Yes, there's still work to do. Granted, the Fusion and Zephyr haven't even hit their collective stride yet, a critical mass that will come
when enough of each model start showing up on our roads that people sit up and take notice, after which the new Aviator and Edge crossovers should be able to build on the momentum Freestyle has created. Whether or not this will spur on Explorer and Expedition sales is anyone's guess, although Ford should take some comfort know that its Escape is still selling well despite being near the end of its lifecycle. Interestingly enough, other than the venerable F-150, which comes close to selling a million units globally every year (the goal in 900,000 units for 2005), Ford's star comes from a market segment that has been shrinking with each passing year. Mustang has sold more than 160,000 units since it debuted last year. If Fusion can now do in the midsize segment what Mustang has done in the niche coupe market, life indeed will be rosy in Dearborn.
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| Ford's upcoming Edge crossover is expected to do very well. (Artist's Rendering: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
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