DEARBORN, MI – Ford Motor Company unveiled an accelerated product plan that strengthens its Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury lineups with 70-percent new or refreshened vehicles by volume by the end of 2008. The plan includes an all-new, full-size crossover Edge, which will go on sale in 2008. It is based on the Ford Fairlane concept that was unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Edge has three rows of seating and will get about 23 miles to the gallon. Combined with the upcoming November launch of the all-new 2007 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX models, Ford is making a strong push in crossovers. Among other product plans is an updated Ford Focus expected in showrooms next year — with a new interior and a more powerful engine. An all-new F-Series Super Duty pickup will go on sale in early 2007, and an all-new F-150 will go on sale in 2008. Ford says to look for a new powertrain as well as interior and exterior design enhancements. Ford also is accelerating plans for the development of several new small cars by leveraging some of the company’s global vehicle architectures currently in use in Europe and Asia. Ford has re-examined its entire cycle plan, and accelerated the development of other vehicles, as well. For example, the new Lincoln MKS flagship sedan, with all-wheel drive, will go on sale in 2008, packed with more technology and features than any prior Lincoln. To keep up with demand, Lincoln will also continue to offer the Town Car. As production ends at Ford’s Wixom (Mich.) Assembly Plant in 2007, the company says it intends to move Town Car production to the St. Thomas (Ontario) Assembly Plant. Ford announced it will continue to make “major investments” on more flexible-fuel, diesel, hydrogen, and hybrid powertrains. The company says two out of every three Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles also will offer fuel-saving, six-speed transmissions in that same timeframe.
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