Ford plans to take Asia-Pacific markets with launch of its redesigned Everest

This latest model, which Ford claims is groundbreaking in terms of technology and capability, will be available in Thailand next year. 

“The new Ford Everest is an exceptionally versatile vehicle, equally prepared for the everyday commute as it is for the most extreme off-road terrain,” said Dave Schoch, president of Ford Asia-Pacific. “Everest’s unique blend of tough capability and exceptional comfort is going to resonate with drivers across Asia-Pacific and around the world.” Ford clearly recognises the significant growth in the demand for SUVs globally, and in its press release it highlighted the statistics – there has been an 88-per-cent surge in the demand for sport-utilities globally and it is expected to continue growing in the coming years. 

Hence meeting the competitive edge has become one of Ford’s strategic focuses. In recent years, sales of SUVs rose from 17 per cent of total Ford sales in 2012 to 23 per cent last year. The auto giant is confident that this figure will grow to 29 per cent by 2020. 

 

Huge resources 

This also explains the huge resources that have been put into Ford Everest, to ensure it sets a new benchmark in the SUV segment. 

One of the vehicle’s key selling points is a terrain-management system, which is technologically far superior to those of its competitors. 

Since the SUV is designed to be able to tackle all kinds of weather and environment, its terrain-management system has four settings – normal; snow/gravel/grass; sand; and rock. 

These settings alter the vehicle’s throttle response, transmission, intelligent four-wheel-drive system and traction control so the driver can confidently tackle any situation. 

Other advanced features include adaptive cruise control, SYNC 2 integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system, and a first in this segment, “curve control”. There is also a “lane-keeping aid” and “blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert”.

“Taking advantage of our global design and development expertise, and our proud heritage in the utility segment, we’ve created a vehicle that goes far beyond customer expectations,” said Trevor Worthington, vice president of Ford Asia-Pacific.