LA Motor Show: Ford Edge spin-off headed for Europe

FORD HAS given European audiences an unusual teaser by revealing its new Edge large SUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, before adding that it will come to Europe - with as-yet unconfirmed changes.

The car is officially only a concept, as evidenced by the wild interior design. The exterior, however, has been tipped by Ford insiders to be more or less production-ready for North America.

The Europe-bound spin-off will share its chassis and engines but not the styling, or at least not in its entirety.

Interior quality is likely to be raised still further for the more demanding EU markets, too, and the name may yet be changed.

“The original Ford Edge offered customers in North America a fresh, compelling choice for an accommodating, efficient and safe utility vehicle,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas.

“The next-generation Ford Edge previewed here will build on these cornerstones to create a global vehicle with technology to make life easier, and design and craftsmanship to appeal to customers around the globe.”

Among its likely technological highlights will be an optional full parking assist system, which will be able to park the car completely independently - even without the driver on board.

Ford claims that it can find a perpendicular space and reverse-park into it unaided, while also being able to pull forwards on its own to allow returning passengers better access to the doors.

At the centre of the infotainment systems is a 10-inch screen that dominates the centre console. It integrates voice control and all the latest high-tech advancements Ford can throw at it.

By Press Association reporter