its presence felt in the Malaysian market once again. Ford Motor Company and its sole distributor, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion, reported sales of 1,826 units in 2009, registering a year-on-year sales volume increase of 10 percent versus 2008. Strong sales of the Ford Focus and Ford Ranger pickup delivered better-than-expected results against the global economic and industry challenges of 2009.
"We are proud of Ford's 2009 performance and the brand’s success in continuing to drive the business forward. At Ford, we believe in living up to our promise to deliver a better ownership experience to customers. Last year’s performance clearly testifies that Malaysian consumers continue to appreciate the quality, style and affordability of Ford’s world-class product line-up,” said John L Fitzpatrick, Director of Ford Export & Growth.
“Our partnership with Sime Darby Auto ConneXion has been a key driver to Ford’s success in Malaysia. Sime Darby continues to improve Ford’s brand strength in market and provides outstanding value to our customers,” continued Fitzpatrick.
Last year, Ford launched or refreshed five models in Malaysia, including Ranger, Focus, Escape, Mondeo and Everest.
The tough Ford Ranger truck remained the top selling nameplate in the Ford product portfolio in Malaysia, with full-year sales of 1,481 units – a 30 percent increase from 2008. This reflects the consumer confidence in the Ranger in terms of durability, flexibility and reliability, and the TDCi diesel engine. The 4x4 XLT Auto/Manual and 4x4 base platforms make the vehicle ideal for a wide range of both street and industrial driving, be it for work or pleasure.
In addition, the sales of the Ford Focus also surged by 40 percent. While the vehicle has always been acclaimed for its driving quality, the recently refreshed Focus features new kinetic design, an enhanced interior and continues to resonate with discerning customers seeking power and performance in their cars.
The refreshed Ford Escape SUV also achieved an impressive sales increase of 74 percent. It continues to appeal to Malaysian drivers who prefer a genuine SUV featuring an array of design enhancements, with modern tough styling and performance without compromising its driving comfort. Its popularity and appeal were reaffirmed when it was named the Best SUV at the 2009 ASEAN AUTOCAR Awards.
The latest edition to the passenger model line-up, the Ford Mondeo, launched December 2009, has been well-received by the market. The award-winning vehicle has the largest cabin and trunk capacity in its class. It is spacious, equipped with a comfortable and luxurious interior, 6-speed automatic transmission, seven airbags and features that are top-of-its-class.
Ford was also recognized as the best comeback brand in Malaysia at the 2009 Asian Auto – VCA Auto Industry Awards, where Sime Darby Auto ConneXion was commended for introducing a constant stream of new and better products at competitive prices.
Ford will continue to expand its investment in new products with more new launches in 2010, starting with Focus TDCi in February and the incredibly popular Fiesta later in the year.
“The Ford Fiesta will be an important addition to Sime Darby Auto ConneXion’s core product portfolio. Fiesta is a proven world-class vehicle, and we expect it to have continued success in what has been the fastest-growing segment in Malaysia," enthused Fitzpatrick.
The new Fiesta is the first in a wave of stylish global vehicles being developed under the ONE Ford plan. It is a bold, sexy, dynamic and stylish vehicle that features Kinetic Design cues based on Ford’s proven expertise in small car handling and dynamics. Since its launch in Europe in October 2008, the Ford Fiesta has received nearly 80 awards globally, including some very significant ones here in the Asia Pacific region.
The global Fiesta will be produced at Ford's new US$500 million passenger car facility at AutoAlliance Thailand in Rayong, and will be launched in Malaysia as well as other ASEAN markets later this year.
Sime Darby Auto ConneXion 
