Ford Thailand has launched a revised Escape suv.

The Escape, which competes with Honda’s CR-V and the Nissan X-Trail, has a new look that includes an updated front grille and interior. The grille mimics those on the marque’s higher-priced SUVs like the Territory, which is assembled in Australia.

The Escape comes with a 2.3-litre engine. Ford, like Honda, now produces its SUVs with a two-wheel-drive (2WD) option.

“The 4×2 model is for customers who enjoy the ride height and benefits of an SUV but do not need 4×4 capability as they spend most of their lives in the city. The 4×2 Escape will appeal to a new set of drivers who are sedan users and more economical.

“The Escape will attract customers through its attractive pricing of Bt1,099,000 for the entry-level model and Bt1,399,000 for the 4WD model,” said Ford Thailand president Tom Brewer.

It expects to sell an equal amount of the 2WD and 4WD versions.

The Escape is imported into Thailand from the Philippines, along with the Focus, and Thailand sends Ranger pickups in the other direction. This allows the vehicles to qualify for tariffs between zero and 5 per cent under the Asean Free Trade Agreement.

Ford has not released expected sales figures for the new Escape for this year, but stated they would be better than the old version, of which about 400 have been sold this year.

“For the Escape we plan to use direct marketing. We want customers to come and experience the vehicles by test-driving them at our showrooms.

“Our high customer satisfaction ratings, as stated by JD Power and Associates, show we really care for our customers,” Brewer added.

Brewer stated that planning for the Ford Escape had been done before the government announced a cut in excise duty for vehicles capable of running on 20-per-cent-ethanol fuel.

“The new Escape is capable of running on 10-per-cent-ethanol fuel, although we are considering an E20 version in the future. This is a clear example of how government long-term planning could have benefited customers. The Escape could have incorporated E20 capability if the decision by the government had been known earlier. But, we are constantly working with the government and doing what is good for the customer,” Brewer added.

Besides the new Escape, Ford will launch a diesel Focus at the Bangkok International Motor Exposition.

It will have a 2-litre engine and will be the first in its segment in Thailand to run on the fuel.

Premium brands in Thailand already offer diesel options - namely the Mercedes-Benz E220 Cdi, BMW 520D and the Volvo S80 D5.

Ford is studying the eco-car project, although has reached no decision as yet.

Brewer said the car would have to be good for both Thailand and motorists in other countries.

Although there are no fixed plans for expansion at its Rayong plant, Brewer said capacity would be increased if there were demand.

It runs at 175,000-180,000 units at present, 80 per cent of which are exported.

Brewer expects local demand for all vehicles except heavy lorries will be between 615,000 and 620,000 units. Ford will retain a 2.7-per-cent share of the market, or 16,600 vehicles, he said.

Source : Vijo Varghese - The Nation

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