Ford Middle East and North Africa announced the appointment of “North Al-Jazeera Trading and Commercial Agencies” (SAT) as its new official distributor in Iraq, effective October 1. The new company is the result of a strategic alliance between Marsh Holding Group and Al-Ayyan Group, and will be responsible for selling Ford vehicles, providing genuine parts, and offering after-sales services in the Iraqi market.
The Marsh Group manages a diversified investment portfolio comprising more than ten companies in strategic sectors of the Iraqi market, including technology, financial services, digital solutions, and e-commerce, while the Al-Ayyan Group is one of the most established regional distributors in the automotive sector, with more than 50 years of experience. Ford officials believe that combining the expertise of both parties will give the new distributor greater capacity to support the brand’s growth and enhance the customer experience in Iraq.
Ravi Ravichandran, Ford’s president for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “Iraq is an important market for Ford, and the company is committed to serving its customers there over the long term.” He noted that the new distributor shares Ford’s focus on quality and putting the customer first, and that its capabilities and knowledge of the local market will help enhance the Ford experience throughout the entire ownership journey, from purchase to after-sales service.
For his part, Mohammed Al-Ayyan, CEO of North Al-Jazira, said that Ford has a legacy in Iraq that few other brands can match, and that the new company’s role is not limited to distributing vehicles but extends to earning the trust of Iraqi customers who have placed their trust in the brand for generations. Yassin Al-Saati, the company’s General Manager, noted that there is a significant opportunity for Ford in Iraq, and that combining knowledge of the local market with Ford’s global strength puts them in a good position to support the brand’s continued success and expand its presence in one of the region’s most promising markets.
Ford will continue to work with its former distributor, “Al-Kasad,” which has represented the brand in Iraq for the past nine years, through the end of this September to ensure a smooth transition for customers. During this period, customers will be able to purchase Ford vehicles and obtain parts and service through Al-Kasad’s facilities, after which vehicle warranties, maintenance services, and the availability of parts will continue without interruption. Ford will announce the locations of the new distributor’s branches, service centers, and customer contact points at a later date, prior to the start of its operations.
