The new, re-designed 2007 Ford Expedition – which is expected shortly in the GCC and the region – is bolder, more comfortable and capable, and features more safety technology as standard – such as Safety Canopy™ three-row side air curtains, front-seat side Thorax airbags and AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control).
Since its introduction in 1997, Expedition has led the full-size SUV segment for innovation introducing several firsts to the category, including independent rear suspension and fold-flat seats with an available power-folding third row.
Hussein Murad, Sales and Marketing director of Ford Middle East, said: “The Expedition nameplate is well-known for providing impressive towing power, performance and convenience, and the latest Expedition offers even more peace of mind for families who wish to spend quality drive time together in the safest, most comfortable environment.”
For 2007, Ford has re-designed the Expedition from top to bottom, with new technology, a more confident stance and exterior, and a more refined look and feel inside.
New options for 2007 include 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, a new navigation system and a power lift gate. Other available equipment include PowerFold™ third-row seats and a second-row bench with a Centerslide™ middle seat section.
The all-new Expedition EL
Extensive research, including feedback gleaned from Expedition’s 1.4 million customers around the world, led Ford to design the new, extended length all-new Ford Expedition EL. Ford engineers stretched the Expedition’s wheelbase and body almost 15 inches to create an additional 24 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row – that is 130 per cent more than the standard model!
In the Middle East, the Expedition line-up will offer three trim levels – the new entry-level XLT, the luxury Eddie Bauer, and for the first time, the Limited edition. Other outstanding features of the 2007 Ford Expedition include:
o A bold new exterior design inspired by Ford F-Series pick-up trucks.
o A 5.4-liter Triton® V-8 engine (335 hp, 400 lb.-ft torque) mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission delivering a maximum towing capacity of 9,200 pounds.
o Expedition produces 85 per cent of its peak torque at just 1,500rpm!
o Second-generation independent rear suspension for improved ride and handling.
o Seating for up to nine passengers in an all-new interior with improved comfort, appearance and craftsmanship. Front row Captain’s Chairs are now standard.
o New second and third-row seats that fold flat to the floor. Expedition’s third row seats offer a full foot more legroom than the competition.
o New standard safety features include AdvanceTrac® with RSC® and Safety Canopy™ three-row side air curtains.
o The Expedition’s frame has been re-designed to further improve rigidity and performance in front-impact collisions.
Ford Expedition launched the modern large-SUV segment in 1997 and has continued to be the innovation leader among full-size SUVs. The 2003 Expedition introduced several firsts to the segment, including independent rear suspension, fold-flat seats with a power-folding third row, Safety Canopy™ air bags and AdvanceTrac® with RSC®.
1996 First-generation Expedition goes on sale as a 1997 model.
2001 Expedition is the first full-size SUV to receive five-star frontal crash ratings for driver and front passenger in government testing.
2001 Expedition sales reach 1 million.
2002 Expedition named Best Full-Size SUV in Initial Quality by J.D. Power and Associates for second consecutive year.
2003 Ford redesigns Expedition with independent rear suspension, PowerFold third-row seat, Safety Canopy and AdvanceTrac.
2003 Expedition is named Best-In-Class 2003 Full-Size SUV by Truck Trend magazine.
2005 Expedition gains three-valve 5.4-liter engine as standard equipment.
2005 Expedition offers patented optional Roll Stability Control system.
2006 07MY Expedition features a second generation IRS and 6-speed auto transmission, and offers Safety Canopy and front seat side airbags as standard. The all-new EL debuts as the extended wheelbase Expedition.
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Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and 108 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.
Ford Motor Company’s history in the Middle East goes back to nearly 60 years. The company’s local importer-dealers operate more than 55 facilities in the region and directly employ more than 4,000 people, the majority of whom are Arab Nationals.
