Ford is increasing production of two popular full-size SUVs to meet surging demand for both all-new models ahead of their arrival in the Middle East.

The Lincoln Navigator, the company’s new all-new luxury SUV flagship, and the Ford Expedition – the smartest, most capable and most adaptable large SUV ever – have both undergone a complete redesign, building on the reputation the nameplates have forged in the region for quality, capability and power.

The company is using advanced manufacturing technologies and an upskilled workforce to increase line speed at its Kentucky Truck Plant to build even more Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition SUVs, boosting production targets approximately 25 per cent since last fall when the SUVs hit the market.

A new $25 million investment for additional manufacturing enhancements brings Ford’s total investment at Kentucky Truck Plant to $925 million and allows the company to increase manufacturing line speed.

This investment and advanced manufacturing upgrades are examples of the company’s quest to improve its operational fitness. Upgrades include 400 new robots, a new 3D printer that enables workers to make parts and tools more quickly and cheaper as well as enhanced data analytics to keep the assembly line moving as efficiently as possible.

In the US, Lincoln dealers simply can’t keep the entirely new Navigator on dealer lots; the luxury SUVs are spending an average of just seven days at the dealership before they are sold. In the Middle East, pre-release demand for the Navigator is extremely strong from customers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait.

Expedition – which begins arriving into Middle East showrooms– is also off to a strong start, with demand for Ford’s smartest, most capable and most adaptable SUV ever growing considerably since its appearance at the Dubai International Motor Show last November.

Ford Middle East and Africa’s marketing director Crystal Worthem said: “We knew that the Middle East would fall in love with the Expedition and Navigator – but we’ve been floored by the interest both all-new SUVs have had ahead of their arrival. Both have been tailored to deliver the best on- and off-road performance, power and capability for customers in a region where uncompromising dependability is essential.”

“Launching Lincoln’s flagship SUV in such a receptive market is incredibly exciting and we really can’t wait for the first customers to get their hands on theirs. For Ford, the all-new Expedition heads our robust SUV line-up, making it the freshest line-up of SUVs available in a highly competitive scene for 2018,” Worthem added. – TradeArabia News Service