MANILA, Philippines — Ford Philippines is poised to continue strong retail performance with the recent launch of two new vehicles at the recently concluded 15th Manila International Auto Show, or MIAS.
The best-in-class, all-new, all-aluminum Expedition and the sportier than ever convertible Mustang were unveiled at the expansive Ford booth at MIAS 2018, which was in April at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
Bert Lessard, Ford Philippines managing director, said in his welcoming remarks that “2017 was another year of milestone for Ford, in which we celebrated our fifth consecutive year of record sales, rising 9 percent (or) up to 36,633 vehicles.”
To sustain its momentum this year, Ford went big at the MIAS with the official unveiling of the all-new Expedition and new Mustang.
Enhancements, redesign for Expedition
The all-aluminum Ford Expedition. Philstar.com/Erwin Cagadas
“The Ford Expedition has been one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world,” said Rodel Gallega, Ford Philippines vice president for marketing and sales, who then cited the exciting, new features of the full SUV.
It starts with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 Engine that delivers 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-foot torque at 3,000 rpm. The engine is mated with a 10-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission, making this Expedition the most powerful to date.
For better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, it carries the Auto Start-Stop Technology that switches the engine off while keeping the air-conditioning, audio system and exterior lighting functioning when stopped in traffic.
For improved maneuverability and handling, there is the improved intuitive Driver-Selectable Terrain Management System that helps the driver adapt to different road conditions and driving dynamics.
In an interview with Philstar.com, Lessard underscored the all-new Expedition’s all-aluminum-alloy body. “We have an all-aluminum vehicle in the F-150, the best-selling pickup truck in North America. This engineering has been there for nine years and we are finally putting it in the all-new Expedition,” he said.
The result is a vehicle that is stronger and safer while being 300 pounds lighter, complemented by a fully boxed high-strength steel frame.
This is matched by a bolder redesign that comes in a raised power dome hood, body-colored front bumper, an Expedition accent trim, LED tail lamps, chrome door handles and aluminum mags, among others.
“Allow me to say that it’s beautiful, and the inside is as nice to see as the exteriors,” Lessard said.
On the inside, the Expedition has a panoramic vista roof for natural lighting, a spacious cabin that fits up to eight passengers, an adaptable Cargo Management System, and the SYNC 3 system that controls built-in navigation, entertainment system, climate controls and mobile device connectivity.
Asked how they expect the all-new Expedition to perform in the Philippine market, Lessard answered: “We are very confident because, as you can see, it’s totally redesigned inside and out. It has a better engine, and it is a lighter vehicle with the all-aluminum body. We are the only one to have this.”
The Mustang Convertible is here
Besides the convertible, two new Mustang fastbacks also enter the picture. Philstar.com/Erwin Cagadas
“We introduced the Mustang brand in the Philippines back in 2012. From then on, the consumers and the enthusiasts embraced the brand. In 2015, we introduced the 50th Year Mustang, which became the leader of the segment. People love the Mustang because of its heritage, technology, its power and design,” said Prudz Castillo, assistant vice president for marketing at Ford Philippines.
For the first time since its entry into the country, the Ford Mustang will finally have a convertible available for Filipino consumers and enthusiasts.
The convertible comes with the iconic 5.0L V8 GT engine in two variants, a 10-speed automatic transmission and the 6-speed manual transmission.
Two new Mustang fastbacks also enter the picture with variants 2.3L EcoBoost 10-speed automatic transmission, or the 5.0L V8 GT 10-speed automatic transmission.
Anchored on its rich heritage, all four models offer an unmatched, powerful performance. Redesigned with the latest port-fuel and direct injection system, the 5.0L V8 GT engine packs 460 horsepower with 420 lb-ft torque. The 6-speed MT version of this engine is a first in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, four-cylinder 2.3-L EcoBoost engine has improved to crank 310 horsepower with 350 pound-feet of torque.
Both EcoBoost and V8 engines offer with the new 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission that delivers higher acceleration and improved responsiveness and performance. The AT also enables clutch-less, driver-controlled shifting with the steering wheel paddle shifters.
The new Mustang now conveys a more aggressive design. New on the hood are functional air extractor vents and lowered lines for a sleek, fluid look. This is accentuated by LED lights for fog lamps, head lamps, and tri-bar tail lamps.
From the front, the new Mustang has a low splitter accentuating its performance personality. Below it, an aerodynamic rear diffuser acting as wake modifier.
The new Mustang also has an updated interior that blends refined materials such as laminated acoustic windshields, steering wheel mounted cruise, audio and 5-way controls, and a fully customizable LCD display.
Completing the new Mustang’s enhancements are innovative technologies for smarter driving like the Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear View Camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
“We are expecting consumers and enthusiasts to flock to our showroom and see the new Ford Mustang,” Castillo said.
For more information on the new Expedition and Mustang, visit Ford dealerships or log on to https://www.ford.com.ph.