Australia’s love affair with the SUV continues with the Everest and Escape recording strong July 2017 results

Ford Everest July 2017 sales have risen 57 percent over July 2016 result, despite of a one-percent decline year-on-year and outperforming the two-percent growth in the Large SUV segment in 2017 and SUV segment’s overall 4.8 percent growth

The expansion of the Everest range has struck a chord with buyers, giving more Australians greater choice and variety in the large SUV segment

The locally engineered Ford Everest 4WD was launched in 2015, and was joined by a the Everest RWD Trend in 2016, and in 2017 a RWD, five-seat entry-level Ambiente

MELBOURNE, August 3, 2017 – The Ford Everest has posted a record July result on the back of a wider line-up and greater model choice for Australian buyers. The introduction of new trim levels and drive-line choices has seen the Everest line-up appeal to a greater number of buyers, as the sales the locally-engineered large SUV continue to gain momentum.

A sales result of 456 Everests in July 2017 builds on the 291 sold in July 2016 for a 57 percent increase. The record result, which is Everest’s second-best month since launch, reflects the freshened 2017 line-up and introduction of several new variants. Outperforming the segment’s two-percent growth figure, Everest has posted an 18 percent increase so far in 2017.

The Trend RWD’s 2016 introduction gave more buyers access to the benefits of SUV ownership, including Everest’s 225mm ground clearance, elevated driving position and sophisticated technology including SYNC 3. The SYNC 3 infotainment system is now standard on all Everest models, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

In 2017, Everest has been opened up to an even greater audience thanks to the introduction of a new entry-level Ambiente. With rear-wheel drive, five-seats as standard and a starting of $47,990, the Everest Ambiente RWD has given buyers looking for the comfort, flexible cargo space and 3,000kg towing capability of Everest access to an SUV that reflects their individual needs, reflecting the increased sophistication and fragmentation of the SUV market.

“Everest is a product that we’re immensely proud of, and we’re delighted that customer feedback has allowed us to bring a wider range of SUVs to Australians as we respond to their increasingly varied needs,” said Greg Davidson, Ford Australia Sales Director.

The Everest’s performance was accompanied by strong sales of the Escape, which has seen 12 percent growth year-on-year. Reflecting the diversity within the Ford showroom, the Mustang topped the Sports Car <$80k segment of the 19th consecutive month, while the Ford Ranger’s strong result saw it maintain its position as the most popular 4x4 pick-up so far in 2017.
Ford Australia recorded 6,270 sales in July 2017, for a market share of 6.9 percent and total sales for the first seven months of 2017. In 2017, Ford Australia has introduced the Escape, updated Transit Custom Automatic and Transit Automatic, as well as the Ford Everest Ambiente RWD to its expanding showroom.

Source: Ford Media[/SIZE][/FONT]