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View Full Version : Ford targets crossover market with new Edge



mikeyb
11-12-2005, 11:24 AM
http://www.detnews.com/pix/2005/11/09/biz/b009-edgeXO-1105n_11-09-2005_AJ9K0GF.jpg
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<!--CA-->2007 Ford Edge<!--/CA-->
http://www.detnews.com/pix/folios/dot.gifFord Motor (javascript:companybox('F')) Co. is making another foray into the booming crossover sector with the 2007 Ford Edge.

The automaker is expected today to reveal some of the first details about the Edge -- which will reach showrooms by the end of next year.

The Edge will be a sibling of the new Lincoln Aviator crossover, which Ford introduced two weeks ago in New York.

With high gas prices hurting demand for the automaker's traditional SUVs, Ford is counting on crossover vehicles to appeal to consumers.

"These are post-modern SUVs," said Jim Hall, an analyst with AutoPacific. "It's a slightly larger vehicle than the Escape that is less SUV and more soft-roader."

Crossovers also tend to offer better fuel economy that their larger cousins.

Like the Aviator, the Edge will be built on the same Mazda6 platform as the newly released Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr. Like the 2007 Aviator, the Edge is expected to be built at Ford's Oakville plant in Ontario.

The crossover segment is expected to grow from 2.5 million vehicles this year to 3.5 million by 2010. Automakers are counting on crossovers to fill the void created by declining SUV sales. Though the definition of a crossover varies, vehicles commonly classified in the segment include the Pontiac Vibe, Chrysler PT Cruiser and Nissan Murano. Luxury crossovers include the Acura MDX and Lexus RX.

source:http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0511/12/C01-376649.htm

stdntDrvr
11-12-2005, 12:08 PM
wow...i guess they're going to trash the 1.5 year old freestyle?

mikeyb
11-12-2005, 01:01 PM
wow...i guess they're going to trash the 1.5 year old freestyle?

The Freestyle will be died in 2007. Slow sells is the reason.

stdntDrvr
11-12-2005, 02:51 PM
wow. well, the fusion is one hell of a ride...they need a manual for the v6...hopefully that'll come out soon. the five hunderd is noisy as hell on the inside...the new explorer has a quiet and smooth ride...the expedition is ok...if they'd do something to make the f-150's ride better and trash the escape...their stock may break $10. i work at a ford/lincoln/mercury/chevrolet/pontiac dealership and the chevrolets kick our ass every month...it's kinda depressing. the chevrolets have a great ride, but their interiors are cheap...maybe the new tahoe will cure that problem.

Amemiya
11-12-2005, 03:51 PM
The Freestyle didn't live that long. The 500 is getting a redesign for 2007. But I have to say Ford sucks.

Matthew
11-12-2005, 04:01 PM
i guess gas prices arent affecting sales enough to change designs...