Ford has used the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry
Conference to reveal “more than 20 new Ford and Lincoln products” will be
coming to North America over the course of the next two years. As part of this effort, the
automaker will refresh 75 percent of its lineup in North America. The company
was coy on specifics, but said they will be “fortifying” their truck lineup
while also “renewing and expanding the range of SUVs.”
Ford’s press release was light on specifics, but the
company investor’s presentation was far more detailed. It revealed that the
automaker’s U.S. crossover / SUV portfolio will receive seven new entries or
“major refreshes.” Among them are the 2020 Explorer and the redesigned Escape
which will be unveiled later this year. All-new models include the highly
anticipated Bronco, the Mustang-inspired electric crossover and the “small
rugged utility” which has been dubbed the Baby Bronco.
Lincoln isn’t missing out on the fun either as they
will receive two all-new models. The 2020 Aviator was unveiled at the Los
Angeles Auto Show last year with a new rear-wheel drive platform and a
twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 400 hp and 541 Nm of torque. The model will also be offered with a plug-in hybrid
powertrain that is expected to produce 450 hp and 812 Nm of torque.
One of the more interesting revelations was the
confirmation that Lincoln will launch a new crossover. The company hasn’t said
much about the model, but the teaser image suggests it will be about the same
size as the 2020 Ford Escape. Given the fact the models are being launched
around the same time, it’s possible they will both ride on the same platform.
That remains unconfirmed, but we’ll likely find out more details in the coming
months.
The mysterious Lincoln crossover will also be
offered in China. It will be sold alongside the redesigned Kuga and an all-new
SUV. Ford also noted that Chinese consumers can expect three additional
crossovers or SUVs which will be either all-new or a major refresh / redesign.
Other notable items included in the presentation
include the announcement that Ford will strengthen their crossover and truck
lineups with electrification, increased connectivity and new partnerships. New
crossovers and SUVs will also have “innovating silhouettes” and more driver
assistance technologies. Trucks, on the other hand, will gain more “high-end
and affordable derivatives.”Ford didn’t reveal much about its truck plans, but
reiterated it is working on a new F-Series Super Duty. The Ranger is also
arriving at U.S. dealerships and the company is already planning on new trucks
developed with Volkswagen.
