BusinessDay, MEA journos in Jordan for Ford test-drive

All is now set for the historic Ford trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) driving experience in Amman, Jordan by top motoring journalists invited from leading automotive markets in Africa the Middle East region.

The list of invited participants from Africa during the 4-day event which holds within the precincts of the biblical Dead Sea in Amman, Jordan from are 3 motoring journalists from South Africa which accounts as the biggest automobile market in Africa, one each from Kenya, Angola and Nigeria represented by BusinessDay.

Recall that in November 2014, yours sincerely was in the United Arab Emirates when Ford Motor Company underscored its growing ambitions in the Middle East and Africa, with the dramatic introduction of the all-new Mustang on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford capped the live-action event by delivering the iconic pony badge to the 2015 yellow Mustang on the 112th floor of the skyscraper. The event was viewed live around the world on YouTube as well as by approximately 10,000 fans gathered in the Dubai Downtown area, overlooking the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa.

Ford established its new Middle East & Africa business unit in 2014, which covers the company’s automotive business in 67 Ford markets in North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa and Middle East regions.

Industry sales in Middle East & Africa are expected to grow 40 percent to 5.5 million vehicles by 2020. To meet new customer demand, Ford pledged to launch 25 vehicles in region by 2016, including the all-new Mustang debuting next year.

“A century ago Henry Ford had a vision to open the highways to all mankind,” said Jim Benintende, president, Ford Middle East and Africa. “Placing our regional headquarters in Dubai lets us tap the innovation and imagination that is flourishing here, helping us to bring our founder’s vision to this part of the world.”

In addition to the new Mustang, Ford also previously announced a plan to introduce new vehicles such as the Ford Focus, Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKC in the Middle East and Africa.

The company also announced the accelerated rollout of many new technologies to the region, including EcoBoost engines, SYNC in-car connectivity, inflatable rear seat belts, MyKey and other driver assist technologies.