Vertrek (United States of America, 2011)

Ford unveiled the Vertrek concept, a compact SUV, at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The concept vehicle was thought globally, but with focus on the North American, European and Chinese markets. These three markets are responsible for global trends of the SUV segment.

With the concept Ford worked on the cargo-carrying capability that consumers are expecting in this segment. The Vertrek concept offers a maximum cargo volume of 1,879 litres, the same amount that is offered by the current Ford Escape in North America. Ford is also showing that a compact SUV could offer substantially more cargo volume than the current Ford Kuga sold in Europe.

For its showcase at the 2011 NAIAS, Ford has equipped the Vertrek concept with a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost™ gasoline engine. The concept also features the Ford Auto Start-Stop, which contributes to fuel efficiency and low emissions. Ford also sees its Vertrek concept being powered by one of its powerful diesel engines offered in markets outside the U.S., for example the 2.0-liter Ford Duratorq® TDCi engine.

According to Ford, in the compact SUV segment, customers are looking for more economical highway vehicles, which they can use for weekend getaways. For that reason, Ford engineers worked on the aerodynamic design of the Vertrek concept and opted for the inclusion of an accessible, small-displacement internal combustion engine in the vehicle rather than a hybrid or electric powerplant.