TOKYO, Japan – The launch of the All-New Ford Explorer in Japan last month was met with keen interest from media across the county. 

The Explorer SUV is the flagship model of Ford's Japan business, and the ride and drive event was an opportunity for Ford to showcase the exceptional new design, innovative features and smart technologies of the All-New Explorer.

During a week-long ride and drive event that kicked off on May 30, over 200 journalists got behind the wheel of Ford’s new SUV to traverse a 2.5-hour course on the Izu Peninsula, which provided an exciting mix of both on- and off-road driving.

"It drives comfortably on winding roads, and provides excellent handling, a quiet drive, and a comfortable ride," said GT racing driver and Autocone writer, Hideshi Matsuda.

"The engineering level is high. I can see that Ford's products are the result of great craftsmanship," said Yasuhisa Shimashita of Men's EX.

The All-New Explorer sets a high standard for competitors and supports the company's ambitious plans for growth in the Japanese market.

"The opportunities for Ford in Japan have never been greater," said Tim Tucker, president of Ford Japan, during a Tokyo press conference last month to launch the All New Explorer, and in reference to Ford's plan to bring six all-new or refreshed One Ford vehicles to Japan over a three-year period.

This started with the successful launch of the Ford Kuga SUV last year, and continued with the new Lincoln MKX earlier this year.

The All-New Explorer Ride and Drive was featured across Japanese media channels, including TV Tokyo's Morning News broadcast, Nikkei newspaper, and the websites Car Watch and Auto One.

Media get a good look at the All-New Explorer.	The All-New Explorer on showcase at Ark's Hill Cafe.	Tim Tucker talks about Ford's plans for Japan.