Will Ford's Way Forward include Reflex, Fairlane?
It was no accident that Ford Americas
president Mark Fields appeared on the podium at the company's "Way Forward" press conference with clay models
of both vehicles. Although Ford was short on specifics when it came to the new products part of the Way Forward plan,
it seems likely that a small car and a next-generation people mover are in the cards, according toFord's popular Fairlane "people mover" concept is likely to hit the Detroit Auto Show in 2007 in a production version. Ford's current minivan lineup badly needs a shot in the arm to revive its fortunes in that competitive market segement.
The small car theme is less clear. In his keynote address at the L.A. Auto Show earlier this month, Fields was unequivocal in stating Ford's intent to compete in the "B-segment," and Ford's Reflex concept, unveiled at the Detroit show, is meant to add substance to that commitment. However, a more likely vehicle to hit that market segment, at least in the near term, is Ford's successful European-version Ford Focus (not to be confused with its American sibling of the same name). Whatever the solution, its likely that Ford will aim for the premium end of the B-car segment, and stay away from the increasingly crowded and price-competitive lower end of the market.
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