JEDDAH, 15 March 2007 — The all-new 2007 Milan made its debut in Saudi Arabia at a launch ceremony held here on Tuesday night by Haji Husein Alireza & Co. (HHA) — Mercury importer-dealer in the Kingdom.
“With this, we are bringing the first vehicle from Mercury in the mid-size sedan segment in more than a decade,” Ali H. Alireza, director and general manager of Jeddah-based HHA, said in an address to a large turnout of invitees, car buffs and media representatives.
The new car features upscale interior amenities and convenience, flexible cargo and passenger-carrying capabilities and “numerous safety innovations.”
The new model is available across all HHA showrooms across the Kingdom and is set to be an attraction, with its style and class-lead as well as segment-exclusive features. “Mercury Milan adds an upscale and expressive five-passenger mid-size sedan to the Mercury lineup, he said. The Milan comes in the base and premier models. “Milan adds value and excitement to the Mercury lineup and is certainly going to create more interest in the Mercury brand. The mid-size sedan offers the utmost in comfort and appearance yet within the discerning customer’s budget,” he said.
“Milan appeals to new customers by translating Mercury’s new identity into a spirited sedan entering one of the industry’s most hotly contested segments,” Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East’s sales and marketing director, said.
“The Milan is no stranger to awards, as it has received substantial recognition since its debut,” he said. Milan topped its category for reliability in the latest survey by US-based Consumer Reports.
Moreover, the Milan won the Auto Pacific 2006 vehicle satisfaction award for mid-size cars, which is a highly respected award that measures unbiased opinions of owners about their new cars.
“Milan’s competent, well-balanced chassis also helps drivers avoid accidents,” he said, adding that it features a comprehensive safety package with advanced high-strength steel construction and six available air bags.
Milan is equipped with a 170 horsepower 2.3-liter Duratec 23 inline four-cylinder that provides power flowing through a five-speed automatic transmission. Duratec 23 qualifies for Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle certification.
