Report: Ford EcoSport Crossover Will Likely Join U.S. Lineup
Could arrive as a 2018 model-year vehicle.
Subcompact crossovers are gaining traction here in the U.S., and that's a good reason for Ford to bring its EcoSport crossover to the U.S. According toAutomotive News, the Ford EcoSport crossover is now being tested near the automaker's headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., and it will likely come to the U.S. as early as next year.
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The model, which is currently sold in global markets from Europe to Asia and Africa, could make its way to the U.S. in late 2017 as a 2018 model-year vehicle. It would compete squarely against the Chevrolet Trax, Subaru XV Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, and a host of other new competitors.
It's not a surprise if Ford brings the EcoSport here, considering the automaker had already outlined plans earlier this year to introduce four new utility vehicles in the U.S. within the next few years. Even former CEO Alan Mulally hinted in 2014 that the EcoSport had a chance of coming to the U.S. After the EcoSport debuts, the Ford Bronco is expected to return to the U.S. (And let's not forget rumors of a new Ranger).
Ford is building on the success of its crossover lineup in the U.S. Last year, the Escape was Ford's second best-selling vehicle behind the F-Series truck. The Edge and Explorer saw double-digit sales gains last year, while sales for many of Ford's cars declined.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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