Ford Group Philippines takes road travel a notch higher as it unveiled the 2009 model of the Expedition and announced the comeback of the Club Wagon.
Representing a true business class experience, Ford assures the motoring public that these new models will meet the promise of the smoothest and safest rides.
"We all know what it's like to fly business class - it's the details that make the trip truly special. Today's business class customers are very discerning, and the new 2009 Ford Expedition and Club Wagon have been upgraded to meet the demands for higher levels of appointment, comfort, and convenience," said Ford Philippines president Richard Baker.
A larger breed
The 2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL is now longer by 14.8 inches in length, thereby providing an additional 24 cubic feet of cargo space. It also packs Ford's truck-proven 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine, with a maximum output of 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque.
Since it's E85-capable, the 2009 Expedition, "will provide a key benefit to customers who desire E-85 capability in a vehicle with the functional attributes that only a full-size SUV can provide," says Steven Tan, Ford vice president for marketing and sales.
Other features available to the Expedition are Ford's award-winning SYNC connectivity technology, developed in partnership with Microsoft, that integrates its voice-activated, customizable media system with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players; the exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) that utilizes two gyroscopic roll rate sensors to accurately measure the vehicle's yaw and roll angles; and the SOS post-crash alert system that activates the horn and emergency flashers when an airbag is deployed.
While the motoring public is expected to keep a tight hold on their cash due to the economic crisis, Ford brand manager Roselle Pantastico said the company remains optimistic about the Expedition's performance in the local market.
"We're confident enough that, in spite of the economic crisis, we'll still be able to sell the Expedition. Otherwise, we wouldn't be releasing it here," Pantastico added.
The Expedition is available in Dark Blue Pearl, Black Clear Coat, Oxford White and Royal Red.
The comeback
After a three-year absence in the local market, the Club Wagon is back as a tougher vehicle that is gentler to the environment.
"We received sufficient inquiries from the public about bringing back the Club Wagon," Baker said when asked why the manufacturer decided to reintroduce the E-150 in the Philippines.
The Ford E-150 can run its 4.6-liter engine on 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline - allowing it to meet 2010 emission standards.
The 2009 Club Wagon with the Triton 5.4-liter V-8 also comes with Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® for stability enhancement. It also has the standard tire pressure monitoring system and the four-wheel anti-lock brake system, among other safety features.
The E-150 comes in Oxford White, Royal Red, Dark Blue Pearl, and Black Clear Coat.
