Event listed at "Balloon World Records" takes place in Bangkok
BANGKOK, Thailand, 8 October 2008 – All eyes are set on the world’s first flight of an SUV over the Bangkok horizon at the Royal Infantry Battalion Grounds. This thrilling event from Ford Thailand celebrates the launch of the New Ford Escape, now with a more refined and contemporary look.
The flight demonstrates the Ford Escape’s DNA of excitement, freedom of life and adventure – allowing drivers and passengers to ‘escape’ from routine life and into more exciting adventures that they desire. All these is possible through the unmatched performance of the vehicle’s renowned Duratec 2.3Lt engine, as well as its superior acceleration, smooth drivability with impressive fuel efficiency.
“The freshened SUV truly lives up to its name “Escape”. Its new, more contemporary design gives urban SUV owners a real escape from the familiar look of the SUV. Its best-in-class ground clearance provides better road holding, its powerful and fuel-economy 2.3L VVT engine together with premium safety features truly allow drivers and all passengers to take on any new challenges. It is the real SUV that any owners can be proud to say “That’s My Escape,” said Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president of Ford Thailand.
To cater to the discriminating taste of urban SUV owners, new features are added to enhance visual impact that strengthens the SUV’s spirit of outdoor freedom and style. The new stylish hood, the new chrome grille with three horizontal bars and prominent Blue Oval logo, and the new front skid plate enhance the vehicle tough look. A big air intake at the new front bumper is both stylish and functional as it allows greater air flow to cool the engine. New aerodynamic style headlamp and the new projector-like front fog lamps with three horizontal lines on the side also enhance its dynamism, clear visibility in harsh driving condition and turn while giving it more stylish design.
On the side, the new 16-inch alloy wheels, the new front fender with “Escape” imprint and new wheel arch molding accentuate the Ford Escape’s power and strength. The new B-pillar blackout also creates new side view freshening. The decreased amount of curvature on the new side cladding meanwhile creates a modern, trendy look to the SUV.
The contemporary look continues to the rear with the new boundary two-piece design with LED for the rear lamps, new bee sting antenna, new tailgate without chrome garnish, rear reflector, the new rear bumper with integrated rear fog lamps and skid plate.
The new Ford Escape continues to deliver unmatched performance. Its reliable Duratec 2.3L powertrain with a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) engine produces a robust 146 HP of peak power at 6000rpm and 196Nm/4,000 rpm. This offers impressive acceleration, take-off and pulling power as well as smoother drivability and refinement, along with better fuel efficiency. The 4x4 Escape XLT achieves very respectable fuel efficiency of 10.10 km per 1 litres The 4x2 Escape XLS is even more fuel frugal to return 10.42 km per 1 litres (The fuel consumption tests for Ford Escape 2.3L has been conducted according to ECE R101)
There is no doubt about the new Ford Escape’s safety, ride and handling. The Control Trac II 4WD system plus McPherson Strut Type with Stabilizer Bar on the front suspension ensure great drive control, precise steering and superior handling even for off-road driving. The most advanced safety package includes the unibody or monocoque body for enhanced occupant protection, front and side airbags on both driver and front passenger seats, high standard safety belt system, three-point reverse parking sensors, anti-lock brake system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake-assist system for full control and shorter braking distance.
The new exterior will add on to the Ford Escape’s superior handling and uncompromised performance, the qualities appreciated by our customers. It is the “Real SUV”, an SUV that lets you enjoy the everyday adventures. It delights you with its unbeatable package of performance, power and style, with no compromise on comfort and safety,” said Saroj.
To celebrate the launch of the New Ford Escape, it will be attached to a giant hot air balloon for the first time in the world and flown over the Royal Infantry Battalion Grounds at Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road from October 9-12, 2008. The launch aims to reflect Escape’s unlimited fun and challenging personality.
Customers will have an opportunity to closely view and test-drive the new Escape at the event and later at Ford showrooms nationwide. Meanwhile, selected customers will have a privilege to enjoy a scenic hot-air balloon ride and fun games at the event.
Adventure-minded customers in Chiang Mai and Phuket will also have the privilege to witness the world’s first flight of the new Ford Escape on November 1-2, and 8-9 respectively.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit our website at www.ford.co.th.
