Ford reconsiders RWD large car program

Posted Mon Jul 14 2008 7:24 AM by Alex Kaufmann

The Blue Oval has been vocal about its plans to develop a new generation of RWD sedans for its Ford and Lincoln brands, with the company’s product chief Derrick Kuzak and CEO Alan Mulally both confirming the project was currently underway as recently as the start of this year. The project may now be on the skids however, as company execs reconsider the feasibility of building large RWD sedans in light of rising fuel costs and toughening fuel economy standards.

"We need to understand the role of those vehicles, given the change in the market mix," Kuzak told Automotive News during a recent interview. Ford's current strategy of slashing pickup and SUV production in favor of small cars has been working in terms of stabilizing sales, so a change in strategy may not be in the best interests of the carmaker, he explained.

In fact, Kuzak said the project will continue at full pace until the market stabilizes and a long term projection can be developed. Other initiatives Ford is considering as it rides out the current fuel crisis includes offering a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in its fullsize pickup range, adding more small cars such as the next generation Kuga crossover and Ka minicar, and expanding its EcoBoost engine technology across most of its lineup.

Pictured above is the 2007 Ford Interceptor Concept, a design that’s claimed to preview the new RWD sedan planned for the Ford brand.

Reader Comments

Mon Jul 14 2008 9:27 AM
mlevere1992 says

Are front wheel drive cars really that much more economical than rear wheel drive cars? I thought rear wheel drive cars would be better beacuse the fronts don't have to do all of the work. Or is it that rwd cars have too much drive train loss compared to fwd?
Mon Jul 14 2008 12:55 PM
Michael D. says

I hope they continue and move forward with this, they're fools if they stop!
An addition of Eco-Boost power-plants in RWD lines would be of some help, too.
Also, it's essential for the current Panther based line will end it's long life-cycle; they've been around in some form or another since MY1978!
Mon Jul 14 2008 1:52 PM
LJS says

Bring Falcon.
Mon Jul 14 2008 2:49 PM
Knight3058 says

I want whatever that is that's pictured up there!

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