(April 21, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — The 2011 Ford Edge is off to a fast start and could gain even more popularity after becoming the latest Ford vehicle to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (for models built after February 2011).

Ford now has 10 vehicles on the road in the U.S. that have earned Top Safety Picks.

“The new Edge is already the most popular midsize crossover and we believe this Top Safety Pick rating will generate even more interest,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations, as well as offer electronic stability control.

The Edge, which launched in late 2010, is off to a fast start with sales up 25 percent in 2011 through March — ending the month as the segment leader with 18 percent of medium crossover sales. Initial demand for the Edge’s driver-aid technologies Edge has been strong. Of the first 101,908 vehicles sold:

    • 80 percent include rear view camera
    • 32 percent include BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert

“Edge customers value safety and security,” said Eric Peterson, crossover marketing manager. “Safety features are one of the top reasons customers cite for their purchases of Edge and crossovers in general.”