Ford S-MAX Brings New Ford Customers in First Three Months

Half of S-MAX customers are new to Ford brand Top-of-the-line Titanium model is favorite choice

COLOGNE, Aug. 1, 2006 – The innovative Ford S-MAX, which combines style, space and sporty design, is bringing thousands of new customers to the Ford brand.

Three months after the S-MAX went on sale in selected markets across Europe, Ford has delivered nearly 9,000 of the all-new people movers – and received more than 30,000 orders for the vehicle. Over half of those buying an S-MAX are new to the Ford Blue Oval, according to market research.

"We are delighted with the response to the new S-MAX from customers and the media," said Stephen Odell, vice president, marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe. "This confirms our belief that customers want innovative solutions to their driving needs. With 5+2 seats, a wide choice of engines and expressive styling, the S-MAX offers motorists a fresh approach that is proving hugely popular.

"The fact the S-MAX is drawing new customers also demonstrates the broad appeal of the Ford brand," Odell said. "Ford delivers great-looking, well-engineered cars and driving enjoyment without compromises. That's what the S-MAX is all about."

So far, the most popular series is the "Titanium" model, with more than 50 per cent of customers ordering this top-of-range model. Where it is an option, around half of the buyers are specifying the seven-seat configuration. More than 30 per cent of customers are also opting for new features such as the skyline roof and Bluetooth® connectivity.

The S-MAX, along with the new Ford Galaxy, features elements of Ford's "kinetic design" language, expressing energy in motion and emphasizing Ford's dynamic driving capabilities in an emotional way. It also features Ford's unique FoldFlatSystem (FFS) for the rear passenger seats, as well as Ford's Intelligent Protection System, which provides the latest driver assistance and occupant protection technologies, including a new driver's knee airbag.

The new Ford S-MAX was fully developed in-house at Ford and is built exclusively at Ford's Genk plant in Belgium. Production of the S-MAX, together with the new Ford Galaxy, began in April 2006.