Ford Expands Regional Operations from Riyadh, Strengthens Agility to Accelerate Growth
Ford Motor Company is reinforcing its presence in the Middle East and North Africa by expanding its operations from Riyadh and reintegrating North African markets under regional oversight. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the company's operational flexibility and drive faster growth across the region.
Ravi Ravichandran, President of Ford Middle East and North Africa, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the decision coincides with the expansion of Ford's Riyadh office, which now includes specialized teams tasked with supporting the diverse needs of regional markets, including Qatar and the Levant.
According to Ravichandran, Ford's offices in Riyadh and Dubai now manage a wide array of functions -ranging from sales and marketing to environmental compliance, safety, and after-sales services. This integrated approach supports the company's strong regional network and aligns with its long-term vision for sustainable growth.
Commenting on the tariffs imposed during US President Donald Trump's administration on imported vehicles, Ravichandran noted that Ford is still evaluating their potential impact on the regional auto sector. He stressed that it was too early to assess the full effect, adding that Ford's resilience and long-standing investment in American manufacturing innovation give confidence in the company's ability to adapt to evolving trade policies.
He stated that while no specific strategic actions have been taken yet to offset the effects of the tariffs or trade tensions, the company remains focused on monitoring developments and maintaining operational agility.
Ford recorded a 23% increase in sales during the first quarter of 2025, marking its strongest performance since October 2015 and its best in March since 2014. Ravichandran attributed the surge to strong market dynamics, increased consumer demand, and a well-balanced vehicle lineup, including the Taurus, Territory, Everest, and Ranger, along with Lincoln models such as the Nautilus and Corsair.
These results build on the momentum we generated in 2024, when the company achieved its highest annual sales since 2016, he said. He credited this success to Ford's commitment to its partners, robust dealer network, and engaged regional teams.
He also highlighted the company's growing focus on customer experience through initiatives such as online service scheduling, mobile service vans, and a new parts distribution center in Dubai, which has increased capacity by 20% and improved parts availability across the region.
Ravichandran emphasized the key role Gulf markets play in Ford's regional growth, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading in sales. He noted that Saudi Arabia delivered the highest volumes, followed by the UAE, supported by Ford's rigorous testing processes under the region's harsh desert conditions.
Looking ahead, Ravichandran expressed optimism about the electric vehicle (EV) market, citing increasing consumer interest, government incentives, and growing infrastructure readiness. As part of its regional electrification strategy, Ford plans to introduce models such as the Mustang Mach-E, the hybrid Territory, and the F-150 hybrid.
While acknowledging challenges such as heightened competition and global supply chain disruptions, Ravichandran said Ford remains focused on agility, innovation, and responsiveness. 'With our strengthened presence in Riyadh and Dubai and the support of our dealer network, we're confident in our ability to continue meeting customer needs and driving long-term growth,' he concluded.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
26 minutes ago
- Arab News
Diriyah Company woos UK investors with London center
Diriyah Company is launching a new marketing initiative at one of London's most prestigious locations to showcase the project. The Diriyah House Experience Center will be hosted at One Hyde Park, a premier business address in Knightsbridge near Harrods. It will provide an immersive experience for those interested in opportunities in Diriyah, one of Saudi Arabia's giga-projects located on the outskirts of Riyadh. The Diriyah House Experience Center's official opening is scheduled for the beginning of July. The center will operate as a co-branded hub operated by Sotheby's International Realty, the UK company originally founded by Sotheby's art dealers. Sotheby's International Realty has recently entered the Saudi market and chose Diriyah as a key launchpad, already marketing branded residences for prestigious hospitality names such as The Ritz-Carlton, Corinthia, and Baccarat — all part of the landmark developments taking shape in Diriyah. The Diriyah House Experience Center will include a state-of-the-art marketing suite featuring a masterplan model and flexible model display. It will bring the 'City of Earth' to life for a wider global audience. Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: 'We are delighted to open this high-profile and prestigious experience center in the heart of London. This prestigious London address enables us to share Diriyah's story on a global stage in a truly world-class setting, strengthening our international outreach as we build one of the world's greatest gathering places, rooted in the history, heritage and culture of the Kingdom.' George Azar, chairman and CEO of Sotheby International Realty, Dubai, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, added: 'We are proud to collaborate with Diriyah Company on this landmark initiative and to support the launch of the Diriyah House Experience Center at One Hyde Park. As their partners, we are pleased to offer our experience and expertise in presenting ultra-prime real estate to a global audience. With a strong foothold in the UK's super-prime market, this collaboration allows us to do what we do best — represent the world's most exceptional properties while acting as local experts with global reach.' Through this partnership, we look forward to connecting discerning investors and stakeholders in the UK with the extraordinary vision and opportunities emerging in Diriyah.' The announcement of the center follows a successful month-long activation by Diriyah Company at Harrods in London in July 2024. The campaign featured a showcase of Diriyah's master plan models and a supporting out-of-home marketing campaign across the city. This international engagement reflects the growing global appetite for investment in the City of Earth and reinforces Diriyah's commitment to connecting with the international investment community. Located on the outskirts of Riyadh and backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Diriyah is an integrated urban development project covering 14 square kilometers. It includes building homes for around 100,000 residents and is expected to create nearly 180,000 jobs. Its ambition is to attract approximately 50 million visits annually, contributing an estimated SR70 billion ($18.6 billion) to Saudi Arabia's GDP. Diriyah Company does not have any permanent establishment or a place of business in the UK. The Diriyah House Experience Center is operated by Sotheby's International Realty for the sole purpose of marketing Diriyah' s projects.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Saudi initiative supports people with disabilities
RIYADH: The Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities has announced the fifth Purple Saturday initiative, set for July 26, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Held annually on the last Saturday of July, the event is organized in partnership with government, private and nonprofit organizations. As part of its commitment to supporting people with disabilities, the authority uses the initiative to offer incentives and encourage companies to develop programs that promote inclusion and participation. Purple Saturday allows participating stores to provide special discounts and promotions for people with disabilities, the SPA added. The initiative has grown steadily, with more than 3,500 retail locations across the Kingdom taking part, as well as contributions from other Gulf countries. This year, the authority will introduce the Purple Saturday Award to recognize outstanding offers, companies and initiatives that support disability empowerment. The award aims to encourage quality efforts, increase engagement and inspire community support, the SPA reported. The authority continues to work across sectors to improve services for people with disabilities and raise public awareness, with the goal of building a more inclusive society with equal opportunities for all.
Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Syria Announces 200 Percent Public Sector Wage, Pension Increase
Syria announced on Sunday a 200 percent hike in public sector wages and pensions, as it seeks to address a grinding economic crisis after the recent easing of international sanctions. Over a decade of civil war has taken a heavy toll on Syria's economy, with the United Nations reporting more than 90 percent of its people live in poverty. In a decree published by state media, interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a "200 percent increase to salaries and wages... for all civilian and military workers in public ministries, departments and institutions.' Under the decree, the minimum wage for government employees was raised to 750,000 Syrian pounds per month, or around $75, up from around $25, AFP reported. A separate decree granted the same 200 percent increase to retirement pensions included under current social insurance legislation. Last month, the United States and European Union announced they would lift economic sanctions in a bid to help the country's recovery. Also in May, Syria's Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh said Qatar would help it pay some public sector salaries. The extendable arrangement was for $29 million a month for three months, and would cover "wages in the health, education and social affairs sectors and non-military" pensions, he had said. Barnieh had said the grant would be managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and covered around a fifth of current wages and salaries. Syria has some 1.25 million public sector workers, according to official figures.
