The Asia-based offering from the Blue Oval, the all-new Ford Territory, will be available on Philippine shores soon after this Friday’s digital reveal, so we felt obliged to ask, is this vehicle going to replace any model in the Ford PH lineup?
Before answering the question, Ford Philippines marketing director Ryan Lorenzo emphasized that the all-new Territory fits the bill for the local market, given that the vehicle taps into the three key considerations that most Filipinos have when it comes to buying cars: technology, safety, and comfort.
To date, Ford has four SUVs in the local market, namely the Ecosport, Everest, Explorer and the Expedition. And since Ford Philippines is making its lineup leaner, we raised the concern of the Territory possibly replacing one of Ford PH's current crop.
“No, it will not replace the Ecosport and no, it will not replace the Everest,” Lorenzo clarified. Instead, he assured Carmudi Philippines that the latest offering will fill the void that was once held by the Ford Escape.
Since that question is now out of the picture, Lorenzo also expressed firm confidence that despite the current situation wherein the buying power of the market is somehow restrained, the coming of the Territory is still a good decision.
He cited last month’s sales as a good indication. According to him, customers have begun shopping for new Ford units, as reflected in the “leads that received from showrooms.”
Lorenzo added that the recently-launched Ford F150, for one, is getting a good share of the limelight. The mammoth-sized truck was launched in June, just as the country started to ease lockdown measures.
We have earlier reported some of the Ford Territory’s specifications, such as its powertrain (1.5L EcoBoost engine mated to a CVT transmission).
The Philippines will be the first market in the company’s International Market Group (IMG) composed of nearly 100 markets around the world that will offer the crossover.
Photo/s from Ford Philippines
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