MANILA, Philippines - It was a turbulence-free “flight” as Ford Group Philippines, led by its “Captain” Rick Baker (a.k.a. FGP president), unveiled their new and much, more luxurious Expedition and Club Wagon 2009 models replete with models cum flight attendants at the posh CAV resto-bar at High Street inside Fort Bonifacio Global City last Friday.
True enough, the 2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL, which has a retail price of P3.099 million, and Ford E-150 Club Wagon (P1.86 million) displayed a genuine business class experience, with both full-sized Ford vehicles promising the smoothest and safest rides yet.
“We all know what it’s like to fly business class – it’s the details that make the trip truly special. Today’s business class customers are very discerning, and the new 2009 Ford Expedition and Club Wagon have been upgraded to meet the demands for higher levels of appointment, comfort and convenience,” said Baker.
“The Ford brand has always been about creating vehicles that meet the requirements of our diverse customer needs. Since 1998 when the first Ford Expedition was brought to the Philippines, this full-sized SUV has become the iconic transportation for the nation’s movers and shakers – people who demand the safest and most comfortable transportation for themselves and their families,” he explained.
The 2009 Ford Expedition EL has added 14.8 inches in overall length that provides an additional 24 cubic feet of cargo space, features an E85-capable, 300-hp engine, and is equipped with Ford’s award-winning SYNC connectivity technology. It also features top-of-the-line luxury standard equipment, including a reverse-gear camera, SOS post crash alert, Easy Fuel capless fuel system, and rain-sensing wipers.
”The Ford E-150 Club Wagon has been America’s best-selling full-sized van for 28 years, and we’re thrilled that it’s returning to the Philippine market,” said Baker.
The 2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL combines bold Ford truck design, functionality and toughness with high levels of interior refinement for consumers who want the flexibility of a full-size SUV.
The Easy Fuel capless fuel system eliminates the inconvenience of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after fueling, and can also help prevent emissions from escaping.
Other new standard features include an anti-theft perimeter alarm system. Standard rain-sensing wipers use an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain is falling and consequently, determine when to activate windshield wipers and their speed.
Technology upgrades on the 2009 Expedition help keep customers connected with the introduction of Ford SYNC. Developed in partnership with Microsoft, Ford SYNC is a voice-activated, customizable multimedia system that fully integrates Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.
The new Expedition is powered by a 5.4-liter Triton Flex0Fuel V-8 engine. E-85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), a new standard feature in 2009, gives consumers more options at the pump.
“This new flex fuel offering will provide a key benefit to customers who desire E-85 capability in a vehicle with the functional attributes that only a full-size SUV can provide,” said Steven Tan, Ford Group Philippines Vice President for Marketing and Sales.
With three valves per cylinder and variable cam timing, the 5.4-liter engine delivers a balance of refinement and muscle. Rated at 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, the Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds, for the best tow rating in its class.
The Triton engine is paired with a standard class-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission. With a wide 6.02:1 gear ratio and two overdrive gears (fifth and sixth), Expedition’s six-speed transmission has smaller steps between gears than a typical four-speed automatic and offers improved shift quality, faster acceleration and improved fuel economy.
“A lot of thought and energy also went into the design and flow of the interior components,” added Tan. “Every button and switch was purposefully and ergonomically placed with an astute attention to detail.”
One of those buttons controls the Powerfold third-row seat. The Powerfold can be folded flat for cargo space by the simple touch of a button. The second row features one-lever action 40/20/40-split seats that also fold flat, providing either extra cargo room or easier access to the third row seats. And if a front-seat passenger needs to reach back to the second row, a sliding center section can be moved forward up to 11 inches, providing easy access to the second row.
The 2000 Expedition was the first full-size SUV to earn five-star front safety NCAP ratings for the driver and passenger from the North America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recognition it has maintained every year since 2000. This nine-year run on five-star ratings sets Expedition apart as best in its class. The Expedition was also designed to meet all known future government crash standards.
Ford’s sophisticated AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) is standard on the Expedition. Unlike competitors’ systems, Ford’s system utilizes two gyroscopic roll rate sensors to accurately measure the vehicle’s yaw and roll angles. If the roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle, the system applies additional countermeasures – such as applying brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power – to help the driver maintain control.
The 2009 Expedition’s new safety feature is the standard SOS post-crash alert system, where the horn and emergency flashers are activated in an airbag deployment event. Other safety features include Safety Canopy side-curtain air bags, rollover detection system and dual-stage front airbags that deploy with varying power based on crash severity, the driver’s seat position and safety-belt usage. Seat-mounted front side airbags provide extra protection in the event of a side impact.
The 2009 Ford E-150 Club Wagon, on the other hand, provides the discerning Filipino with maximum space and the highest levels of safety. It features a front leather quad Captain’s chair with a six-way power driver’s seat, a remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed control, privacy glass, special two-tone exterior paint, 16-inch forged-aluminum wheels, overhead console with temperature compass and running boards.
The 2009 Ford E-150 has a tougher, more functional interior that better reflects its exterior design. Updates include a more user-friendly instrument panel, new engine cover console and door trim panels with more storage.
The Ford E-150 is equipped with 4.6-liter engine capable of running on E85, pure gasoline or any blend in between – a segment first. Its engine is designed to meet 2010 emissions standards.
Ford’s AdvanceTrac with RSC is standard on the 2009 E-150 Club Wagon powered by the Triton 5.4-liter V-8. Conventional stability control systems are designed to help a driver maintain control and avoid fishtailing or spinning out. While some systems can help reduce the potential for rollover, these conventional systems do not directly measure a vehicle’s roll motion or the side-to-side tilting that can occur during an accident-avoidance maneuver.
Ford’s Roll Stability Control rises to the next level by responding to the potential of a rollover, in addition to helping a driver avoid fishtailing or spinning out. Ford’s system marries sophisticated electronics and advanced software to mitigate the chances of a rollover during an extreme maneuver.
Ford E-150 also comes standard with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).The system mounts a sensor in each wheel that monitors tire pressure. When the system senses that a tire is low on pressure, it sends a signal to the computer that lights a warning lamp on the dash.
All rear center position occupants now have seat-integrated three-point safety restraints. A driver and front passenger airbag provides protection in frontal collision while side-door intrusion beams provide additional protection in certain side collisions.
Other safety equipment includes ABS, reverse sensors, and a factory-installed integrated trailer brake controller that allows direct operation of the trailer’s electronic brakes.
Four new exterior colors are available for the E-150 Club Wagon: Oxford White, Royal Red, Dark Blue Pearl and Black Clear coat.