Ford Bold Moves - Episode 13: Close to the Edge
The Ford Bold Moves web-based documentary reaches lucky number 13 today and focuses it's power over audio and video on the upcoming Ford Edge. "This launch is absolutely crucial," says Mark Fields in the episode, and we couldn't agree with him more. I say as much in an accompanying piece on the website you can read right here. With the Accelerated Way Forward plan now on the table, the stakes are even greater for a good launch of the Edge. By the time Mark Fields stands before us at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show in January we'll find out whether or not Ford's been successful and if the Edge is resonating with consumers. For Ford's sake, we wish 'em luck.
[Source: Ford Bold Moves]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh 10:51AM (9/21/2006)
I entered pricing for the Edge into my database last night. They've priced it about even with the Honda Pilot, and thus higher than the Mazda CX-7 but well below the Nissan Murano. The specs suggest this should be a roomy vehicle for five passengers. But I still think it will be very hard to sell at this price without rebates. The larger Freestyle is significantly less expensive once you adjust for features, even before rebates.
But especially considering this is a new design that can push into the mid-30s many features people might expect are not available. Features available on the Murano that you cannot get on the Edge:
--keyless access and ignition
--power recline for the front seats (why do the domestics tend to just go 6-way?)
--xenon headlights
--Homelink? (must have it, but not mentioned anywhere)
Anyway, if you want to see how the pricing stacks up:
http://www.truedelta.com/models/Edge.php
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richard elsbree 12:03PM (9/21/2006)
Where were these people when they designed the Five hundred?
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champcarfan 12:11PM (9/21/2006)
It seems that ford is puting way to much hope that this is going to be a breakout hit. I think it looks nice, but you can't put all your eggs in this basket.
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DC_1 11:44AM (9/21/2006)
I think the price is great. I feel if you want those extra luxury features just stroll on down to the Lincoln showroom and look at the MKX.
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Bruce Lee 11:50AM (9/21/2006)
If building ugly and bland is considered bold, then Ford has mastered bold moves. What a pile, Ford do every one a favor, don't build this thing, you have already wasted to much of your employees retirements on other BOLD moves that have gotten you nothing in return, like the super exciting 500, or the ultimate rental car, the FUZION. If anything hire some people that actually know how to design and build cars and trucks that don't fall apart after 5 years of regular use, now that would be a BOLD MOVE!
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TheSwener 12:00PM (9/21/2006)
I like how their "way forward" design is a cheaper imitation of infinity's and especially lexus smaller SUVs. Those sold well, but that ship has sailed, Ford. Way forward means NOT COPYING OTHER BRANDS.
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Jamie 12:03PM (9/21/2006)
3. If building ugly and bland is considered bold, then Ford has mastered bold moves. What a pile, Ford do every one a favor, don't build this thing, you have already wasted to much of your employees retirements on other BOLD moves that have gotten you nothing in return, like the super exciting 500, or the ultimate rental car, the FUZION. If anything hire some people that actually know how to design and build cars and trucks that don't fall apart after 5 years of regular use, now that would be a BOLD MOVE!
Posted at 11:49AM on Sep 21st 2006 by Bruce Lee 0 stars
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Such a concise analysis...NOT.
I am not necessarily a Ford fan, but so many people jump on this bandwagon, because they think it's an easy way to appear to be smart--since everybody else is saying the same thing anyway.
Please go under a rock until you can come up with something constructive to say. This is very childish. How can you HATE a company? Looking for social approval somehow?
If you don't care for Ford, shut up and stay away. Don't come on a message board to bash the company. Gimme a break dude...
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cannon 12:12PM (9/21/2006)
It has keyless entry, it's called a push button remote.
You should have said, "hands free".
Both of my domestics have 8 way.
I'll pass on the xenon so my car doesn't get jacked.
I think it will sell just fiine without rebates.
www.youreaturd.com
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That One Person 12:21PM (9/21/2006)
ok...Bruce Lee = Bold Idiot.
And I dont see any resemblance to Lexus SUVs. Oh but I guess Ford is copying the idea of a small SUV. Oh but its ok for Toyota to make its own Mazda6. Or its ok for Hyundai to make its own FX. Or its ok for countless other companies to rip off designs or some part of a cars design and use it for its own.
