Reporters from across North America were in Detroit recently for an overview of the Ford’s full 2015 model lineup, highlighted by the unveiling of the 2015 Edge midsize crossover. The new Edge was simultaneously unveiled in Europe and there are plans to offer a longer three-row version for China as the vehicle is rolled out in more than 100 countries.
The five-passenger Edge with two rows of seating was first introduced in 2006 for North America. In recent years Ford started exporting it to South America and China where it quickly resonated in a market with a growing appetite for crossovers.
This second-generation Edge was designed from the ground up to be a global vehicle. It shares the same foundation, or platform, as the Fusion midsize sedan and the S-Max multi-activity vehicle in Europe.
To enhance Edge’s global appeal Ford added diesel engines for Europe and will make the first right-hand-drive models for markets such as the U.K. and Australia. It also moves more upscale, adding for the first time a “Titanium” trim level — Ford’s pricey top-end trim level now on a number of its models — above the former top-level Limited.
“The Titanium trim level has been a real success story for Ford – particularly in products such as Fusion, Escape and Flex,” said Kim Cape, marketing manager for Ford large cars and utilities ina statement. “Our customers are telling us, ‘We are interested in technology and a premium look and feel.’ Titanium delivers that.”
Pricing for the new Edge was not announced, be sure and stay tuned for a more in depth look at the 2015 Edge.
