Product Updates
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Product Updates
I see a few interesting things in here. Mostly the part about breaking the Focus out on its own. ? ? ? ?
Automotive News' August 11 issue has a feature on Ford's plans through 2007. Most of the article contained information that is already common knowledge. However, following are few interesting excerpts:
Ford Focus
The Focus will be re-engineered and freshened for the 2005 model year. A performance sedan will be offered. A new interior is part of the plan.
Beyond that, Ford is debating what to do for the next-generation Focus. A redesign could happen for the 2008 model year with the North American Focus moving to the C1 platform shared with the new 2004 Mazda3 and the redesigned Volvo S40 sedan and S50 wagon. The European Focus will move to that platform for the 2005 model year.
But Ford also is contemplating putting the next-generation North American Focus on a separate platform, splitting it from the European Focus.
Ford Mustang
Ford says the redesigned 2005 Mustang will be true to this concept, a big hit at the Detroit auto show.
The redesigned 2005 Mustang will debut in the fall of 2004 on a platform derived from the premium rwd DEW platform shared by the Lincoln LS, Jaguar S-Type and Ford Thunderbird. It replaces the Mustang's Fox platform, which also dates to 1978.
But Ford has created a less expensive version of the DEW platform for the Mustang, dubbed D2C, and is studying whether to build other rwd vehicles off that platform. The Ford 427 four-door sedan concept, shown at the 2003 Detroit auto show, was built using the D2C platform. That vehicle could be produced under a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury badge, Ford has said.
Ford Thunderbird
The slow-selling Thunderbird will be discontinued after the 2005 model year. Ford Division President Steve Lyons says the automaker eventually will introduce another product under the storied Thunderbird name. No timetable was given.
Lincoln LS
The LS sedan is slated for a redesign or replacement for the 2006 model year. The name may be replaced with something new as part of the strategy to reinvent the Lincoln brand this decade. What is not known is whether the automaker will re-engineer the current platform or use a premium version of the D2C platform
Ford and Lincoln sport wagons
Ford Motor will launch two 2007 sport wagons - one for Ford Division, one for Lincoln - in August 2006 at its Oakville, Ontario, assembly plant.
Styling will be sporty and curvy, more like the Nissan Murano and Infiniti FX45. That styling is intended to differentiate the Oakville-made Ford sport wagon from the Ford Freestyle. Front and awd versions will be offered.
Combined volume of the 2007 Ford and Lincoln sport wagons is estimated at 175,000 units. The Lincoln version is designed to compete with vehicles such as the Lexus RX 330 and Cadillac SRX.
This will be the second group of vehicles developed off the Mazda6 platform.
Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator
The Expedition and Navigator will be freshened for the 2007 model year.
Ford also will introduce an extended version of the Expedition for the 2007 model year. Dealers want an SUV that better matches up in size against the Chevrolet Suburban. The Excursion is just too big, dealers say.
Automotive News' August 11 issue has a feature on Ford's plans through 2007. Most of the article contained information that is already common knowledge. However, following are few interesting excerpts:
Ford Focus
The Focus will be re-engineered and freshened for the 2005 model year. A performance sedan will be offered. A new interior is part of the plan.
Beyond that, Ford is debating what to do for the next-generation Focus. A redesign could happen for the 2008 model year with the North American Focus moving to the C1 platform shared with the new 2004 Mazda3 and the redesigned Volvo S40 sedan and S50 wagon. The European Focus will move to that platform for the 2005 model year.
But Ford also is contemplating putting the next-generation North American Focus on a separate platform, splitting it from the European Focus.
Ford Mustang
Ford says the redesigned 2005 Mustang will be true to this concept, a big hit at the Detroit auto show.
The redesigned 2005 Mustang will debut in the fall of 2004 on a platform derived from the premium rwd DEW platform shared by the Lincoln LS, Jaguar S-Type and Ford Thunderbird. It replaces the Mustang's Fox platform, which also dates to 1978.
But Ford has created a less expensive version of the DEW platform for the Mustang, dubbed D2C, and is studying whether to build other rwd vehicles off that platform. The Ford 427 four-door sedan concept, shown at the 2003 Detroit auto show, was built using the D2C platform. That vehicle could be produced under a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury badge, Ford has said.
Ford Thunderbird
The slow-selling Thunderbird will be discontinued after the 2005 model year. Ford Division President Steve Lyons says the automaker eventually will introduce another product under the storied Thunderbird name. No timetable was given.
Lincoln LS
The LS sedan is slated for a redesign or replacement for the 2006 model year. The name may be replaced with something new as part of the strategy to reinvent the Lincoln brand this decade. What is not known is whether the automaker will re-engineer the current platform or use a premium version of the D2C platform
Ford and Lincoln sport wagons
Ford Motor will launch two 2007 sport wagons - one for Ford Division, one for Lincoln - in August 2006 at its Oakville, Ontario, assembly plant.
Styling will be sporty and curvy, more like the Nissan Murano and Infiniti FX45. That styling is intended to differentiate the Oakville-made Ford sport wagon from the Ford Freestyle. Front and awd versions will be offered.
Combined volume of the 2007 Ford and Lincoln sport wagons is estimated at 175,000 units. The Lincoln version is designed to compete with vehicles such as the Lexus RX 330 and Cadillac SRX.
This will be the second group of vehicles developed off the Mazda6 platform.
Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator
The Expedition and Navigator will be freshened for the 2007 model year.
Ford also will introduce an extended version of the Expedition for the 2007 model year. Dealers want an SUV that better matches up in size against the Chevrolet Suburban. The Excursion is just too big, dealers say.
