|
DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. Tuesday displayed its all-new
Expedition for the 2003 model year.
This is the carmaker's first revamp of the full-sized sports utility
vehicle, which it introduced as a 1997 model.
"For 2003, we've built upon Expedition's key strengths and
added many features customers have been looking for in a full-sized SUV," Ford Division
President Jim O'Connor said at the North American International Auto Show.
Pricing for the new Expedition has not been set, but changes for 2003 include:
* A new, stiffer chassis.
* An electronic fold-flat-into-the-floor 60/40 third row seat, which provides owners access to
all of the Expedition's cargo space at the touch of a button.
* Independent rear suspension.
* A new Brake Assist system that reduces braking distance by 20 percent or more.
-- An AdvanceTrac electronic stability enhancement system that monitors traction and
maintains stability while the vehicle corners on wet roads.
* A SafetyCanopy side air bag curtain system.
* Tire pressure monitors.
Ford also showcased the hybrid gas and electric version of its small SUV, the Escape. The
carmaker plans to start selling the low-emission vehicle in 2003. The vehicle gets about 40 miles
per gallon in city driving.
"It's the first SUV to qualify as a partial low-emissions vehicle (PLEV)," said Chris Theodore,
vice-president of Ford North America Product Development. "Emission levels on the hybrid
Escape are so low, they can barely be measured."
Theodore said it was too early to talk about the vehicle's pricing. "But we're working hard to
make it affordable," he said.
Sport utility vehicles are key market segment for Ford. Last year, the car company sold a
record 792,000 sport utility vehicles in 2001, which broke a Ford SUV sales record set in 2000
by more than 40,000 units, O'Connor said.
:ylsuper :badass: :aug2:
|