Ford will pursue new rwd cars

Ford will pursue new rwd cars

Amy Wilson Automotive News January 9, 2008 - 12:01 am ET

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. is developing new rear-wheel-drive cars for its Ford and Lincoln brands, company leaders confirmed Tuesday.

"It's important going forward," CEO Alan Mulally said at a dinner with journalists in suburban Detroit.

Ford global product chief Derrick Kuzak said the automaker can't yet share specific details of its plans for new rwd cars. But Tuesday's comments were the first confirmation that Ford intends to go ahead with modern rwd cars.

"Yes, we're working on a rear-wheel-drive plan for the enterprise," Kuzak said. "It's in the plan."

Ford executives have long said they were exploring the possibilities. The company showed two key rwd concepts at the 2007 Detroit auto show: the Lincoln MKR and the Ford Interceptor.

But until now, company leaders stopped short of saying vehicles are in the product plans. Executives acknowledge they can build the vehicles using a new global rwd platform being developed in Ford's Australian operations. But that doesn't mean production of rwd vehicles for global markets would be consolidated in Australia. "There are good reasons not to: currency, freight," said Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president of global manufacturing, on Tuesday.

Reply to
Ed White
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and Lincoln brands, company leaders confirmed

journalists in suburban Detroit.

specific details of its plans for new rwd cars. But

with modern rwd cars.

said. "It's in the plan."

company showed two key rwd concepts at the 2007 Detroit

product plans. Executives acknowledge they can build

Australian operations.

consolidated in Australia. "There are good reasons

global manufacturing, on Tuesday.

Is that a possible end of the front wheel drive fad ?

Reply to
Shawn

Ford and Lincoln brands, company leaders confirmed

journalists in suburban Detroit.

specific details of its plans for new rwd cars. But

with modern rwd cars.

said. "It's in the plan."

company showed two key rwd concepts at the 2007 Detroit

product plans. Executives acknowledge they can build

Australian operations.

consolidated in Australia. "There are good reasons

global manufacturing, on Tuesday.

I much prefer RWD. I can barely drive my wifes FWD in the snow now, after being used to my pickup and crown vic

Reply to
Picasso

Manufactures are alway looking for ways to reduce build costs, using RWD chassis rather than FWD, for other than midget and small cars, is a good starting point

Reply to
Mike hunt

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