Ford Planning Lincoln And Mercury Versions Of Kuga Crossover

[wescoent]

What I do know:

Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln will all be getting versions of this vehicle. Ford views this segment as being a high-volume, high-profit area, and thus of critical importance to 'get right'.

I don't know anything else for sure.

As for my personal opinion, knowing Mark Fields and Derrick Kuzak as well as I do...

I'd say that the US Escape will get unique sheetmetal, closer to the Explorer than the Kuga, and it will continue to be pushed as a "Baby Explorer". Ford has seen a lot of success with the boxier SUV-like formula, but otherwise, it will likely share everything under the skin.

The Mercury version may drop the Mariner name for "Kuga", and will share virtually ALL sheetmetal with the European Kuga, since Mercury is a more progressive brand, or so Ford wants them to be. Given that the European Kuga will be built in the same factory, this wouldn't be a costly proposal.

The Ford and Mercury will share interiors, though the Mercury will probably get better materials in certain places.

The Lincoln version will get a unique interior and exterior, and have its chassis revised to go toe to toe with the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK on driving dynamics, and likely be available only with a larger engine.

[johnstarnes]

Originally Posted by wescoent

What I do know:

Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln will all be getting versions of this vehicle. Ford views this segment as being a high-volume, high-profit area, and thus of critical importance to 'get right'.

I don't know anything else for sure.

As for my personal opinion, knowing Mark Fields and Derrick Kuzak as well as I do...

I'd say that the US Escape will get unique sheetmetal, closer to the Explorer than the Kuga, and it will continue to be pushed as a "Baby Explorer". Ford has seen a lot of success with the boxier SUV-like formula, but otherwise, it will likely share everything under the skin.

The Mercury version may drop the Mariner name for "Kuga", and will share virtually ALL sheetmetal with the European Kuga, since Mercury is a more progressive brand, or so Ford wants them to be. Given that the European Kuga will be built in the same factory, this wouldn't be a costly proposal.

The Ford and Mercury will share interiors, though the Mercury will probably get better materials in certain places.

The Lincoln version will get a unique interior and exterior, and have its chassis revised to go toe to toe with the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK on driving dynamics, and likely be available only with a larger engine.

Wow I did not know you hang with the Big Guys at Ford...thanks for that overview. If all three are TRULY distinct on the outside AND inside, I see this as fully understandable platform sharing vs. "rebadging".

[wescoent]

Originally Posted by johnstarnes

Wow I did not know you hang with the Big Guys at Ford...thanks for that overview. If all three are TRULY distinct on the outside AND inside, I see this as fully understandable platform sharing vs. "rebadging".

Not so much "hanging" as 'knowing a guy who sees stuff' type of deal.

Ford and Mercury won't be distinct inside, aside from materials.

Look for the same relationship when the Fundeo arrives.

[CrunkedRL]

This is one sharp looking lil' ute---I wouldn't mind having one. I would imagine Ford/Mercury versions will only have four cylinder engines as an option...

[johnstarnes]

Originally Posted by wescoent

Not so much "hanging" as 'knowing a guy who sees stuff' type of deal.

Ford and Mercury won't be distinct inside, aside from materials.

Look for the same relationship when the Fundeo arrives.

Do your Ford buds know that you refer to the MKT as a baleen whale? Lol! What is a Fundeo? New to me!

[wescoent]

Originally Posted by johnstarnes

Do your Ford buds know that you refer to the MKT as a baleen whale? Lol! What is a Fundeo? New to me!

Many in Ford refer to it as a whale as well... thus is the case with a polarizing design.

For the next generation, the Ford Fusion and Ford Mondeo will merge architectures, so that Ford only has one midsize sedan architecture worldwide, thus my moniker Fundeo (Fusion + Mondeo).

[johnstarnes]

Originally Posted by wescoent

Many in Ford refer to it as a whale as well... thus is the case with a polarizing design.

For the next generation, the Ford Fusion and Ford Mondeo will merge architectures, so that Ford only has one midsize sedan architecture worldwide, thus my moniker Fundeo (Fusion + Mondeo).

No WONDER I got nothing when I Googled " Ford Fundeo"! I am very much looking forward to seeing my first MKT....but I am almost sure I will like it...a LOT. I see it as a brave, segment-leading replacement for the Town Car.

[Bravada]

I see it as a brave, segment-leading replacement for the Town Car.

Others, however, see Moby ****. Ford won't bring it in Japan for fear of it getting ripped by harpoons.

[ford&holden]

Originally Posted by wescoent

What I do know:

Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln will all be getting versions of this vehicle. Ford views this segment as being a high-volume, high-profit area, and thus of critical importance to 'get right'.

I don't know anything else for sure.

As for my personal opinion, knowing Mark Fields and Derrick Kuzak as well as I do...

I'd say that the US Escape will get unique sheetmetal, closer to the Explorer than the Kuga, and it will continue to be pushed as a "Baby Explorer". Ford has seen a lot of success with the boxier SUV-like formula, but otherwise, it will likely share everything under the skin.

The Mercury version may drop the Mariner name for "Kuga", and will share virtually ALL sheetmetal with the European Kuga, since Mercury is a more progressive brand, or so Ford wants them to be. Given that the European Kuga will be built in the same factory, this wouldn't be a costly proposal.

The Ford and Mercury will share interiors, though the Mercury will probably get better materials in certain places.

The Lincoln version will get a unique interior and exterior, and have its chassis revised to go toe to toe with the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK on driving dynamics, and likely be available only with a larger engine.

Just as i suspected.

I think they have learnt how to platform share successfully by now...