Not refuting the many poor engineering decisions of Ford motor but to set the record straight…   My Ford Touch (Sync 2) was fitted to no fewer than 15 different Ford models.   The reason CD4 wasn’t launched with hybrid was that money was diverted to the 2.0 diesel version for European markets where it failed after 12 months. There was always room to put the hybrid battery under the passenger seat but Ford couldn’t be bothered because Fields already developing CD6 Edge.   CD6 Edge was again a poor choice by Ford when just developing a 2 row Edge could have been codeveloped with Nautilus years early, still possible.   A lot of Farley’s pride went into redesigning the Mach E and so I doubt he could ever bring himself to sign off on a new Edge, that would be admitting everything before was a huge mistake.  

Even a Mystique?? Hat tip to Mercury.....

"With the 2027 Focus shifting to a C2-platform 'Kuga sized' SUV, Ford is effectively abandoning the traditional low-slung hatchback market. This leaves a massive gap for the Honda Civic and VW Golf to dominate. My proposal is to revive the ESCORT nameplate as a proper, aerodynamic hatchback using the California 'Skunkworks' UEV Platform. By prioritizing efficiency over SUV 'boxiness,' we can use stock Ford parts to build a profitable, high-performance lineup that delivers the 'Power of Choice.' 1. The Standard Series – Target £21,000–£23,000 The Petrol: 153bhp 1.0L EcoBoost mHEV (Sourced from Focus Mk4). Available with a True 6-Speed Manual or 7-Speed DCT. The Electric: 168hp Puma Gen-E Motor & Battery. 250+ mile range. The Layout: Both are Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) to use existing stock engine mounts and suspension. Safety: Standard 'Snow Mode' VCU mapping to ensure winter stability. 2. The Escort ST (PHEV) – Target £32,500 The Power: 243hp 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid (Sourced from Kuga PHEV). The Mission: To rival the Honda Civic Si and Golf GTE with 40+ miles of EV-only range for UK tax benefits and ULEZ compliance. 3. The Escort RS (Plug-in Hybrid) (The 448hp Halo) – Target £42,500 Front End: 280hp 2.3L EcoBoost & 7-Speed DCT (Focus ST Mk4 - Stock FWD). Rear End: 168hp EDU & 50kWh Battery (Puma Gen-E - Stock EV Axle). The Brain: A dedicated Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) to sync the throttle. The rear motor 'fills' the torque gaps and eliminates turbo-lag, creating a seamless 448hp AWD experience with Electric-Push and Petrol-Pull. Performance: 0–60mph in under 3.4 seconds. The Technical Business Case: Zero R&D Risk: This is a 100% 'Parts Bin' strategy. Every engine, motor, and battery is already in high-volume production (Focus ST, Kuga PHEV, Puma Gen-E). Manufacturing Efficiency: Built on the low-cost UEV Skunkworks Platform, using unicastings to reduce parts count and assembly time. Aero Advantage: A low-slung hatchback is 20% more aero-efficient than a 'Kuga sized' SUV, allowing smaller batteries to achieve the same range. The Question for the Pros: We know the SUV-style 'Focus replacement' is coming, but would you support a 448hp VCU-synced Plug-in Hybrid RS and a £21k Manual Standard if it used existing parts to stay affordable? "Is it time for the Escort to return to the UK and save the hatchback market?" I believe this 'Stock Parts' strategy is the only way to make it happen." #FordEscort2028 #Skunkworks #FordPerformance #BlueOvalFuture"

It's a mystery.

Speaking of the Chinese Nautilus, why does it have a built in the USA VIN code of "5"?  The Chinese Buick's have an "L".

So let's count the missteps with Edge.   2011 - launched MyFordTouch with dozens of sev 1 bugs and no backup plan.  Took 2 years to get it really stable. started then abandoned new cd6 version which delayed the cd4 version by 2-3 years 2015 - launched cd4 version with no hybrid declined to move 2 row Edge to C2.  Chinese version is an ungainly 3 row. cancelled edge to increase Mach-E sales.  Failed.   At least they kept the Chinese Nautilus.  

Sound like it's up to the gummint.....

The cold truth is that Ford killed the Edge to give Mach E every possible chance to thrive and grow. The funny thing was that after the first year, Ford started dialling back on advertising support as it realised that the true sales depth was much less than Edge. The Edge was also something like $20k less to make which put a huge question mark on internal cost levels….and that I think was the foundation for starting CE1, someone had the balls to ask why Mache costs are so high.

I sure hope T6 engineering remains. The Aussie's have done an amazing job with the current gen Ranger. Can't wait to get mine in April.

Actually, I think the main reason it sold at all was that it was Ford's first electric car. If you made a gas powered Mustang CUV, the same people who were offended at the use at the Mustang name would still be offended and people who want a gas powered CUV in that size bracket usually go for a 3 row one.