Ford abandoning minivans for a gaggle of new crossovers
06-07-2005, 03:23 PM
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Ford abandoning minivans for a gaggle of new crossovers
Ford's traditional minivan is headed for extinction and in its place, Ford's three domestic brands will get a variety of crossover vehicles to cater to families and empty nesters, sources have told Inside Line.
Ford and Lincoln will market a new vanlike crossover inspired by the Fairlane concept, and Mercury will sell a wagonlike crossover based heavily on the Meta One concept.
The Fairlane-styled crossover will likely arrive as 2008 Ford and Lincoln models. They will be more like the Chrysler Pacifica, with no sliding doors, than a traditional minivan. Their size is likely to be between full-size and midsize SUVs. They will ride on Ford's Volvo-based D3 platform, which underpins the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans and the Freestyle wagon.
Lincoln will introduce a new car-based crossover, the Aviator, with SUV styling cues and aimed at the Lexus RX 330. Ford will get a companion model to slot between Escape and Explorer, but Mercury won't.
The Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans will be discontinued after 2007, about the same time the Ford Freestyle wagon will be phased out, according to supplier sources familiar with the automaker's plans. In its place, Mercury will get a freshened version of what was the Chicago-built Freestyle as a 2007 or 2008 model, finally giving the brand some differentiation from Ford and Lincoln.
By the time these crossovers hit the market, it may be saturated. Ford had better have a better idea very soon.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=105932
Ford and Lincoln will market a new vanlike crossover inspired by the Fairlane concept, and Mercury will sell a wagonlike crossover based heavily on the Meta One concept.
The Fairlane-styled crossover will likely arrive as 2008 Ford and Lincoln models. They will be more like the Chrysler Pacifica, with no sliding doors, than a traditional minivan. Their size is likely to be between full-size and midsize SUVs. They will ride on Ford's Volvo-based D3 platform, which underpins the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans and the Freestyle wagon.
Lincoln will introduce a new car-based crossover, the Aviator, with SUV styling cues and aimed at the Lexus RX 330. Ford will get a companion model to slot between Escape and Explorer, but Mercury won't.
The Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans will be discontinued after 2007, about the same time the Ford Freestyle wagon will be phased out, according to supplier sources familiar with the automaker's plans. In its place, Mercury will get a freshened version of what was the Chicago-built Freestyle as a 2007 or 2008 model, finally giving the brand some differentiation from Ford and Lincoln.
By the time these crossovers hit the market, it may be saturated. Ford had better have a better idea very soon.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=105932
