Ford unveils new Edge concept for European market

Already popular in other markets, the Edge will be Ford's first large SUV developed for Europe, and one of 25 global vehicles that Ford confirmed last year. It is expected to retail in European shores by 2017. With the new Kuga, new EcoSport, and upcoming Edge, Ford expects to offer a comprehensive lineup of redesigned SUVs. Key attributes include a sleek and sporty appearance, fuel efficiency and driver assisting technologies.

In Europe, the Edge will meet demand for upmarket, technologically advanced SUVs with great road presence and driving dynamics. Ford projects that between 2013 and 2018 sales of all SUVs in Europe will increase by 22 percent.

The exterior is fluid and athletic with strong shoulders echoing the feel and appearance of a runner in the starting blocks. The rearward slope of the grille influences the shape of the bonnet, which is muscular yet compact.

Unique air curtains on the lower part of the fascia guide air from the front of the vehicle, out through the front wheel wells and down the side of the vehicle.

Premium interior elements include black Nubuck leather wrapped and hand stitched instrument panel, 10-inch centre display featuring Ford SYNC with Voice Control and Touchscreen, and a dynamic centre stack with mechanical switchgear.

Driver assist technologies and semi-automated features hint at a future of more intelligent and capable vehicles from Ford. The sensor-based technologies form the building blocks for the future of automated driving, and will help make driving safer and more efficient.