Cars
Ford Mustang Turns 54 Years Old Today
The legendary Ford Mustang turns 54 years old today and shows no signs of slowing down. Global demand for the new 2018 model has driven Ford Mustang to its third straight year as the best-selling sports coupe in the world, while its social media status as world’s most hashtagged car proves that passion for this motoring icon is stronger than ever with fans of all ages.
Global Mustang registrations in 2017 totaled 125,809 cars, according to Ford analysis of the most recent new light vehicle registration data from IHS Markit. This data – compiled from government and other sources and capturing 95 percent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries – this puts Mustang ahead of all other sports coupe competitors worldwide.
“Demand for Mustang continues to be very strong,” said Crystal Worthem, Marketing director, Ford Middle East & Africa. “Even more encouraging is that, with the updated 2018 Mustang shortly making its way to our region, customers will no doubt love all the great new technologies it will offer, including the all-new 10-speed automatic transmission, the new active valve performance exhaust, and of course, the 12-inch customisable digital instrument cluster which it gets from the Ford GT.”
Of the nearly 126,000 vehicles registered worldwide, Ford reported 81,866 of those were registered in the United States, meaning just over one-third of all Mustang registrations are occurring in export markets. The most popular configuration worldwide is the Mustang GT with the 5.0-litre V8. While sports cars have traditionally skewed toward male buyers in the United States, Mustang is increasingly finding favour with women. In an environment of relatively flat sports car sales to women, Ford research shows a 10 percent gain in women buying Mustang in the last five years.
Since global exports began in 2015, through December 2017, Ford has sold 418,000 Mustangs around the world. Sports coupes, as defined by IHS Markit, include two-door and convertible models. While the Ford Mustang was born in the 1960s, its enduring legacy means it currently enjoys unparalleled social media status all over the globe. It is the world’s most hashtagged car* on Instagram for 2017.
To celebrate Mustang’s popularity, and to mark its 54th anniversary, Ford Middle East unveiled a stunning mosaic made of up of hundreds of regional Mustang fan photos neatly arranged to form the Pony car’s iconic emblem, an exceptionally unique creation presented for the first time ever in the region.
In the lead up to Mustang Day, Ford asked fans in the Middle East to post pictures of their Mustangs to Instagram with the hashtag #Mustang54, with those images accumulated and compiled to create a mosaic – a first-of-its-kind in the region. Contributors can zoom in on the picture here to find their car’s place in this epic image.
Cars
Sinotruk Enters UAE Market with New Brand VGV
Chinese automotive giant Sinotruk, a pioneer in the heavy-duty truck industry, has officially entered the UAE market with its new passenger vehicle brand, VGV (Visionable Global Vanguard). Established in 1930, Sinotruk has a long innovation and technical excellence history. The company’s decision to expand into the passenger car market is a testament to its growing global ambitions.
The new VGV showroom is in Al Qouz 1, Dubai, UAE. The brand offers various vehicles, including SUVs, pickups, vans, and MPVs, powered by various energy sources such as electric, hybrid, fuel, diesel, and alternative energy.
VGV’s SUV models are designed to cater to families, offering spacious interiors and advanced safety features. The pickup models, powered by the renowned Wei Chai Engine manufactured by Sinotruk, are known for their durability and performance.
Prices for VGV vehicles start at AED 73,000, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking quality and affordability.
Cars
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles Launch the Audi Q2
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles have launched the Audi Q2 in the UAE. The vehicle will be on display at 25hours Hotel One Central from October 3rd to 6th, 2024. Audi customers and car enthusiasts are invited to be part of the exclusive celebration marking the arrival of the new Audi Q2 under the vibrant theme of ‘Paint the Town’.
Guests who visit on October 3rd will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a hands-on spray-painting session surrounding the new car, indulge in Q2-inspired mocktails, relish in live music from DJ Tala Samman and be among the first to explore the stylish and comfortable feature of the Audi Q2.
“The arrival of the Audi Q2 is a testament to our dedication to bringing the best in design, technology, and innovation to our customers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” said K. Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles. “This segment serves as a gateway into the Audi family for younger buyers seeking to purchase their first vehicle or upgrade their current one. Its youthful, modern styling combined with upgraded technology makes it the perfect choice for those who demand versatility and a dynamic driving experience in every setting.”
The Audi Q2 receives a significant upgrade to its infotainment system, as well as the addition of the virtual cockpit and an 8.8-inch touchscreen as the central control unit for the MMI (Multi-Media Interface). In addition, a convenient storage compartment replaces the previous rotary/push button. Audi Q2 is now available across all Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles showrooms, with a starting price of AED 139,900.
Cars
Ford Launches the 2025 Explorer
The all-new 2025 Ford Explorer is here to redefine the midsize SUV segment. With a striking new design, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on comfort and performance, the Explorer is a versatile vehicle that caters to the needs of modern families and adventure seekers alike.
The 2025 Explorer boasts a bold and athletic exterior with a redesigned front fascia, grille, and headlights. The interior has also been updated with premium materials, enhanced comfort features, and a more intuitive layout. The spacious cabin offers ample seating for up to seven passengers and plenty of cargo room for your adventures.
Under the hood, the Explorer offers a range of powerful engine options to suit different driving styles. The advanced technology package includes a large touchscreen display, a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of driver-assistance features for added safety and convenience.
Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a family road trip, or hitting the trails for an adventure, the 2025 Ford Explorer delivers a refined and enjoyable driving experience. With its combination of style, comfort, performance, and technology, the Explorer is a standout choice in the midsize SUV segment.
“The Explorer has been a mainstay of Ford’s lineup for 34 years and we’re really excited to bring the latest edition of one of the world’s most popular SUVs to the region,” says Andrew Gregory, Brand Marketing Manager for Explorer at Ford Middle East. “With an expansive range of three distinctive, versatile trims, we have meticulously recrafted the Explorer with upgraded technologies and features that equip drivers – and passengers – for whatever adventures life brings their way.”