Ford Walks In The Light of Product-Led Recovery

Ford is on the verge of moving forward or staying behind the competition. Hence, it is still putting its best foot forward by making accelerated steps toward recuperation. As a fact, its bread-and-butter vehicles are now being used to hasten recovery.

Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX are set by the automaker to join the flaming hot auto market. As a fact, this is a time in the industry when the trend is all about crossovers, which are outselling sport utility vehicles.

According to Paul Mascarenas, vice president for Product Engineering, The Americas, Edge is "another consumer-driven product that's right for today's market. We believe Edge has what it takes to follow in the Fusion's footsteps - it will be a success."

The automaker is giving Edge high hopes. It is anticipating big things from said model. To boot, it is expecting up to 45 percent new customers of Edge. "We positioned Edge to be the best customer value among modern-styled crossover utility vehicles," said Barry Redler, Ford's SUV and Crossover brand manager. He further noted that Edge will be the only domestic alternative in the segment.

Ford Edge, which is based on CD3 platform, was launched in November this year. However, it made its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The hype continues as Ford announces that more than 930,000 consumers have visited its Edge's page in its website. Moreover, the traffic on site surged by 125 percent since the month of June.

Ford dealers are saying they can't wait to have the Edge. "If it's half the car the Ford Fusion is, the Edge will do great," said Russ Milne, of Russ Milne Ford in Mount Clemens, Mich. "It's going to draw in a lot of young mothers who don't want to be minivan people and the empty nesters, too."

Analysts are also positive about Edge, "When you look at the Edge, you've got this nice, strong, sporty exterior that looks like there is a level of capability in that vehicle. And in the interior, there are a number of nice points, too," said Alex Edwards, the president of Strategic Vision in San Diego.

Aside from Edge, Ford is also counting on its mighty F-Series where F-350 pickup belongs. For the 2008 lineup, Ford F350 Super Duty pickup parts will introduce new 6.4 twin-turbo Power Stroke Diesel V8 to replace the current V8 engine. This is done to produce a more powerful Super Duty truck that will tickle truck fanatics' fancy.