Ford launches its next-generation Everest
Tom Brewer, president of Ford Thailand, stands next to the Everest PPV, which comes with the first five-speed automatic transmission in the segment.
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For those who loved the design of the old Ford Everest and never managed to buy one, there is nothing to worry about. Ford has launched the next generation of the Everest 7-seater Pickup Passenger Vehicle (PPV).
Even though company officials claim the new Everest has 70 per cent newer parts, the vehicle is very similar in terms of design to its predecessor. The new Everest comes with Ford's five-speed automatic transmission (carried over from the Explorer), which is the first in its segment. The transmission also comes with Transmission Control Module, which will automatically detect changing engine speeds and driving conditions. Ford claims the new transmission will improve fuel efficiency and provide better acceleration. The vehicle is also the first in its class to have side air bags in addition to front air bags for improved safety. "One of the most interesting factors about the Ford Everest will be its five-year warranty. The "worry-free driving" programme will cover problems related to the car for the first five years after purchase or before the vehicle reaches 150,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. The warranty also provides 24-hour roadside assistance. "We have full confidence in the Everest and know that buyers will be happy with their purchase," said Tom Brewer, president of Ford Thailand. Sales of the new Everest in Thailand are expected to continue at a similar rate to the previous version, at about 60 units per month. The price of the new Everest ranges from Bt999,000 for the two-wheel-drive, 2.5-litre version up to Bt1.224 million for the 4X4 3-litre version. Ford hopes to promote the Everest as a family vehicle and emphasises that customers must test-drive the vehicle to see how well it performs. Brewer expects the PPV market to reach only 660,000 units this year, a 6-per-cent drop from the 703,000 units last year. In the past 10 months of this year, Ford has had an accumulated sale of 15,321 units, which is 2.8 per cent of the market. Ford has already started its campaign to clear stock for the end of the year. The campaign will continue through the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Expo, which will open to the public on November 30.
Vijo Varghese
The Nation
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