Ford comes out with a good design and everyone has to blast it. Seriously, no matter what Ford does, everyone has to bitch and whine and say they copied someone else.
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Hamud 12:40PM (9/21/2006)
I'm getting tired of always finding the same idiot comments on every news regrading GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Some people post their opinions and think everyone is obliged to agree with them.
Guys, please, if you don't like what have been posted, you have two ways to follow, make use of your right to remain silent or just discuss the subject as civilized people do.
Come on, i know you can do it.
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sebath 12:50PM (9/21/2006)
GENTS,
I have to agree with the title: Ford...close to the edge.
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Loren 1:29PM (9/21/2006)
Great move Ford, this will bring back customers. For you guys that blab your mouth on here with your pathetic non sense go somewhere else. Do BS people about Ford copying Infiniti or Lexus, thats like me saying Nissan and Toyota copied Ford by making a full size truck or accusing Honda of copying Crysler for making a minivan.
As for you Michael Karesh, you have your own wannabe site for cars so go post your useless opinions there. What car doesnt have keyless entry these days as an option? Xeon bulbs? Can you say target for theft? Does anyone actually use Homelink? I cant remember the last time I wanted to use my car to open my garage door or turn on a lamp lol. For your info my Explorer has and 8 way adjustable seet.
This ship hasnt sailed, it just got here. This is a new market segment that hasnt really been tapped but only by a few auto makers.
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Joshua 1:38PM (9/21/2006)
It's about the product stupid. That's it, that's all. Ford must cut; it's workforce, it's plants, it's huge range of models, it's huge range of brands, it's dealers, it's corporate overburden, etc... And it must invest in building very good cars and trucks. That last part sounds simple but they just arn't doing it. I have driven many of their brand new vehicles (plus I own one) and the quality just isn't there. Ford must spend a lot more time and money on the design of every tiny detail of their cars, and on refining their manufacturing techniques. Stop with these useless corporate initiatives, launch strategies, marketing programs, etc... Just give us great cars to drive and the rest will take care of itself.
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KT 4:11PM (9/21/2006)
So, how many of you bashing this vehicle have seen one in person or even sat inside one, much less drive one. How about waiting until you have done at least one of the aforementioned actions before forming an opinion. If you think you already have an opinion then you're being prejudice.
I've seen it in person and was to sit in it. I don't think you can beat it without spending much more money on one of it's competitors. So, why dont you wait until you have to chance to really check it out before you start making ill-informed comments.
Ford is not a high end carmaker. They make cars for the masses. If you expect it to be a Lexus or Infiniti then you will probably be disappointed. However, it's a lot of car for a lot less money than those makes.
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champcarfan 4:45PM (9/21/2006)
Mark Fields looks like he has a little mullet.
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Ford Edge: My Thoughts 7:13PM (9/21/2006)
I think the differences between the Ford Edge and the Mazda CX-7 are remarkable. From the opinions I've seen on the 'Net, there are lots of folks that love the Edge. However, they seem like a different set than those that would go for the CX-7. It might be an issue of older vs younger or domestic lovers vs import lovers.
I don't know what sort of profit Ford garners from their 1/3 control of Mazda, but they have, as far as I'm concerned, a pretty nice foothold in the "Crossover" market with these two products considering the demographics.
- Robert
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infinihertz 7:49PM (9/21/2006)
KT, I've seen a few both in and out of camo around SE Michigan, although I haven't gotten inside. I agree they look really nice. The burnt orange color seems particularly great. Personally I think I might like the Edge design as much as or more than the MKX, but that's another issue. If I had kids already, the Edge would be at the top of my list.
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Gary 4:15AM (9/23/2006)
Sort of reminds me of my 1988 honda civic. It was a good car too. Hope Ford luck, it may not be a Mustang but not all cars can be mustangs. looks like it has a bigger trunk.
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leo 8:33AM (9/23/2006)
Now this I can see someone pony up the cash for, but teh MKX - hell no
too bad this doesn't go beyond the Nissan Murano as that 5 year old product still looks better and has managed to have plenty copy it - even Mazda made a 6/10th version of it (the Mazda 3 wagon)
But this is a better job for Ford - it does need a quick grill redesign which the Murrano also needed but hasn't gotten one yet.
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