The all-new Ford Explorer is Saudi auto’s 4x4 of the Year

The all-new Ford Explorer recently added another accolade to its growing list of awards as it received the “4x4 of the Year” title from Saudi Auto, one of the region's leading and Saudi Arabia’s premier car publications. 

The all-new Ford Explorer bested other competitive models to win the “2012 Saudi Auto 4x4 of the Year” title. The contenders for the award were assessed by the Saudi Auto jury panel based on five criteria – value, practicality, durability, off-road capability and technology. 

“Since its launch, the all-new model of the Explorer has seen recognitions and praise from industry leaders as well as customers, and the addition of the Saudi Auto 4x4 of the Year title is another testament to the success of this superior product,” said Larry Prein, Ford Middle East's managing director. “This is yet another solid proof that our One Ford plan is delivering on its promise to provide vehicles that customers want, with industry-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technologies.” 

Bakur Azher, Editor-in-Chief of Saudi Auto said: “The Ford Explorer blends power, modern design and industry-leading technologies as well as safety, performance and unlimited luxury. The Explorer scored the highest on all fronts: design, safety, comfort, performance, and is worthy of this title from among the other competitors in its category. It offers Ford customers a series of standard features that compete with the more expensive luxury SUVs." 

The all-new Ford Explorer has received various honours and recognitions, including the coveted North American Truck of the Year award for 2011, while its innovative and industry-first rear inflatable seat belt technology won the 2011 Best New Technology Award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada and has been named a Breakthrough Product Award winner by Popular Mechanics. It was also named as among Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com 2011 Top 10 Family Cars. 

Ford Explorer fully-reinvented

Here in the Middle East, Ford launched the all-new Ford Explorer October last year showcasing its off-roading capabilities with its new Terrain Management System, improved driving dynamics, segment-exclusive technologies, and segment-leading safety innovations. 

The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine enables class-leading highway fuel economy while delivering a segment-leading 290hp (net). Featuring technologies such as twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), a six-speed automatic transmission, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff, Explorer also offers a wind-skimming aerodynamic shape to maximize fuel economy. 

The all-new Ford Explorer has been reinvented to reflect 21st century customer needs, while honoring the fully capable heritage of previous Explorer models over the past two decades.