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The Ford Edge is a medium-sized crossover SUV that is based on the Ford CD3
platform. Other vehicles that share this platform are the Ford Fusion, Mazda
CX-9 crossover, and the Mercury Milan. The Lincoln MKX is another vehicle that
is very similar to the Edge.
The car buying public got its first chance to see the Edge at the 2006 North
American International Auto Show. Vehicle production started in the fall of
2006. There was a delay in getting the process started due to supplier issues,
but the first models arrived in dealer showrooms just before Christmas Day of
2006. The Edge is assembled at Ford's plan located in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
The Edge was developed to give consumers the choice of buying something between
a minivan and an SUV like the Explorer model. This five-door SUV comes equipped
with a 3.5L V6 engine capable of producing 293 hp. Both front-wheel drive and
all-wheel drive versions are available. The transmission is a six-speed
automatic, which was developed in a joint venture with General Motors.
Although the Edge is mainly being marketed to the North American consumer, the
Company does have plans to offer this model to car buyers in other countries
around the world. Ford has plans to introduce the Edge to consumers in another
40 countries, including Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Panama, and the United
Arab Emirates.
Sales have been very encouraging for the Edge. Each year, the volume of units
sold has increased. The Edge was the most popular model of crossover SUVs
(mid-to-large size) in the first six months of 2007 with 58,000 vehicles being
bought. Total sales for that year came in at 130,000 units.
The 2008 edition of the Ford Edge was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show for that
year. A Sport package will be available starting with the 2009 model year.
Standard features include 20 inch wheels and all-body colored trim. Larger (22
inch) wheels are available as a factory upgrade (optional). This model gets 16
mpg in the city and 24 mpg when used for highway driving.
Plans are in the works for a gas/electric hybrid model of the Ford Edge that
will be available for sale starting in the 2010 model year. The Company is
developing a system that will include a V6 engine and an electric motor. |
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