Ford Philippines’ fantastic feats for 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, local car manufacturers are dialing down on the events and focusing on the holiday rush.
But Ford Philippines has accomplished a whole lot this year to help cement its place as one of the country’s top carmakers. And as the Philippine Daily Inquirer celebrates its 39th anniversary this month, the “Blue Oval” joins our festivities by looking back at all the great work it did this year.
So here’s a look back at how Ford Philippines made headlines over the last 12 months.
An icon’s 60th birthday
Most people who turn 60 think about how to make full use of their sunset years.
But for the venerable Ford Mustang, turning 60 is just another milestone in its hard-charging, high-performance lifestyle. And Ford Philippines made sure everyone remembered that by celebrating the muscle car’s 60th anniversary last April 17 with the media and various Mustang enthusiasts.
The festivities included an open forum with GTD Mustang brand manager Jim Owens, who joined via video chat from the United States and answered questions about the future of this American icon. Ford Philippines then raised everybody’s pulses by previewing the all-new, seventh-generation Mustang.
Sales started last May 2024 – the 2.3 EcoBoost Premium Fastback costing P3,499,000 and the 5.0 V8 GT Premium Fastback coming in at P3,999,000.
Off-road supremacy
In June, Ford Philippines reinforced its strong foothold in the off-road vehicle segment with the official launch of the All-New Ford Bronco in the country, marking the arrival of its iconic off-road SUV built to take adventures further.
Unveiled to the public for the first time at a launch event in Okada Manila, the 5-door SUV with its striking bold lines and rugged style is a head turner at every angle. Ford Philippines also announced that the All-New Ford Bronco will come in the Outer Banks variant with Sasquatch
Package with a starting retail price of P4,998,000. It also comes with a complimentary Peace of
Mind service inspection package for a worry-free ownership experience.
Sales of the Bronco started in May, priced at P4,998,000. Ford Philippines also showcased its flagship off-roader in selected dealerships around the country in June, along with offering special deals for dads in celebration of Father’s Day.
Meet the new boss
The big news in September was the official appointment of Pedro Simoes as Ford Philippines’ new managing director, succeeding the highly affable Mike Breen starting Dec. 1, 2024.
Reporting directly to Ford ASEAN and Asia Pacific Distributor Markets president Vickie Wisadkosin, Simoes will be responsible for continuing to drive Ford’s growth in the Philippines.
The company said this includes enhancing the ownership and aftersales experience and fostering strong relationships with dealer partners.
Prior to coming to the Philippines, Simoes had served as marketing, commercial vehicle and fleet director of Ford Middle East. He had also worked as retail marketing and revenue management director for the region, working with markets in Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific to deliver incremental net profit forecast and 40-percent volume increase in the first year.
Pedro earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Science in Material Science Engineering from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal. He also finished an Executive Advance Marketing Program from Universidade Catolica Portuguesa in 2012.
A more ravenous Raptor
One of the models that truly put Ford Philippines on the map is the iconic Ranger Raptor pick-up truck.
That’s because it’s one of the very few “factory specials” that come out of the showroom ready to take on (and take down) every other 4×4 pick-up around. Ford Philippines cranked up this beast’s firepower by introducing an all-new Ranger Raptor variant last October at this year’s Manila International Auto Show.
The biggest difference lies under the hood – a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter, twin-cam, 24-valve EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine producing a sensational 392 horsepower and 582 Newton-meters of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
The Ranger Raptor V6, priced at P2,739,000, puts all this muscle down with the help of an advanced permanent four-wheel drive system that includes an electronically controlled, on-demand, two-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials.
And helping conquer whatever terrain it traverses are FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers. These electronic adaptive dampers are filled with Teflon-infused oil that Ford Philippines claims reduces friction by around 50 percent compared to those on the previous-generation Ranger Raptor.
October 2024 was also when the popular Ford Territory crossover got its own upgrade – called Territory Assure+, owners get Express Service, where periodic maintenance can be done within 90 minutes, and Enhanced Customer Support that lets you have dedicated after-sales channels with Ford Philippines.
In addition, the programs incorporates Mobility Support through loaner vehicles, as well as Free Pick-Up and Delivery of your Territory right at your doorstep. These all contribute to a truly premium customer experience for a truly value-packed crossover.
Say ‘YES’ to a Ford Christmas
And now that Christmas is just weeks away, Ford Philippines is riding on the holiday spirit with its Year-End Sale (YES).
The company said customers can enjoy cash discounts, all-in low- deals and low monthly fees on selected models until Dec. 31, 2024. You can have up to P80,000 cash discount on an Everest, pay as low as P22,299 a month on a Territory or enjoy a P63,000 all-in down payment on a Ranger.
Other deals for the Territory include an all-in down payment of P77,000 for the Titanium variant, as well as a P40,000 cash discount for the Sport or Titanium X models. Meanwhile, families who want a new ride for their holiday trips can take home an Everest Trend 4×2 for as low as P30,550 a month or receive a P70,000 cash discount for the Everest Titanium+ 4×2.
Pick-up lovers can really splurge with a P100,000 cash discount on a Ranger Sport 4×2 or a Ranger XLT 4×2 AT. And businesses that want to step up to a hardy workhorse can bring home a Ranger XL 4×4 MT for all-in low down payment of P31,000.
Finally, those of you who want a Ford with strong performance and acres of room can treat yourselves to an Explorer with a cash discount of P200,000.
Call YES the cherry on top of a robust and adrenaline-fueled 2024 for Ford Philippines.
