Ford Goes For the Edge In Crossover Market

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Ford Motor Company is launching another new vehicle into the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) market at the 2006 North American International Auto Show with the debut of the 2007 Ford Edge.
"Edge underscores the bold, American design direction for all Ford vehicles going forward," said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "Edge also is packed with Ford innovation - from its panoramic glass roof and laptop-friendly center console to fuel-saving engine and advanced safety features. We expect Edge to make waves in the hot crossover market this year just like the Fusion did for midsize cars last year."
The CUV is the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the United States, outpacing even the remarkable growth SUVs achieved in the 1990s. CUVs surpassed 2 million U.S. sales in 2005 and are on pace in 2006 to exceed traditional SUV sales for the first time.
Two distinct consumer trends have helped fuel the explosive growth of the CUV segment: car buyers seeking more spacious and flexible interiors along with the security of all-wheel drive, and traditional SUV buyers seeking more maneuverable and fuel-efficient vehicles that still make an active lifestyle possible.
Most crossovers have been designed to closely resemble traditional SUVs. Edge heads to a new, unexplored part of the CUV market with a bold, modern, uniquely American design.
Modern Design with a Dramatic Edge
"Edge is not an off-road adventure vehicle, and it doesn't look like one," says Peter Horbury, executive director, North America Design. "The inspiration for the Edge is contemporary design and an adventurous state of mind."
Edge's front end has a distinctive three-bar chromed grille that builds on the look of the Ford Fusion. An aggressively raked windshield and fast-sloping back window with high-mounted rear spoiler accentuate the feeling of motion. Quad-beam headlamps and a "powerdome" hood accentuate the purposeful front-end look.
Each wheel is planted at an extreme corner, giving Edge a powerful, yet graceful stance. The raised beltline emphasizes strong, sculpted shoulders formed around sharp wheel arches. Matte black lower front and rear fascias and side rocker panels emphasize Edge's sporty character.
Edge's modern design flows into the interior, evident in the instrument panel and distinctive center stack. The center stack design incorporates two 9- by 2-inch vertical vents that bracket the audio and climate-control switches. Leather-trimmed seating features contrasting stitching inspired by the fashion industry and a hit with Fusion customers.
"Edge has an expressive look that evokes a connection with the customer's lifestyle," Horbury says. "It was important that we design Edge to have maximum flexibility in the amount of gear it can accommodate while still offering customers a contemporary vehicle they can take out on the town."

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