- Ford Vertrek concept is a sporty, sleek, fuel-efficient and versatile compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), and shows the direction the company will take as it works to renew both the Ford Kuga and Ford Escape
- Vertrek concept reflects a convergence of customer demand globally for compact sport utility vehicles
- Vertrek concept hints at more versatility, ample luggage space and interior roominess, plus a level of craftsmanship and quality that customers around the world now demand
March 1, 2011 – Ford’s new Vertrek concept makes its European debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. It offers a dynamic and all-inclusive solution to what customers demand in a compact SUV around the globe, particularly in North America, Europe and the world’s largest car market, China.
Key trends among customers for this type of vehicle are common to Europe, North America, and Asia. They include engaging design, outstanding fuel economy and smart technologies wrapped in a right-sized package that supports an active lifestyle.
“In markets around the world, consumers are very clear about what they want in a compact SUV – strong design, great driving quality, smart technology and the capability to help get them to places they love to be,” said Frank Davis, Vice President Product Development, Ford of Europe. “And this holds true no matter where they live – in the U.S., Europe, China – these are global trends.”
Importantly, the Vertrek concept showcases the cargo-carrying capability that consumers expect, but adds a level of craftsmanship and quality often lost in compact SUVs.
“This concept supports the idea of a ‘grab your gear and go’ capability, but does it in a very sophisticated way,” added Davis. “It blends capability and great design and craftsmanship.”
The Vertrek concept was created to show how an all-new Ford compact SUV crossover could offer substantially more cargo volume than the current Ford Kuga sold in Europe, yet still retain design leadership in its segment. In production, a vehicle based on the Vertrek concept could offer about 15 per cent more cargo volume behind the first row than the Kuga and around
20 per cent more cargo volume behind the second row.
Purposeful technology and smarter solutions
A wide suite of customer-focused Ford technologies, including SYNC, Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and Intelligent Access with push-button start are featured in the Vertrek concept.
Powertrain technology is also advanced, providing anticipated best-in-class fuel economy with the 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine featured in the concept vehicle - just one of the possible future powertrain choices. The concept also previews the Ford Auto-Start-Stop system, which contributes further to fuel efficiency and low emissions.
Launched in North America and now being introduced worldwide, Ford’s expanding line-up of award-winning EcoBoost engines produces power output comparable to larger, naturally aspirated engines, but with the fuel economy of smaller-displacement engines.
EcoBoost is fundamental to Ford’s strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 per cent and reduction of CO2 emissions of up to 15 per cent, compared with larger, less efficient powertrains.
In addition to turbocharging with direct injection, Ford engineers have enhanced EcoBoost’s technology capabilities by adding variable valve timing and precisely controlling all aspects of the engine. Ford has at least 125 patents on its EcoBoost technology.
The Vertrek concept could also easily use one of Ford’s wide range of efficient and powerful diesel engines. For example, the acclaimed 2.0-litre Ford Duratorq TDCi (turbo diesel common-rail direct-injection) engine has recently been upgraded to deliver even higher efficiency with improved performance, fuel economy and refinement.
A more efficient combustion system enables greater peak power, significantly improved driveability with increased responsiveness and more pulling power at low engine speeds. It also delivers reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Depending on application, CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 7 per cent compared to the previous 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi engine.
Paired with these high-tech engines are fuel-saving six-speed transmissions. By 2013, all Ford vehicles in North America will incorporate a six-speed transmission as part of the company’s commitment to leadership in fuel economy in all vehicle segments.
Improved highway fuel economy especially important
Ford’s global data show that compact SUV customers increasingly use their vehicles for weekend getaways, making improved highway fuel economy a must. This highlights the importance of the aerodynamic design of the Vertrek concept, and led to the inclusion of an accessible, small-displacement internal combustion engine in the vehicle rather than a hybrid or electric powerplant that might be more attuned to city dwellers.
“Increased fuel economy, especially outstanding highway fuel economy, is what these customers want because they are active on the weekend, taking trips and seeking new experiences,” said Frank Davis. “They want their vehicle to look good, drive well and use less fuel.”
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordmotorcompany.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 51 individual markets and employs approximately 66,000 employees. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford of Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 22 manufacturing facilities, including joint ventures. The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.