Ford Motor Co forecasts a 4-5 per cent growth in sales across the GCC markets and is upbeat about prospects in the UAE, following the appointment of new dealers, a top company official said.

Its local dealer is investing $10 million in new facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. These will incorporate showrooms, parts warehouses and state-of-art service centres.

Jim Benintende, managing director, Ford, Middle East and North Africa, said total sales in the GCC for 2001 was 25,000 units, a 9 per cent increase over 2000.

"We are hopeful of a 4-5 per cent increase in 2002 now that we have new dealers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi," he said. Omeir Bin Youssef Group is Ford's representative in Abu Dhabi while Al Tayer Motors is the dealer in Dubai.

Benintende forecast sales of at least 2,000 units in the UAE this year. "The best is yet to come. With the help of both our dealers in the UAE, we will be able to deliver on our customer promise - to offer the best possible vehicle ownership experience."

Possibilities of new models from the Ford stables is bound to hit the regional market here this year. He said the auto market in the Gulf is fairly steady, maybe not buoyant. "It has been traditionally stable in the last 9-10 years."

In terms of volumes, Saudi Arabia is the best market for Ford in the region, but in terms of market share for Ford, it is Kuwait as it commands 15 per cent.