Ford to reveal new Kuga and larger Edge SUV
The new Kuga will offer technologies and updates to make driving simpler, safer, more enjoyable and more affordable. These include Ford’s new SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system, innovative, driver-assistance technologies, an ergonomic and comfortable interior, and a new, 120 PS, 1.5-litre, TDCi diesel engine.
The Kuga debuted at this week’s Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona. The new SUV will also offer Ford’s perpendicular-parking technology, which enables drivers to park hands-free in spaces alongside other cars; an enhanced version of the active-city stop collision-avoidance system; and Ford’s adaptive front lighting system for optimised visibility in low light. Further, sophisticated technologies include hands-free liftgate and intelligent, all-wheel drive.
“The new Kuga offers cutting-edge new features and technologies that will help drivers stay connected, comfortable, safe and stylish, on the road,” said Joe Bakaj, vice-president, product development, Ford of Europe. “The sophisticated redesign has given Kuga a fresh and modern feel, while SYNC 3 enables drivers to communicate with their vehicle, and connected devices, in seamless ways that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.”
Ford boosts SUV lineup
Ford is launching the new Kuga, and the larger Edge SUV, this year, after introducing an updated EcoSport last year. Ford is bolstering its SUV line-up, just as it has been predicted by industry sales analyst, IHS, that sales in the SUV segment are poised to increase to 27% of all vehicle sales in Europe by 2020.
New Kuga and the Edge are among five all-new or redesigned Ford vehicles that will compete in the SUV and crossover space in the next three years.
Kuga spearheaded the company’s SUV expansion for Europe after first going on sale in 2008. Sales increased to a record 102,000 in 2015 — up by 19% compared with 2014. Ford expects to surpass 200,000 SUV sales in Europe, for the first time, in 2016 — a growth of 30% compared with 2015.
