► Ford Edge SUV comes to Europe
► Five new or updated Fords by 2018
► EcoSport, Kuga and Edge at Frankfurt
Ford will roll out its latest generation of SUVs and crossovers at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, as part of a product offensive that’ll see five new or updated models launch within three years. Leading the charge is a new Euro-spec Edge SUV, with updated Kuga and EcoSport models in support.
This will be the first time the Ford Edge SUV has been seen in Europe, with sales already underway on home turf in the US. Featuring all-wheel drive, a vaguely Evoque-esque look and components shared with the Ford Mondeo, it hopes to steal a slice from the premium end of the ever-growing SUV and crossover market. The introduction of the Edge is part of Ford’s ongoing strategy of designing one-size-fits-all ‘world cars’ for the global market, rather than separate region-specific models.
Ford Kuga and EcoSport mid-life updates
Ford’s given the tepidly received EcoSport compact crossover an early update with performance, interior quality and driving dynamics key targets – read about the alterations here. It’ll be on display alongside the mid-sized Kuga, which has undergone a lighter refresh with a new 8in touchscreen the highlight.
Ford projects that the three models will help it reach 200,000 SUV sales in Europe alone, and go on to account for 29% of global sales by the turn of the decade. A tall order for a market with an ever-increasing number of manufacturers joining the party.
More Fords to go 4wd
The upcoming Focus RS performance car leads Ford’s plan to introduce four-wheel drive to a number of models in early 2016. It plans to offer the technology to eight models in total, accounting for almost 50% of its line-up.
Read more about the new, European-spec Ford Edge here.