twintornados Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 (edited) I keep reading where Ford plans that the new Edge will be built as a 2 row and a 3 row for the Chinese markets. Does Ford plan on using the Chinese market 3 row Edge chassis to underpin the next generation of Explorer for North America? Edited March 16, 2015 by twintornados Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 Rumor is next explorer and aviator go on CD6. If that happens they could bring a 3 row CD4 Edge to replace Flex as a 3 row CUV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 Rumor is next explorer and aviator go on CD6. If that happens they could bring a 3 row CD4 Edge to replace Flex as a 3 row CUV. That would be slightly odd "replacing" a vehicle like the Flex with something smaller like a 3 row Edge. I think there would be too much over lap with a 3 row Edge and a Explorer. I wonder if we'll see an S-Max or Galaxie instead to slot in where the Flex is but given its sales $, is it really worfth it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 Not if the Explorer goes more SUV and more off-road capable. And it's cheaper to do a 3 row Edge than a Flex especially if it's sold globally. Assuming they can't justify a new Flex based on minimal volume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzcat Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 (edited) 3 row Edge exists because: Shared platform with S-Max/Galaxy means there was budget to do a proper rear subframe for 3 row accommodation. Ford doesn't have the capacity to build Explorer in China, yet. Ford's China operation consist of 6 plants right now: Chang'an Ford Chongqing 1: Focus, Escort Chang'an Ford Chongqing 2: Mondeo, Kuga Chang'an Ford Nanjing: Fiesta, EcoSport Chang'an Ford Hangzhou: New CD4 Taurus and Edge Jiangling Ford Nanchang 1: Transit Jiangling Ford Nanchang 2: Everest Notice how the products are arranged according to platform architecture... there is no room for the existing D3 Explorer. So in order for Ford to get in the market for 3 row CUVs now (vs. Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Honda Pilot, all three are assembled in China), they had to make a 3 row Edge and not wait for D6 Explorer. Timing wise, it is also very interesting to note that both Ford dealers in China will be selling a 3-row utility starting this year with Edge and Everest coming out at the same time. Edited March 16, 2015 by bzcat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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