Ford Futura: Upcoming Cars for the Blue Oval

Ford's passenger vehicle line is poised for a major overhaul, one that will alter the company's North American offerings from one featuring big trucks and SUVs to a brand with a well balanced mix of high mileage compact cars, crossovers, hybrids, as well as utility and leisure vehicles. Beginning in 2009 the first changes will take place and by 2012, Ford's line up will be dramatically transformed.

Taking A Look At The Future

Much of the information I will be sharing with you about Ford is based on what the company has been telling automotive analysts (and anyone else who will listen) all throughout 2008. I'll speculate on a few possibilities, but for the most part what I will be sharing with you here represents a good picture of what the Ford brand will look like by 2012.

Small Car Overhaul – The Ford Focus has been a surprisingly good seller for Ford this year, up 25% over the previous year. Credit excellent highway fuel economy (35 mpg) and cutting edge technology (SYNC in-car entertainment and communications system) with fueling demand. But, Ford won't be stopping there as the next generation Fiesta will make an appearance by 2011, a gas-powered subcompact car that will deliver more than 40 mpg highway. In addition, a new Focus will arrive, providing improved fuel mileage over the current model.

Small Crossovers Expanded – Whether you call the Ford Escape a crossover or a small SUV probably doesn't matter, but this vehicle represents one of the brightest stars in the Ford truck line up. A new Escape isn't due out until late 2012, but Ford will make do with its thrifty ute by expanding hybrid production and possibly introducing a diesel powerplant. Slotting just below or alongside the Escape will be the Kuga, a five passenger crossover currently sold in Europe. If Ford manages to offer the diesel powerplant now available in the European market, 44 mpg on the highway will be well within the crossover's reach.

New Ranger Truck – Ford's Ranger truck has served Ford well for more than two decades, but the current truck is woefully outdated. Look for a new truck, built in Thailand or South Africa, to be imported to fill the gap when the Ranger goes away in 2011. Based on a car platform, this light duty hauler will get high gas mileage and could be optionally powered by a diesel engine.

Good-bye Explorer, Hello Explorer America – Ford's midsize SUV has hit on hard times lately, not nearly the excellent seller that is was as recently as five years ago. To lighten the load and improve fuel economy, the Explorer America will be introduced, a car based vehicle along the lines of the Edge, Flex, and Taurus X. Expect the Taurus X to go away, but look for the next generation Edge to appear in late 2011.

Mustang Muscle – The next generation of the iconic Mustang will debut in 2009, helping Ford to combat fresh competition found in the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. Utilizing lightweight carbon based materials, the Mustang will see a slight increase in fuel economy across model lines. Look for an EcoBoost I4 to be introduced within a year or two, offering V6 power and excellent fuel economy. Ford wants to continue to dominate the pony car market and will do whatever it takes to defend their turf.

Expanding the Fusion – Ford's strength lately has been in its midsize car line, the Fusion, a car that was overhauled in 2008. Hybrid technology is now available, giving buyers one more reason why they'll want to consider Ford. Expect the Fusion to compete well against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord while holding its own against the Chevrolet Malibu.

Big Ford Car – The picture coming from the top end of the Ford car line up is murky, but we do know that the Ford Crown Victoria will be laid to rest. The Taurus will likely soldier on, but its long-term significance depends on customer demand and the price of gas. Otherwise, look for Ford to cancel the car line and concentrate on crossovers instead.

Ford Trucks – Ford will continue to sell hundreds of thousands of F Series trucks, meeting a demand that has abated, but will remain steady as long as people need big trucks. Plumbers, electricians, contractors, and other service workers prop up demand while the leisure crowd and people who simply enjoy big trucks make up the rest of the demand.

A new V6 and a diesel powerplant due out for the 2010 model year will help Ford offer more fuel efficient choices, but look for some sort of hybrid variant to also be offered. The Expedition will likely be terminated as demand for big SUVs continues to collapse, which could also lead to the end of the E Series, Ford's big passenger/work van.

Motoring Miscellany – The Transit Connect, Ford's little work van, will grow in importance, especially for service workers who don't need the capacity of a big truck or van. Look for Ford to expand its hybrid options and, if the Chevrolet Volt is a success for GM, license that technology from GM for its own plug-in hybrid.

Expect Ford's diesel offering to expand significantly if the company is able to bring that technology stateside without having to invest a great deal of money in these powerplant. However, Ford is pouring everything into its EcoBoost technology, its new line of high powered gas engines that will provide a 20% boost in fuel economy where implemented. Expect Ford to continue to implement fuel thrifty six-speed automatic transmission technology virtually across the line.

Hoping For The Best Outcome

Of course, the biggest challenge to Ford right now is its very survival. The best laid plans of any company are subject to the vagaries of the financial markets, something that is in much turmoil today. We'll know more how Ford is shaping up by the time 2009 comes to an end, but for the mean time the Blue Oval is working diligently to overhaul its North American operations.

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