With Plunging Sales, Ford's Hope Is Edge

Ford Motor Co. is counting on its teardrop-shaped crossover to alleviate its sales standing in the automotive market. Executives of Ford have expressed their high hopes for the latest version of Edge. They are hoping that Edge will be a strong player in Ford's bid to reverse the decline in sales.

Ford's executives say that the new Edge is essential to the ongoing restructuring plan of the company. Ford experienced a sales slide from approximately 26 percent in the year 1995 to about 17 percent so far this year. As a fact, the company's sales plunged by 8.6 percent through September compared to the first three quarters of last year. Moreover, Ford lost $1.4 billion in the first two quarters this year.

Edge is a midsize crossover which was based on the Ford CD3 platform. Edge is using one of the best among Ford engines – the Duratec 35 V6, which produces 65 horsepower and 250 ft-lb. It was mated to 6F six-speed automatic transmission which was created through the cooperation of General Motors. Edge is an epitome of a desirable crossover that uses fascinating Ford accessories and features of a sport utility vehicle. Moreover, it is built on car underpinnings rather than truck. This is designed by the company engineers to pave way for a lighter, nimble and fuel efficient vehicle.

The 2007 version of the car is made more sleek and captivating. "Edge underscores the bold, American design direction for all Ford vehicles going forward," says Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. "Edge also is packed with Ford innovation – from its panoramic glass roof and laptop-friendly center console to fuel-saving engine and advanced safety features. We expect Edge to make waves in the hot crossover market this year just like the Fusion did for midsize cars last year."

Fields also predicted that Edge would become a crossover hit albeit the presence of Toyota Highlander, Chrysler Pacifica and Chevrolet Equinox. However, he admits that Edge alone cannot save the company. "This is not the silver bullet that the company is looking for because in this day and age, you need to have lots of products," Fields noted.