US automaker Ford unveiled the new Ford Everest in HCM City on Wednesday, and said it would be marketed from September.

With prices starting at VND1.12 billion (US$48,000), the car will be sold in five versions, including two titanium ones: 2.0L turbo and 2.0L bi-turbo, one version of 2.0L turbo trend and two ambiente versions.

It is the first SUV to be equipped with 10-speed automatic gears and diesel bi-turbo 2.0L engines, which deliver 213PS and 500Nm of torque.

The car has some new features such as tyre pressure monitoring system, a hands-free power tailgate, keyless entry, and push-button start.

It is equipped with SYNC 3 technology and seven airbags.

Pham Van Dung, general director of Ford Vietnam, said demand in the SUV segment has kept rising.

He quoted a report from LMC Automotive as saying in the last two years demand for SUV in Southeast Asia has increased by 24 per cent a year, and Viet Nam is no exception to the trend.

He said Everest targets many kinds of customer subjects like families, companies and car leasing services.

Ford’s market share has been steadily increasing in Viet Nam, and it is now among the top five auto companies in terms of growth. — VNS