Industry experts in the Middle East have spoken: The all new Ford EcoSport and Ford Fusion earned top awards in the 2014 Middle East Car of the Year for best compact utility vehicle and best large sedan categories, respectively.

First-time in the region, Ford EcoSport showed a big impression among motoring experts under its compact body as it puts the fun and convenience back into driving with a raft of innovative technologies that are not commonly found in its segment. The urban SUVs blend of versatility and smart connectivity ensures that customers will have space for their gear and easy access to their phone and music. The Ford EcoSport also takes the stress out of driving with an array of driver-assist features such as Hill Launch Assist that keep the driver in firm control of the vehicle at all times. The vehicle also comes with advanced safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

A veteran in motoring awards, the all-new Ford Fusion has undoubtedly sealed its popularity in the Middle East as it clinched the best large sedan award. Earlier on, the 2014 Ford Fusion was recognized for its design, comfort, safety, fuel economy, handling and road worthiness, performance, functionality, innovations, driver satisfaction, price and overall value for money.

We thank the jury of Middle East Car of the Year for this double award which only amplifies the topmost quality of Ford and how customers across the Middle East love it, said Kalyana Sivagnanam, director of Ford Middle East and North Africa. Both the Ford EcoSport and Ford Fusion offer outstanding design and groundbreaking fuel economy as well as feature technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers.

Ford Fusions latest award adds to a long list of international accolades received by the new vehicle since its introduction in 2012, including Most Significant Production Car at 2012 NAIAS, Best of NAIAS 2012, Best of 2012 CES Car Tech Award, 2012 and 2013 Best Midsize Car for the Money by US News and World Reports, as well as Kelly Blue Books 10 Best Family Cars in 2013.

Ford Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond. Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include: SYNC and MyFord Touch, Lane Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist and Blind Spot Information System, to name a few.