NEW FLAGSHIP SUV FOR EUROPE

4x4magazine | 29/11/2013 | 0 Comments

Ford revealed the all-new Ford Edge Concept to give a strong indication of the company’s new large SUV for Europe.

Already popular in the U.S. and other markets, the Edge will be Ford’s first large SUV developed for Europe, one of 25 global vehicles that Ford confirmed last year will go on sale in Europe by 2017. With the Edge, new Kuga and new EcoSport, Ford will offer a comprehensive line-up of redesigned SUVs. In Europe, the Edge will meet demand for upmarket, technologically advanced SUVs with great road presence and driving dynamics. SUVs in the region grew from 6.5 per cent to almost 12 per cent of vehicle sales between 2005 and 2012, and Ford projects that between 2013 and 2018 sales of all SUVs in Europe will increase by 22 per cent.

Key attributes of the Ford Edge Concept – a sleek and sporty appearance, capability, fuel efficiency and technology that assist the driver – are in line with what customers value around the world, which is driving global growth in the SUV segment.

Driver-assist technologies and semi-automated features on the Ford Edge Concept hint at a future offering even more intelligent and capable vehicles from Ford. These sensor-based technologies form the building blocks for the future of automated driving, and will help make driving safer and more efficient.

Fully Assisted Parking Aid, a prototype technology which builds on Ford’s Active Park Assist feature to let customers park their vehicles at the touch of a button, or even by remote control. The system can find a perpendicular parking space using ultrasonic sensors and allows customers to wait until the vehicle has pulled out of a tight parking spot before entering.

Ford also has begun a research project designed to refine advanced Obstacle Avoidance systems. The research and development vehicle can issue warnings if it detects slow-moving objects or stationary obstacles in the same lane ahead and – if the driver fails to steer or brake following warnings – the system automatically steers and brakes the vehicle to avoid a collision.

The Edge Concept has a new high-tech application of Active Grille Shutters. The shutters automatically open and close to maintain ideal engine operating temperature and maximise aerodynamic efficiency. Unique air curtains on the lower part of the fascia guide air from the front of the vehicle, out through the front wheel wells and down the side of the vehicle.

Premium interior elements include a leather-wrapped and hand-stitched instrument panel, 10in centre display featuring Ford SYNC with Voice Control and Touchscreen, and a dynamic centre stack with mechanical switchgear. High levels of craftsmanship and rich materials unify the Ford Edge Concept. For example, black Nubuck leather wraps the upper instrument panel, centre console and door elements.