Ford recently organised an ‘Adventure Experience’ drive in the Philippines to showcase their Asia-Pacific line up of SUVs that included the EcoSport, Escape (Kuga), Explorer and the Endeavour (Everest).
Not only has Ford been studying the SUV segment, but also confirmed that this is the fastest growing category worldwide, and is projected to grow over 40 per cent by the year 2020. Ford designers conveyed that as SUVs inherently look capable, customers find it easier for them to relate to the vehicle’s potential. After all, they need an SUV that looks and feels as capable as it actually is, which also makes Ford all the more focussed at reviewing their SUV’s design elements to make them stand out from their rivals.
Nima Nourian, exterior design manager, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa said, “Over the past 50 years, Ford has built up a wealth of knowledge about what SUV customers are looking for. At its heart, the Ford SUV is both capable and versatile, and design plays a major role in communicating that message.”
Ford proudly added that after years of designing utility vehicles, they know precisely how to match the exterior looks with the actual capability of the SUV. They revealed that the higher driver position, extra ground clearance and intimidating approach and departure angles were some of Ford’s highly valued SUV traits. Nevertheless, these SUVs also had to be versatile enough to allow buyers to drop the kids at school, drive to office, and also get away from the city over the weekend.
With the Ford SUV Experience drive in Philippines, the car maker allowed us to experience the four SUVs through the eyes of the consumer. So, we were to carry out shopping errands in a Ford EcoSport, take a luxurious trip to a resort in the Ford Explorer, run away from the city with an outing in the Ford Escape (Kuga), and drive in the Lahar beds of Mount Pinatubo in the Ford Endeavour. We came back impressed and can’t wait to sign up for the next round of ‘Experience’ drives.
