Ford committed to the Flex, even with the new Explorer on the way

May 13, 2010October 29, 2011 Omar Rana Crossovers, Ford Explorer, Ford Flex, SUVs

FoMoCo says that it is committed to the future of the Flex crossover, even though the vehicle has not met the company’s volume goals.

Ford plans to launch the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV later this year and will offer a third row like it does in the Flex. The move will allow Ford to capture customers who need a lot of seating and cargo space and have traditionally opted for minivans instead of SUVs.

Ford left the minivan segment in 2006, which made up 4 percent of new car and truck sales through March. In 2008, Ford started selling the Flex crossover as a family hauler.

During the first four months of 2010, Ford Flex sales were up 14.8 percent to 12,598 units, compared with the same period last year.

Ford sells the Flex as a crossover vehicle. The new 2011 Explorer will be marketed as an SUV.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Free Press