Is The Edge The Salvation for Ford?

Just weeks before its launch, the new 2007 Ford Edge is creating buzz among potential customers.

Since Edge's unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January, Ford has used cutting-edge tools, such as an interactive Web site that allows 360-degree views, to inform and pique people's interest in the bold-looking crossover.

More than 750,000 consumers have visited the Edge Web site since its debut at the auto show -- 40 percent more than Ford experienced with Fusion over the same timeframe. In addition, more than 45,000 consumers have requested information about the vehicle.

"The Web site allows us to have a two-way dialogue with consumers. The site provides an opportunity for consumers to express an interest in learning more about our products and in-turn Ford can provide the information they specifically desire," said Ward.

"We are working to a cadence where we are ramping up with more and more information to keep potential consumers engaged and interested in the Edge, ultimately building up to the vehicle arrival this November."

"We've made it very interactive and engaging, and we've used a lot of new technology," said Ward. "It's not about listing specifications and every feature in black and white print. We've tried to deliver information in a way that is not only informative, but also entertaining -- it's Edge-utainment. And this is just the beginning; we have many more exciting Web plans still to come."

Agent004 - 9/13/2006 10:40:19 AM

+1 Boost

I opened this article expecting something about U2 :(

carfan3 - 9/13/2006 11:03:52 AM

+1 Boost

edge looks boring...not as nice looking as the gm lambdas

bubbahotep - 9/13/2006 11:41:55 AM

+1 Boost

I visited the site out of curiosity... thats about as far as it went...just another oversized car looking thing...

azimport - 9/13/2006 12:19:47 PM

+1 Boost

Just have to wait and see if it looks as good in real life as it does in the pictures. Impressed.

neutral - 9/13/2006 12:55:34 PM

+1 Boost

I hope this car:
A) is well built and very capable
B) sells very well

WalterMax - 9/13/2006 1:11:43 PM

+1 Boost

I think it's a very cool looking box. Taillights kind of reminds me of the Legacy

I like it!

Rupert - 9/13/2006 1:44:48 PM

+1 Boost

interior looks good, quite european ford focus.

macbjg1 - 9/13/2006 2:06:53 PM

+2 Boost

And this differs from the Freelander, which differs from the Escape how? Is it really necessary for Ford to cannibalize itself with a variety of indistinguishable clones just to get a new model on the market every couple of years?

1970toyotamarc - 9/13/2006 4:16:17 PM

+1 Boost

mac, you are echoing my thoughts exactly. As I read down through the posts, I kept waiting for someone to mention the obvious product overlap. The Escape has always been one of the biggest cut-utes, so Ford has had a credible CUV for years. Then 2 years ago they brought forth the decent, if not the most inspiring, Freestyle. (Funny, on their website the Escape is not listed as a crossover). Now the Edge. Overlapping vehicles. Sounds like the "Way Forward" is really the "GM Way Forward." Only Ford does all their overlapping in one division.

speedracer54 - 9/13/2006 8:21:02 PM

+1 Boost

I hope its a hit. I really want Ford to survive and get thru this.

charlzm - 9/13/2006 11:10:20 PM

+1 Boost

Utterly uninterested in this offering from Ford.

Matthew1 - 9/14/2006 1:07:10 AM

+2 Boost

The same old heater controls?

Why not some funky new ones which better suit the nature of the car?

But seeing as the rest of the car was styled by someone suffering depression, I guess they'll do.

bigslick83 - 9/14/2006 12:21:20 PM

+1 Boost

okay can anyone be more clear about he differences between this and the freestyle? is this taking the place of the freestyle? and wouldnt Edge-ucation be a much better play on words than Edge-utainment? I mean really, was I the only one who thought that was stupid?

vcowman - 9/14/2006 12:34:07 PM

+1 Boost

give this think NAV that would be nice.

speedracer54 - 9/14/2006 7:13:28 PM

+1 Boost

it has nav so what r u talking bout?