CAIRO: Fikry Group, Ford's importer and dealer in Egypt, opened Tuesday a $5 million facility in Obour City. The new facility, located on an area of 6,300 square meters in the outskirts of Cairo, houses the company's new corporate administrative headquarters in Egypt, a showroom as well as a training and service center. Ford Motor Company reported this week first quarter 2010 net income of $2.1 billion, a $3.5 billion improvement from the same period last year, on the back of higher sales, recovery in the global auto industry and higher profits from Ford Credit. “Ford's expansion is a prime example of Egypt's growing attractiveness for US investment and represents further strengthening of the economic ties between our two countries,” US Ambassador to Egypt Margaret Scobey said at the opening. “This facility and training center enhances Ford's position as a regional leader giving it increased access to Egyptian market,” she added. “With investments of over $10 million, Ford is contributing directly to FDI and the opening of this facility will continue to play a role in Egypt's growing economy and development,” Scobey said. The training center will enhance the skills of future generations, which Scobey called “an investment in human potential.” “It will provide employees with tools and knowledge they will need for success and this is the line of partnership that the American embassy is trying to foster here in Egypt and around the world,” she said. Speaking about Ford's success in Europe, Hans Schep, regional director of European sales operations, said he expects the company to emulate it in Egypt. “It's not easy to be in the car business,” said Schep, “and unfortunately many companies in the world have experienced that and I'm proud that Ford has been able to go through these challenging times and business environment.” “The brand new Ford Fiesta has been extremely successful in Europe, and is now doing well in the US and Asia and we expect it to do well here in Egypt,” he said. The Ford Fiesta was the best-selling car in Europe in the first quarter of 2010. “The Fikry group has a lot of manufacturing experience in sales and after-sales and I'm happy that they see the potential for Ford in the Egyptian market and have decided to open this facility. I'm confident that this partnership will be a successful combination,” Schep continued. The Fikry Group was recently named the best representative for Ford Motor Company in the region based on the sales and after-sales services it offers clients. Wael Amin, Fikry group's managing director, said Ford has been able to increase its market share in Egypt in 2010 and will showcase new cars and designs in 2011 to increase sales and competitiveness. Ford has been able to price spare parts and maintenance costs competitively, he added, with after-sales service being a major concern here in Egypt. In addition to the new Obour facility, the company also offers its after-sales services through it centers in Sixth of October City and Alexandria.
