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Edge Intro In San Fran


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2007 Ford Edge

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

FORD'S NEW EDGE: BENCHMARK IT FOR NEW CROSSOVERS

by Marty Bernstein
The Auto Channel

San Francisco – October 17, 2006; Tony Bennett was right and a bit prescient. He lost his heart in San Francisco and I’m betting multitudes of car buyers, based on my reaction and that of several auto writers I’ve spoken to, will fall in love with Ford’s new Edge …the crossover introduced today in the City by the Bay.

Since it’s debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January it has traveled around the country to many auto shows where it has been seen by countless millions and a million have looked at the special web site.

But in 2006 the auto business is a numbers game – how many people have committed to buying the new vehicle?

Well it’s in the thousands, to be exact 20 thousand orders have been taken by Ford dealers around the country. And when people put their money on the line for something new … especially in a new automobile in a new category, you’d better be right. Ford is right.

They have created, built and launched a sensational vehicle that represents a value for the consumer. I was on wave two of a media event in which almost 200 auto writers traveled to San Fran for the sole purpose of driving, evaluating and judging this new car – often dubbed the hope of Ford.

I did not hear a single negative comment … not one! And auto writers can be picky, very, very picky. But that’s when there is something to pick-on. The Edge is right and right on the money and right on the features and right on the concept too.

Now this is not a formal review of the new Edge, it’s more like a news update with a bit of personal feelings and professional reactions. It’s obvious Ford has expended the necessary time, effort, diligence and effort to create a new vehicle to replace the gas guzzling SUVs. It shows in every aspect of the media presentation, a pitch that will be carried on in dealer showrooms around the country starting next month.

We had the opportunity of driving over 100 miles from the City of San Francisco to a spectacular park on the Pacific to return through countless curves and switchbacks to the hotel. Handling, performance, fit and finish were outstanding This vehicle comes equipped with everything you need, want and desire at a price that starts at $26 thou. And that’s a very good deal indeed.

Jeri Ward, the Edge marketing manager, noted, in her detailing of the car to the auto writers. the many features, attributes and design characteristics of the new crossover. The shape is unlike any Ford you’ve ever seen inside or out with interesting design notes and touches that add to the overall shape of the Edge from the wheels at the edges, to the spoilers to the great sight lines and more, much more.