Larger wheels on the Continentals can look quite nice as long as they're not too big. 

Granted it's connecting some dots, but that lines up with my speculation of basically an ICE (well, PHEV) Euro Explorer.

From Auto News, this quote implies the BS is too "off-road focused" and therefore the Euro model will be 'more refined': Not defending anything, just trying to parse what Ford are thinking here. It wouldn't be the first time a Ford model in one global market didn't pass muster for use in another Ford market.

Aside from length or height, there's not much wiggle room size wise between Puma and Escape that would be THAT much different than our Bronco Sport already is.     The point is that if they're splitting hairs, why go through the effort of designing a whole new vehicle and not use what you already have?   I guess they feel our BS isn't right for the Euro market, and that no amount of sprucing up will do?  I feel like we're going to basically see and ICE version of their Explorer (I still think it was a stupid use of the name).

I was thinking the same. Another month down, I don’t know if they will surpass last years numbers. It seems its pretty difficult for them to maintain sales levels, as you say 2.3k is not bad, but the Nauti should be near 3k

Could be due to them selling both the old and new Nautilus last year which gave them a really inflated number.  Only down 5.8% which isn't bad for a 2nd year.   Looks like Lincoln will break 100k again.  They sold 104k last year I would like to see them target 110k next, I would love to see them sell even more but that would require a larger lineup.  I think 110k would be doable next year.  I could see them ending this year around 107-108k.

Bronco Sport is the same size (within an inch or two) than Kuga/Escape....

I wonder if Nautilus is having import troubles with sales down 30%.  I know the numbers were high last year, and that 2,300 is still historically good, but still doesn't look great.

Yea, the new head honcho at JLR is former CFO at Tata Motors. He ain't messin' around!   Almost two decades after Tata Motors acquired Jaguar Land Rover from the Ford Motor Company, the British marque will have its first ever Indian CEO. The current Group Chief Financial Officer of Tata Motors, P B Balaji will officially take over in November this year from Adrian Mardell who is leaving JLR after spending 35 years with the company, three of them as CEO. All eyes are on Balaji who will steer the Jaguar Land Rover wheel in November.   Balaji’s appointment suggests he has been sent in by Tata Group to fix the growing mess at JLR. McGovern, who for some years now has helped formulate the strategic agenda at JLR, may have been seen by Balaji as part of the problem. The 69-year-old British designer, a man with strong opinions and little fear of expressing them, may have robustly disagreed with that assessment.    

Smiley - Happy Smart Horse makes everyone comfy.....