Ford Plans 25 New Models for Africa, Middle East

Ford Motor Co. says it will introduce at least 25 new models in Africa and the Middle East by 2016.

The company expects the combined car markets in those regions to climb 40% to 5.5 million vehicles per year by 2020.

Ford predicts demand for passenger cars in Africa will climb 40% in six years to 2.1 million vehicles. It estimates the number of potential drivers on the continent will jump 55% to 840 million by 2023.

Last year Ford's sales in South Africa surged 40% after it added five models there. The company plans to roll out 17 more new models in sub-Sahara Africa and South Africa within the next two years.

New products arriving next year include the Mustang sport coupe, Fusion sedan and Focus small sedan. For will offer right-hand variants of all three models. The company also promises to introduce such technologies as turbocharged engine, Bluetooth connectivity, park assist, lane-keeping warning and rearview camera.

Future models will include the all-new Figo, the company's upcoming global small car, which Ford unveiled in concept form earlier today.