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Ford Has a Better Idea: Future Model Plans

1 September 1998

Mustang

Ford will be unveiling its new 1999 Mustang in Los Angeles later this
week, and everyone is expecting some touches from the 1964-65
'original' successful models.  While the configuration of the coupe
and convertible will not change, a few exterior touches will be
new. The Mustang will get a completely new look in 2002.

CONTOUR

This may be the last year for the Contour. It now looks and assembly
will move from Kansas City to a plant in Mexico.

Focus

The Escort will be replaced by the Focus in 2001, and will be
engineered in Germany and hopefully cost $1,000 less than the present
Escort.  The Escort will be around until then, and the ZX2 Coupe is
the leader in sales.

Thunderbird

The Bird was dropped in 1997, but it certainly is not out of FOMOCO's
future plans, as it will return in 2001 with a retro look reminiscent
of the first T-Birds with port holes in the lift off top.

Taurus

Look for the bell weather car of the Ford lineup to get some styling
cues from the Lincoln LS and the more-popular-than-ever Town Car. In
2000, this model will be overhauled with a new grill, softer
lines/curves.

New Sport Wagon

Taurus, of course, will be available as a wagon, but Mercury's Sable
look-alike will debut a new Sport Wagon which would be sort of
wagon/sport ute in its styling

New Sport Ute

Toyota and Honda have mini sport utility models, and Ford wants a
piece of this niche.  The company is testing the U204 wagon/ute for a
possible year 2000 entry.