Ford Crossing Over Toooooo

The Detroit News reports that Ford will begin production of an all new model in late 2003 that will compete with the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Chrysler Pacifica. The report stated that the new vehicle is codenamed D219.

The new model has a profile of a longer Lexus RX300 or Toyota Highlander. The paper reported that the interior package will include three rows of seating and ample room for passengers and cargo for families.

Production of the new vehicle will take place in Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, which will cease production of Taurus and Sable models before the D219 and its sister models enter production. A transversely mounted V6 engine mated to a CVT with optional all-wheel drive will power the D219.