Ford Focusing on Crossovers and SUVs to Gain World Sales

Ford'sFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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global plan is to focus on crossovers and SUVs to increase sales. The segments already represent 15% of Ford's global sales and are expected to outpace growth in the rest of the industry. For example, it is prediciting crossover sales in China will double in the next five years. Crossovers are a 13 million annual sales market as of 2012.

“Utilities are helping us grow our share in the North American market – particularly in the traditionally difficult coastal markets – and they’re driving our expansion in developing markets, where utility growth is exploding," said Ford Head of Global Marketing.

Ford's current range of crossovers and SUVs include the EcosportFord EcoSportUnited Kingdom, 2012 > 20126 photos
, EscapeFord Escape Gen.3United States of America, 2012 > present10 versions
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/KugaFord KugaUnited Kingdom, 2008 > 201226 versions
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, EdgeFord Edge Gen.2United States of America, 2015 > present14 versions
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and ExplorerFord Explorer Gen.5United States of America, 2011 > present11 versions
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. While the Explorter and Escape has been sales successes in North America, the Ecosport is expected to be the global leader. It will be introduced to India, China and Europe soon but will not be sold in North America. 

“Nothing has been more prolific than the global rise of the small utility. Once a trend in Western markets, we now see a rapid convergence toward the segment globally as customers become enamored by vehicles offering the size and functionality of a utility coupled with car-like dynamics and fuel economy," said Farley.

The market in China alone has grown from 120,000 small crossovers in 2005 to 1.4 million in 2012.