Luxury Upgraded

MANILA, Philippines - There’s a French proverb that goes, “It is impossible to overdo luxury”. This saying resonates well with Ford Group Philippines’s North American vehicle line which sees new and impressive technology – raising the bar of luxury and convenience in their respective classes. The 2010 E-150, Expedition EL and Explorer, collectively known as the “Ford Business Class Edition” vehicles were previewed at the recent Globe Blackberry Bold 9700 VIP party. Guests were amazed at the new Ford SYNC infotainment system on all three vehicles, while the Expedition EL ups the ante even further with a new safety technology called Ford MyKey.

Ford SYNC: Award Winning Connectivity

Ford’s award-winning SYNC infotainment system is now standard on all 2010 E-150, Expedition EL and Explorer. Awarded with Popular Mechanics “Top 10 Most Brilliant Gadgets” and “Best of What’s New” as well as “Best Innovation” at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Ford SYNC fully integrates Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the Ford on-board entertainment system.

Developed in cooperation with Microsoft, Ford SYNC allows your portable media player or Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone to be operated either by the vehicle’s steering wheel controls, radio controls or even with simple voice commands. In addition, Ford SYNC can even receive and read out text messages including acronyms such as LOL (Laugh Out Loud). Aside from Bluetooth, the Ford SYNC also allows for full control of your digital media player through an USB input. On the Expedition EL and Explorer, Ford SYNC technology also enables the rear occupants to enjoy a movie or play games through an overhead LCD screen.

2010 Ford Expedition EL: Safety Leader with Ford MyKey

The Ford Expedition has always been on the forefront of luxury and comfort since its Philippine introduction 13 years ago. Last year, Ford introduced a more opulent version called the Expedition EL which grew the overall length by 376 millimeters. This translated to an additional 393 cubic centimeters of cargo space in the process. For 2010, the Expedition EL concentrates on further improving its safety technologies making it a safe and favorite choice among discriminate SUV buyers.

Headlining the Expedition EL’s safety features is Ford MyKey: a unique innovation that allows users to program several vehicle parameters to promote safe driving. MyKey allows owners to program the key through the vehicle’s message center. When the MyKey is inserted into the ignition, the system will read the transponder chip and will identify the MyKey Code. In turn, the system can persistently remind drivers to put on their seatbelts, provide earlier low fuel warnings as well as limit the top speed and maximum audio volume, refuse to turn off the traction control and sound a speed alert chime at 73, 90 and 105 km/h.

“With this latest safety feature, Ford not only offers industry-leading crash protection and crash avoidance systems, we also showcase our firm commitment in continuously developing new technologies such as Ford SYNC and Ford MyKey to further promote safe driving,” said Steven Tan, Ford Group Philippines Vice President for Marketing and Sales.

Aside from MyKey, the 2010 Expedition EL also receives new 275/55 R 20 tires with chrome alloys to go with its four-wheel independent suspension for better on-road stability. In addition, its AdvanceTrac stability control now incorporates Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Trailer Sway Control. The other safety features include automatic on/off headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, six airbags, anti-lock brakes and rear parking sensors with a back-up camera. And in the event of a crash, the Expedition EL will automatically sound the horn and flash the hazard lights to attract attention.

Powered by Ford’s proven 300 horsepower, 5.4-liter Triton V8, the Expedition EL is an E85 Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV). With the standard 6-speed automatic, the Expedition EL offers improved shift quality, faster acceleration and improved fuel economy over its competition. The new Easy Cap capless fuel system not only eliminates the inconvenience of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after refueling but also prevents emissions from escaping the gasoline tank further saving on fuel.

The 2010 Expedition EL’s other unique features include PowerFold, a power folding third row as well as a 40/20/40 split-folding second row with CenterSlide – a sliding middle section which allows for easy access to the second row.

2010 Ford E-150 and Explorer: Comfort and Luxury Like Never Before

Not to be outdone, both the E-150 and Explorer have also been updated for the 2010 model year. Like the Expedition EL, both the Explorer and E-150 now feature Ford’s SYNC infotainment system as well as a slew of other, albeit minor changes.

Updated with a fresher and tougher looking face last year, the E-150 shows its softer ride with a more user-friendly interior with a revised instrument panel as well as a new center console and door trims with more cubby holes. Meanwhile, though the Explorer doesn’t receive an exterior makeover, it does gain an electro-chromatic dimming rear view mirror, power adjustable pedals, a power folding third row and Easy Cap, just like the Expedition EL.

Both models are powered by E85 capable engines, making them Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV). The E-150 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine good for 225 horsepower, while the Explorer has a smaller 4.0-liter V6 with 210 horsepower. The Explorer goes two steps further by gaining a five-speed automatic (one more gear than the E-150) and the Easy Cap capless fuel system.

On the safety front, both the E-150 and Explorer comes standard with AdvanceTrac with RSC for stability, four wheel disc brakes with ABS and airbags: two on the E-150 and six on the Explorer. For 2010, the E-150 is equipped with three-point seatbelts for all occupants as well as a tire pressure monitoring system.

“The Explorer has been the benchmark SUV for capability, safety and luxury for more than two decades and we are delighted that, once again, we are bringing to the Filipino customer the best of our products,” says Rick Baker, President of Ford Group Philippines.

The color of luxury also comes in many shades: the 2010 Ford Expedition EL is available in Dark Blue Pearl Metallic, White Platinum, Royal Red and an all-new Tuxedo Black while the Ford E-150 comes in Dark Blue Pearl, Black Clear Coat, Royal Red and Oxford White. The Explorer receives two new shades: Blue Flame and White Platinum along with classic Sangria Red and Black. Experience a new level of luxury and comfort with the Business Class Editions of the Explorer, E-150 and Expedition EL available at all Ford dealerships nationwide.