Zooming in: Ford Territory

True to its July promise, Ford Group Philippines on Wednesday (Aug. 12, 2020) took the digital covers off its latest offering -- the Ford Territory -- for the whole auto kingdom to appreciate at its virtual showroom.

READ: New Ford SUV up for August delivery

Ford marketing director Ryan Lorenzo presided over a video conference via Zoom, which is fast gaining repute as the digital platform of choice, and responded to questions from a bunch of privileged journalist that ranged from the economic big picture to mundane issues. Still, he was able to cleverly divert attention to the Ford Territory as centerpiece of discussions.

"We're looking at 10 percent of the automotive market as our own target for the Territory," Lorenzo gamely replied to the Manila Standard's questions.

The Ford Territory is a johnny-come-lately in the small SUV category but Ford's sales target spelled out by Lorenzo came as a realistic, even bouyant estimate, given the two consecutive quarters of economic slump brought on by the virus pandemic.

The small or compact SUV market comprises a limited number of player such as the Toyota Rush, Mitsubishi Xpander, Honda BR-V and Chevrolet Trax whose engine displacement measures no more than 1.6 cc . It is in this field that the Ford Territory is pitted -- bumper-to-bumper, wheel-to-wheel – against its rivals. Prices in this segment range from the entry level P1 million to P1.2M for the top-of-the-line variant.

Each of the players though has its own distinct, patented features , boasting an array of appurtenances.

Take for instance the Ford Territory which comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 – a suite of driver-assist technologies including Active Park Assist with parallel-parking and the segment-first perpendicular parking.

The Ford Territory also crows about its DNA having been borne out of a three-nation collaboration ( US, China and Australia) while sharing the same design principles of all Ford SUVs, according to Lorenzo.

"Ford was deeply involved, through its Ford Design Studio in Melbourne, Australia, in the development of the Ford Territory’s contemporary appearance and look.

" The Ford Territory has also been rigorously tested in its ride, handling and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels at Ford’s testing centers in Nanjing, China and at the Geelong Proving Grounds in Melbourne, Australia to ensure it meets Ford’s stringent engineering and quality standards. These tests also gave the Ford Territory a finely-tuned Ford suspension, which is set for exceptional ride comfort and refinement, " Lorenzo said.

For his part, Ford president PK Umashankar expressed optimism about the newest member of the Ford stable: “The Ford Territory will boost our growing SUV lineup as a new product born out of Ford’s long-standing heritage and expertise in the utility segment."

“We are confident that the Ford Territory will offer a new driving experience to Filipino customers as a modern, spacious and technologically-advanced SUV that delivers great value.” Umashankar said said in a statement.

The Ford Territory is a 5-seater small SUV equipped with a 1.5L EcoBoost engine mated to a CVT transmission.

It is available in all Ford dealerships at an introductory retail price starting at P1,179,000,

As a sweetener to would-be buyers of the Territory, Ford Philippines offers a free 3-year scheduled service plan from August 14 to Sept. 15, 2020.

With such a tempting offer and high-tech product features as added come-on, one may find the Territory too hard to resist.