Success stories achieved during challenging conditions are especially inspiring. So it is with the Ford Territory SUV, launched during one of the bleakest years in recent Philippine automotive history. Not for anything is Ford’s motto “Built Ford Tough,” for in these tough times, the Ford Territory achieved more than 5,000 unit sales in less than a year. From when the Territory was launched in August 2020 until June 2021, Ford sold 5248 units.
The strong sales continued in the first half of 2021, with the Territory racking up 3323 units, good for a 56 percent segment market share, and number one position. The Territory is already Ford’s number two vehicle, following the Ranger pickup. The small SUV acccounted for more than 30 percent of Ford’s sales in the first half of 2021.
The Territory is one of the newest designs in the local compact SUV market. The design looks sleek and modern, with LED headlamps and daytime running lights, LED taillights, blacked out grille, and prominent side creases. A panoramic moonroof allows for an expansive view of the environment, especially important these days when actually going out is a precious experience.
Inside, the Territory is loaded with the latest tech. There’s a 10-inch touchscreen panel at the center of the instrument panel. It controls the interface including Apple CarPlay with wireless connectivity, Android Auto, ambient lighting, vehicle settings, with customizable viewing modes. There’s a wireless charging pad for your phone: simply put the phone on top to activate the charging function. The seats have an available cooling function, to keep the driver and front passenger comfortable even on swelteringly hot days. There’s available air ionizer and CN95 cabin air filter to help clean and purify the interior air.
Facing the driver is a fully digital instrument cluster. The 10-inch digital display can show tachometer, speedometer, trip computer information, and vehicle settings all on one interface.
Territory is powered by Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost engine technology. The 1.5-liter gasoline mill employs turbocharging to up power to 143ps and torque to 225 Nm, usually expected in a larger engine. The 1.5 EcoBoost is paired with a CVT which helps to maximize its efficiency.
To aid the driver, Ford has put on board its Co-Pilot 360 safety and driver-assist suite. Four cameras: front, rear, and under side mirrors, allow a high-definition 360-degree display to help the driver manuever the Territory in tight spaces. If more assist is needed, the Territory can even steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot. The driver merely has to shift and brake the car. The Territory has available advanced active safety features including adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. Electronic stabilyt control The blind spot information system flashes a warning via an indicator light in the sideview mirrors. Six airbags including side curtain airbags, provide supplementary safety.
With the generously-featured Territory 1.5L EcoBoost Trend CVT starting at P1.277 million, it’s no surprise that the compact SUV has been one of Ford’s recent success stories. The Titanium+CVT includes the active safety suite, ionizer and CN95 cabin air filter, 10-inch touchscreen, park assist, fully digital display, and 18-inch alloys, starts at P1.310M.
The popularity of the Territory has given rise to the Ford Territory Club Philippines (FTCP) , a car club on Facebook with over 12,000 members. FTCP members enumerated their favorite features of the car: panoramic moonroof, 360-degree Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Information System, 10-inch infotainment system, and Apple Car Play with wireless connectivity / Android Auto.
“These huge successes for the Ford Territory will not be possible without the support and trust of our customers, dealers, partners, and employees,” shares Michael Breen, managing director, Ford Philippines. “We are excited to sustain the momentum for the remainder of the year as we see more Filipinos enjoy driving a Ford Territory and owning every moment of it.”
Customers can check out the Ford Territory at https://www.ford.com.ph/suvs/territory/ or at Ford dealerships nationwide.
