Ford Middle East posts growth, hails return of Lebanese show

BEIRUT // The 2010 Lebanese Motor Show last week was back after a six-year hiatus due to political turmoil in the nation, but Hussein Murad, director of sales for Ford Middle East, says it represented an excellent opportunity to regain a market share in Lebanon. Speaking at press conference to announce strong Q1 performance for Ford in the Middle East, Murad said: "Every market is important to Ford. The Lebanese Motor Show had stopped for six years because of the political situation and Ford was not very active in the area, but we are looking to be more active now with the new launch of brands and new facilities." Ford Middle East reported 43 per cent growth in 2010 Q1 across the GCC overall on Q1 figures for 2009. This was largely led by increased SUV sales, with Saudi Arabi reporting 75 per cent growth, Kuwait reporting a 40 per cent hike and a 25 per cent increase in the UAE.