Read Very Unique Information About 2011 Ford Explorer:When Ford showed his all-new 2011 Ford Explorer in event marketing multicity today, consumers will notice Explorer, which differs radically from the iconic SUV in the past.The familiar square, truck-like style was replaced by another, more aerodynamic and friends in other respects: It is more in line with many of today's car-based crossover vehicles today.
Moreover, some parts of the body side of the share design cues with the Taurus sedan, which shares its foundation of a new Explorer.
The interior more refined and offers new technologies and innovative features, such as additional inflatable rear safety belts.
But the biggest problem facing the new conductor is whether it will be covered by the supporters of SUVs, as well as appeals to those who have already traded off-road vehicles more fuel-efficient options.
"It will be very interesting to put this against the Grand Cherokee, which is still very traditional SUV," said Aaron Bragman, an analyst at IHS Automotive. The new Explorer, he said, "not so much how I feel ... SUV." But it may be wise, as drivers continue to transition to more fuel-efficient vehicles that offer SUV-like features.
Adding to the challenge: Ford will sell the Explorer, as the SUV, even if it is a car-based crossover with less than tow outgoing Explorer. Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of marketing, said that is important for consumers the fuel efficiency and opportunities - not in the vehicle or crossover SUV.
The new Explorer provides in these areas. Equipped with a standard engine V6, Explorer provides the fuel efficiency by at least 25% compared with the previous model.
Tailored to the needs of families:
Explorer so well known that 96% of U.S. consumers recognize the name, giving Ford a great advantage, as it introduces its all new and radically different, 2011 Ford Explorer in the world today, Ford executives said last week.
"Good news, I do not need to do much to explain the new name," said Farley. "There are still four million researchers working on the roads of America."
2011 Explorer, which has shown today at events across the country, is expected to be in dealer showrooms by the end of this year. Ford, which sells in 2010 Explorer starting price of $ 29280, will announce the price of Explorer 2011 in a month or two. Ford Explorer is the marketing of 2011, as fuel-efficient SUV, able to fulfill the needs of most families.
Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, said the Explorer clients "want to be able to not only drive the vehicle to work ... but on Saturday morning, get the kids and say:" Hey, take a fishing rod, we "gonna go to the lake."
Fuel efficiency of key
Nevertheless, some analysts expressed concern about the external design, which is not very SUV-like and more like a modern crossover.
Bragman said that he sees parallels between the new Explorer and Taurus X, a crossover wagon that lackluster sales. Explorer is built on the same platform, the car Taurus full size. Despite this, Bragman said: "This is where the market will be."
Although sales have exceeded 300000 Explorer each year throughout most of 1990, sales fell to 52,190 last year, and the whole SUV segment average barely exceeded 280,000, according to JD Power and Associates.
As SUV sales drop, crossover sales are up. Although the SUV is built on the platform of the truck capable, crossovers are built on more fuel-efficient car platform, but offer many of the same space and cargo features of SUV. Most clients find that they do not need off-road capabilities, which are subject to SUVs, and that they would rather have a more efficient cars.
"This is the main reason why customers say" no "SUVs," said Fields. Ford did not disclose its actual goals of fuel economy, but said the engine V6 Explorer, it will offer with the Explorer will get 25% better fuel efficiency than the outgoing version. In addition, optional, turbocharged EcoBoost engines will get 30% better fuel economy than the outgoing researcher. Update EcoBoost usually costs more than $ 1000.
Current V6 front-wheel drive Explorer has EPA rating of 16 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving."Saving fuel a new 2-liter Explorer, in fact, be in line with sedans such as Toyota Camry V6," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of product development.
Nevertheless, the initial estimate of the actual fuel efficiency Explorer with EcoBoost engine put it fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the road, slightly less than front-wheel drive 4-cylinder 2010 Toyota Highlander crossover that gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Towing capacity changes:
Moving Explorer from the truck platform car platform has its victims. The new Explorer will be able to tow 5000 pounds, 2000 pounds less than the outgoing version.
Despite that, Ford says, towing capacity will meet the needs of approximately 80% of customers Ford. Ford also advertises a new area management system, which comes standard on four-wheel drive version of Explorer. This feature allows the driver to switch in order to adapt to different driving conditions rotating disk.
"Our customer feedback says the ease, convenience and confidence of the real differences when it comes to towing," Kuzak said.
Explorer, Kuzak said, offers the power to control technology, which helps the driver maintain control and rearview cameras that connect easily.
Safety contributed
The new Explorer will also come with new security features, perhaps, efforts to combat memories of rollover scandal connected with the Explorer 11 years ago.
In addition, inflatable rear safety belts, Ford will offer curve control system, which will quickly slow down to help drivers stay on course if they take a curve too fast.
Too many crossovers?
Although the Explorer 2011 can compete with others in the cabin crossover Ford, such as the Flex, which also has three rows of seats, or Edge, Farley did not affected.
Every year, he says, about 140,000 owners Explorer go to stores willing to buy new car.
"Explorer clients .... By definition you want three rows and want opportunities," said Farley. "And from that point of view, it is very easy to explain."
