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Ford expected to sell 100,000 Flex crossovers annually

Ford expected to sell 100,000 Flex crossovers annually

Viknesh Vijayenthiran April 11th, 2008 Viknesh Vijayenthiran By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Author April 11th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Since the unveiling of the Flex crossover concept nearly a year ago and the subsequent reveal of the production model just one month later, Ford has been relatively quiet on production details about the new model. Speaking at a press event held in Las Vegas, Ford has finally revealed its new Flex crossover will go on sale in the middle of the year and up to 100,000 units are expected to be sold in its first year. The 100,000 threshold “absolutely” is possible for the 2009 Flex, Ford group vice president of marketing and communications Jim Farley told reporters at the event. “That's what we're looking at production wise." Ford is counting on buyers downsizing from fullsize SUVs to scoop up the new Flex as well as customers new to the Blue Oval, reports Automotive News. “Flex will find a lot of full-size SUV customers, and a lot of people who haven't bought Fords are going to buy it," Farley boasted. With fuel prices continuing to rise and customers shifting to smaller vehicles in droves, Ford’s future success will depend on whether it can maintain sales once demand for its fullsize SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition as well as the F150 pickup shrinks. The new Flex is powered by Ford’s 3.5L V6 and is mated to a 6-speed transmission and AWD system.
Ford expected to sell 100,000 Flex crossovers annually

Ford expected to sell 100,000 Flex crossovers annually

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Since the unveiling of the Flex crossover concept nearly a year ago and the subsequent reveal of the production model just one month later, Ford has been relatively quiet on production details about the new model. Speaking at a press event held in Las Vegas, Ford has finally revealed its new Flex crossover will go on sale in the middle of the year and up to 100,000 units are expected to be sold in its first year.

The 100,000 threshold “absolutely” is possible for the 2009 Flex, Ford group vice president of marketing and communications Jim Farley told reporters at the event. “That's what we're looking at production wise."

Ford is counting on buyers downsizing from fullsize SUVs to scoop up the new Flex as well as customers new to the Blue Oval, reports Automotive News. “Flex will find a lot of full-size SUV customers, and a lot of people who haven't bought Fords are going to buy it," Farley boasted.

With fuel prices continuing to rise and customers shifting to smaller vehicles in droves, Ford’s future success will depend on whether it can maintain sales once demand for its fullsize SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition as well as the F150 pickup shrinks.

The new Flex is powered by Ford’s 3.5L V6 and is mated to a 6-speed transmission and AWD system.

Tags: crossovers

Posted in: Ford, News


Comments (10 total)

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  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 4/11/2008

    Well, I guess if the Scion xB sells, maybe this will.
    Not exactly my cup 'o tea...

  2. By Roy #2, Posted: 4/11/2008

    Just two words: groundless optimism

  3. By chris #3, Posted: 4/11/2008

    I dunno guys,.. this is starting to grow on me like some kind of evil fungus. it's probably my Blue Bias talking but... I think they may have a point with this thing. people who want big SUV's want something that doesnt look so boring as a minivan. this is their answer. a minivan that looks like a huge SUV. I think its definitely in need of an Ecoboost 3.5L, but none the less, I think they may be right... 100k in sales is very possible...

    the only problem is the economy. this is a 2009 model that is surely going to go on sale in the fall of 08... which is only 6 months away........... i dont see middle class america (the family types) to be in the market to blow this kind of dough in 6 months time. everyone's saying the economy will get worse before it gets better. but as for the price of gas,.. i can see this being big.

  4. By MyWheelsOnWalls #4, Posted: 4/11/2008

    If Mini can sell clubmans I dont see why this should'nt sell. Lets hope Billy and his team package it with some innonvation too other wise they will have dealers looking for places to store inventory.

  5. By HECTOR #5, Posted: 4/11/2008

    I will let those 100000 buyers go ahead of me. No, no. No need to thank me. I'm just that selfless.

  6. By eee #6, Posted: 4/11/2008

    Bizarre. It looks like a flattened Range Rover.

  7. By mark #7, Posted: 4/11/2008

    Ugly car. What was ford thinking.

  8. By Wizards Lore #8, Posted: 4/13/2008

    terrible looking car....truck or whatever the hell it is !! blue bias or not Chris....still horrible !!!

  9. By ohmy #9, Posted: 4/13/2008

    well lets reserve judgment until we see the car in the road, pictures may not do it justice
    i think it looks cool but i hoipe the interior has some innovative features that would separate it from the rest of the pack.

  10. By Wizards Lore #10, Posted: 4/15/2008

    its a brick with wheels. Its the kind of design that american cars where famed for in the 80's that were laughed from everyone. They pulled their fingers out and started designing cars that werent made up of complete straight lines and were gaining a bit more respect. this thing is ghastly. all it needs is wood panneling along the sides...woo hoo

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