Bangkok--27 Sep--Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide The real SUV with a bold new look, impressive drivability and class-leading capability sets to provide urban consumers with greater freedom to experience real life Ford unleashed a new wave of excitement today, as it launched the new Escape — a real SUV with a more powerful engine, greater fuel-economy, bold new design, class-leading drivability and off-road capability. As one of the most popular vehicles in the compact SUV segment, the new Ford Escape is a versatile SUV that adapts to all active lifestyles, offers the freedom to do what one wants and above all, is sheer fun to drive. For better performance, the new Escape 2.3L powertrain is now mated with a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine, leading to higher acceleration, take-off and pulling power, in conjunction with higher fuel efficiency than its predecessor. The new Escape is available in both 4x4 model for more adventurous and sporty ride and the 4x2 model for those customers who enjoy the ride height and benefits of a Real SUV yet do not need the 4x4 capability. “We’ve designed the new Escape to complement the outgoing and independent lifestyle of our consumers,” said Ford Thailand’s President Tom Brewer. “In simple terms, it is a “Real SUV” — a SUV that lets you enjoy the everyday adventures, challenges and thrills of “Real Life”. It will accompany you on every journey, and delight consumers with its unbeatable package of performance, power and style, with no compromise on comfort and safety.” Already available in dealerships for test drives and sale, Ford Escape will pull consumers through its attractive pricing, with Bt 1,099,000 being the price of the entry level model.Superior drivability with powerful Duratec 2.3L VVT engine The new Duratec 2.3L Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine is designed to deliver class-leading performance, smoother drivability and refinement, along with better fuel efficiency. Producing a robust 146 ps/6,000 rpm power and 196Nm/4,000 rpm, the powerful engine provides impressive torque which guarantees responsiveness and confident handling for both city and highway driving. Built with the Control Trac II 4WD system, the new Escape provides great drive control, allowing driver to cruise along virtually any kind of terrain. The new cruise control system makes all long journeys pleasant and convenient to undertake. The McPherson Strut Type with Stabilizer Bar on the front suspension ensures precise steering and superior handling, giving full confidence even for off-road driving.Ford’s signature tough exterior The new Escape is unmistakably Ford, exuding the brand’s SUV heritage of “Built Ford Tough” design. Its bold exterior design announces sophisticated ruggedness, built to withstand the most active type of lifestyles. The Escape’s new front fascia features a chrome front grille with three horizontal bars that promote the Ford SUV DNA, new and stylish chrome ringed dual-bulb precision beam headlamps, fog lamps on a new two-tone bumper inspired by the style of Ford’s bigger SUVs and new prominent alloy wheels. Its new foldable side view mirrors are equipped with turn lamp indicators that provide better styling and additional visibility when making turns. The Escape’s rear complements its front fascia, featuring a new luxurious rear combination lamp with honeycombed lens covers and LED lamps. The rear liftgate offers a separate flip-up glass panel that allows you to store and access small items. The New Escape’s attractive power-control sunroof accentuates the real SUV styling while providing the driver and passengers with greater freedom and opportunity to enjoy every trip.Stylish and comfortable interiors Inside, the new Ford Escape welcomes you with all-new luxurious design, quality materials and comfortable ergonomics. The central console has been completely redesigned to accommodate the new gear shift position. The gear shift is moved from the steering column in the previous model to the lower central panel in the current one. The change is made in response to the needs of active individuals who in the latest consumer research, confessed to being more comfortable with this new gear position that gives them full control of their SUV. In line with the new central console and new gear shift position, the modern instrument panel is also redesigned to supports quick access to information necessary to keep a trip safe. The metal ring cluster enhances the new Ford Escape’s sporty and luxurious styling while the new automatic air-conditioning ensures a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Improving ease-of-use is the new and stylish center panel, featuring 6 in-dash CD player with MP3 capability. The luxurious leather seats are ergonomically designed to provide the highest comfort to driver and all passengers throughout their journey. The seats are easily adjusted by turning a knob on the side, allowing driver and passengers to turn the angle of the backrests to the most comfortable position.Unrivalled safety Continuing to maintain Ford’s leadership in safety, the new Ford Escape is equipped with one of the most advanced safety packages in the compact SUV segment. The Escape is built with a unibody or monocoque body, designed to absorb impact energy for enhanced occupant protection. For the best occupant protection and control, the Escape provides front and side airbags on both driver and front passenger seats, high standard safety belt system and three-point reverse parking sensors which prevent accidental bumps when backing up. What’s more, the Escape comes with anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake-assist system for full control and shorter braking distance. Expressing full confidence in the New Escape, Mr. Somsak Pobaikul, one of Ford’s largest dealership with three showrooms in Bangkok’s prime areas, said, “We are very much confident in the new Ford Escape. We know market demand for the real SUV remains high. Customers’ love for Ford Escape, the SUV’s more modern look, superior performance that is fun to drive, world-class safety standards, and just right pricing are all the key factors making us so convinced about the new Ford Escape’s success. We believe this real SUV will become the best value SUV, just like its predecessor achieved when it was first introduced in Thailand.”The launch bonus The new Ford Escape will be available from October 2007 at Ford showrooms nationwide at a value starting price at Bt1.099 million. To celebrate the launch of the new Escape, Ford Thailand offers the first 100 customers who place orders for the new 4x2 model, a special set of accessories worth over Bt10, 000, which include the front bumper shield, rear bumper shield, chrome lamp cover, rear spoiler and side step. Additionally, you can enjoy a test drive of the new Ford Escape at Ford’s nationwide showroom now and grab a chance to win package of round-trip air ticket to Maldives and accommodation from October 1- December 10. For more information please contact: Bhuvadol Bhumithavorn Communications Executive Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide Fax: 662+2056686-7 Direct: 662+2056608 Cell Phone:661+6117476 E-mail: [email protected]