Next Ford Escape / Kuga concept to be unveiled in Detroit

Sources have told Automotive News Europe that FoMoCo plans on unveiling a near production concept of an SUV in January to replace the Ford Escape in North America and the Ford Kuga in Europe. The model will go into production in the second half of 2012 and will be sold as a 2013 model (at least in the United States).

No word on whether the Kuga and Escape will keep their names for their respective regions or share a common nameplate. However, Ford’s “One Ford” strategy calls for a single name for vehicles sold in different regions, for example, the Fiesta and the Focus.

According to Automotive News, it is pretty likely that Ford of Europe’s Saarlouis, Germany plant will lose production of the Kuga. FoMoCo is considering its plant in Louisville, Ky., where it currently builds the Escape, including a hybrid variant, in Kansas City, Mo.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)