Top marks for ford explorer

The all-new Ford Explorer has been named "SUV of the Year" by Sport Auto Middle East magazine. The all-new Ford Explorer edged out other competitors to win the "Afdal Award" as the magazine's SUV of the year 2012. It was presented to Ford Middle East at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show. Al Jazirah Vehicles is the only authorized agency for Ford Lincoln cars in the Kingdom. It started marketing Ford Explorer 2012 in the Saudi market. "The Ford Explorer has a very strong following not only in North America but here in the region as well," said Larry Prein, Ford Middle East's managing director. "And being named SUV of the Year is quite a feat for the all-new Ford Explorer as it's a clear vote of confidence that our One Ford plan is working to deliver vehicles people truly want and value, with industry-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety and smart technologies." During the award presentation ceremony, Gerard Saunal, editor-in-chief of Sport Auto, said:  "There is no doubt about the overall performance, driving dynamics and smart technologies of the Ford Explorer — it is quite a character. The latest generation Explorer embodies the modern SUV on all fronts, and is a far cry from its predecessors. It has exceeded our expectations." The all-new Ford Explorer has received various honors and recognitions, including the coveted North American Truck of the Year award for 2011, while its innovative and industry-first rear inflatable seat belt technology won the 2011 Best New Technology Award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada and has been named a Breakthrough Product Award winner by Popular Mechanics.