(September 8, 2015) COLOGNE, Germany — Ford of Europe has announced plans to expand its line-up and increase sales in the fast-growing SUV segment in Europe as well as significantly increase its offering of all-wheel drive technologies.

Starting early next year with the Edge large SUV, which debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week in European specification, Ford plans to launch five all-new or redesigned vehicles that will compete in the SUV and crossover space in Europe over the next three years.

Ford is targeting sales of 200,000 SUVs in Europe by 2016 — a 200 per cent increase compared with 2013. Industrywide, SUV sales in Europe are expected to increase from 20 per cent of total passenger car sales in 2014 to 27 per cent by 2020, according to industry analyst IHS.

“Globally, Ford has been at the forefront of SUVs for decades, and is now delivering a European line-up that offers the stylish design, car‑like dynamics and fuel efficiency that are key to why SUVs have become so popular in Europe,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. “As demand for SUVs continues to grow, so will the range that Ford offers – from rugged models with true go-anywhere ability to sporty models designed to suit urban lifestyles.”

In addition, Ford will enhance the popular Kuga model later this year — including offering new colors and adding Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity technology with an 8-inch color touchscreen. Ford is also preparing to launch a significantly enhanced version of the EcoSport compact SUV, which includes offering a version without the spare wheel on the rear tailgate along with improved interior refinement, better performance and sharper driving dynamics. These new versions of Kuga and EcoSport will be on display in Frankfurt.

Ford is also poised for SUV sales growth in Russia, with a full line-up of models that includes Explorer, Kuga and EcoSport – and more product actions coming.



Millennial driving force

A new Ford-sponsored survey in Europe shows SUVs are highly desired by Millennials — those aged 17-34 — indicating Europe’s SUV boom is poised to accelerate as the generation reaches prime new car buying age.

Millennials account for 24 per cent of Europe’s adult population. The new survey shows one in four Millennials in Europe who intend to purchase a vehicle in the next year say they are considering an SUV.

More so than other age groups, Millennials say SUVs make them feel powerful when they drive, are the kind of vehicle they want to be seen in and are more sporty and fun to drive than other vehicle types – according to top strategic research consultancy Benenson Strategy Group.

“The survey makes two important points — the SUV boom in Europe is not a passing fad and young people are not as ambivalent about car ownership as some suggest – especially when it comes to SUVs,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “For both rational and emotional reasons, many younger buyers in Europe see SUVs as the perfect choice for them.”

Global SUV momentum

Ford has a deep heritage in SUVs and a comprehensive range in markets across the globe including the EcoSport, Edge, Everest, Expedition, Explorer, and Escape. SUVs accounted for 23 per cent of Ford sales globally in 2013, up from 17 per cent a year earlier.

By the end of the decade, Ford projects SUVs will account for 29 per cent of its global sales spurred by increasing demand in Europe and China. SUV market share in Europe grew from 9 per cent to 19 per cent between 2008 and 2013; and from 7 per cent to 17 per cent during the same period in China.