Does anyone else think that Ford has been asleep at the wheel in the US in terms of developing a compelling selection of models? Continue reading for information on the alleged new product portfolio from Ford. My comments are:
(i.) Imagine that Ford thinks it ok to wait until 2009 for a refreshening [that is not a totally new model but a light updating] of the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria?
(ii.) Why do we have to wait until 2010 for a small crossover vehicle?
(iii.) Why so much engineering effort going to Mercury and Lincoln when Ford's the volume player?
If this is the best that Ford can do maybe there is hope for GM after-all!
Automotive News is reporting this week that Ford's new model plans are:
North American product plans
2007 model year
Ford Edge crossover debuts
Ford Explorer Sport Trac redesigned
Ford Expedition re-engineered, reskinned
Lincoln MKX crossover debuts
Lincoln Navigator reskinned, re-engineered
Lincoln MKZ (formerly Zephyr) freshened
2008 model year
Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty pickups redesigned
Ford Escape reskinned, re-engineered
Ford Focus reskinned
Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle, E-series vans freshened
Mercury Mariner reskinned, re-engineered
Mercury Montego freshened
2009 model year
Ford minivan alternative debuts
Ford F-150 restyled, re-engineered
Ford Explorer, Crown Victoria freshened
Ford Fusion freshening likely
Mercury Grand Marquis freshened
Mercury Milan freshening likely
Lincoln MKS sedan debuts
Lincoln minivan alternative debuts (or 2010)
Lincoln LT pickup restyled, re-engineered
2010 model year
Ford small sedan likely debuts
Ford small crossover likely debuts
Mustang restyled, re-engineered