Ford planning more SUV traction with the all-new Everest

Ford unveiled a seven-seat SUV in early November in Beijing in response to the growing consumer enthusiasm for large sporty vehicles.

Chairman and CEO of Ford China John Lawler said target customers of the powerful off-road SUV are those "who love life, have dreams and boast an adventurous spirit" in emerging economies like China and India.

Lawler said the model was designed at Ford's design center in Australia with "the Asia-Pacific region in mind" following extensive research into markets and consumer preferences - the most research ever conducted for a vehicle developed by Ford in the region.