Edge Guide

FORD’S NEW DURATEC 3.5L V-6 NAMED TO WARD'S '10 BEST ENGINES' LIST; V-8 GRABS TOP HONORS AGAIN * Ford is one of only two automakers with more than one engine on the list. Both the Duratec 35 V-6 and the 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 received the highest praise from Ward’s * The new Duratec 35 V-6 is standard in the Ford Edge, Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKX and will eventually be found in 1 in 5 vehicles built by Ford Motor Company * The 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 makes the “Ward's 10 Best Engines” list for the third consecutive year * The 4.6-liter V-8 is a Ford workhorse, powering the Ford Mustang GT and Mustang Shelby GT, in addition to the Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer Ford Edge Forum – Ford Motor Company’s all-new 3.5-liter Duratec 35 V-6 engine has been named among "Ward's 10 Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World. The annual 10-best list was released Tuesday in Detroit and for the third consecutive year also included Ford’s 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8. "This is an exceptional accomplishment and a testament to our powertrain development process." said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Ford Motor Company, Powertrain Product Development Operations. "The 3.5-liter engine class is one of the most competitive in the industry, so it is high praise to have our new engine stand out and be among the 10 best in the industry." Ford Motor Company's new 3.5-liter V-6 engine is officially rated at 265 horsepower on 87 octane regular grade fuel, allowing customers to enjoy the engine's smooth and ample power with less pain at the pump. The engine is the standard and exclusive engine offered in the new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, hitting dealerships soon, and the Lincoln MKZ sedan, on sale since October with an MSRP starting at $29,890. Many competitors require more expensive mid-grade or premium fuels to achieve their top ratings. At the same time, the new V-6 was designed to grow and, as necessary, be compatible with direct injection and turbocharged direct injection technology, which leaves open the possibility of even higher power and torque output in the future. The Duratec 35 V-6 is produced at Ford’s Lima Engine Plant in Lima, Ohio. Joining the Duratec 35 on the annual Ward’s list is Ford’s 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8. This is the third consecutive year the Ford 4.6-liter has made list. The 3-valve technology in the 4.6-liter V-8 offers improved power coupled with better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The 4.6-liter is the powerplant of choice for the Ford Mustang GT and Mustang Shelby GT, in addition to the Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer, demonstrating the flexibility of the engine. It is part of Ford’s modular V-engine series that also includes the 5.4-liter V-8 in the Ford F-series, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator and the 6.8-liter V-10 in the F-series Super Duty. The 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 is built at Ford's Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Michigan. MORE FORD EDGE 3.5L ENGINE ARTICLES: Ford's next-generation 3.5L V6 Powers Edge. New 3.5L engine boost Ford Edge. 2007 Ford Edge's all-new HP 3.5L V6, 6-speed transmission.

Ford Edge Sets Bold New Direction In Design And Quality More Ford Edge Photos Ford Edge Forum - When the new Ford Edge crossover utility vehicle hits reaches dealership showrooms dealers in December, customers will see first-hand Ford Motor Company's new direction in vehicle design and quality. Sporty, versatile and undeniably American, Edge is the result of 26 months of design innovation. "The Ford Edge is the second vehicle to be launched under Ford Motor Company's new Innovative Design directive," said Peter Horbury, Ford 's executive director of design . in North America. "From the get-go, we set our sights on building a CUV that would offer customers the highest all-round quality, value and at a reasonable cost." The Edge design team set out in 2003 to create a vehicle that, in a its own way, brought a bit of Mustang to a CUV. "We had a young design team, and they all liked the Mustang, but we had very few cars on the market that they were interested in driving,” said Darrel Behmer, Edge and Lincoln MKX chief designer early in the of Edge and Lincoln MKX program. “We had the cute-ute Escape and the Explorer, but it is more utilitarian. And of course we have the larger Expedition and Navigator." Behmer continued: “What we didn't have was a really sporty CUV. We were thinking if we can create something that has a more performance-oriented look to it, with really good proportions, we'd hit a sweetspot in the market." The team saw the future coming. Today, the CUV—defined as smaller, car-based utility vehicles—is the fastest-growing vehicle segment in the United States, surpassing SUVs. Baby boomers, as well as young urbanites, are fueling this growth, seeking flexible, all-wheel drive vehicles, but ones smaller, sportier and more fuel-efficient than larger SUVs. "The modern-looking CUV is going to become more and more competitive as vehicles move into that segment, out of the refrigerator, functional-only segments," said Darrel Edwards, CEO and founder of Strategic Visions. "These more aspirationally designed vehicles are becoming more dominant and have clear competitive advantages." Ford did extensive customer research when designing the Edge. In the initial design stages, the team showed off the Edge concept to survey groups around North America. Later in the program, they the Edge team worked with Blue Book, the vehicle price ratings agency, letting them drive the Edge, in an effort to provide insure better residual value for customers. The team also consulted the dealership network and worked with JD Powers to gather customer feedback on test models. “We designed, engineered and built Edge to our target customer's specifications, which is in line with our Way Forward initiative," said Elaine Bannon, chief nameplate engineer for Edge. "We’ve made a lot of these decisions—and a lot of late changes in the program—all in a way that's absolutely customer focused." While designers envisioned Edge as a leader in this fast-growing segment, they faced some challenges. Edge was a new vehicle built on a relatively new platform (Mazda 3), and a whole new vehicle had to be created from the wheels up. "The biggest challenge for us always in design is getting the best proportions we can get on a vehicle," said Doyle Leston, who was chief current chief designer of Edge early in the program. "Vehicles today have higher beltlines and less glass, so you maybe have a 70/30 proportion, versus 50/50 as they were years ago. We wanted to achieve a very chunky feel to the body, relative to the glass area, giving it a more substantial, powerful look." This wasn't as easy as it sounds. Getting the proportions right involves a lot of give and take. There are safety and crash regulations, as well as interior considerations, he said. Behmer agreed: "Trying to do an athletic CUV that was not geared toward the utility end of the segment was a challenge. It meant getting the vehicle stance right, getting the wheels sitting out on the corners, getting the overhangs to be as short as possible, those are the formulas for a more modern look." Engineers had to reconfigure the engine layout to accommodate a shorter front overhang. Getting the wheels planted at the edge of the corners, rather than tucked more under further beneath the chassis, involved some in-fighting with engineers leery of regulations. "And there is a constant trade-off between roominess and comfort on the interior, while trying to get the right stance and proportions on the exterior," said Letson. "You ask yourself, 'How high should the roof be, how high should the belt be, what feels comfortable on the interior,' but at the same time making sure the exterior stays in line with where you want to go." Edge's visual promise of dynamic prowess begins with its bold front end with its distinctive three-bar chromed grille. Designers aggressively raked the windshield and sloped the back window with a high-mounted rear spoiler to accentuate the feeling of motion. Quad-beam headlamps and a "powerdome" hood accentuate the purposeful front-end look. The raised belt line emphasizes strong, sculpted shoulders formed around sharp wheel arches. Matte black lower front and rear fascias and side rocker panels emphasize its sporty character. But the Edge doesn't just look good. It's well-built. From the beginning, while the team wanted to bring out Edge in a short amount of time, they were not going to compromise on quality. “The challenge for us was not necessarily bringing Edge to market quickly, but bringing it to market and making it best in class, making it world-class quality," said Bannon. "And Edge does raise the bar for execution—execution in fit and finish, the actual design of the vehicle, ride and handling, quietness, execution in having it be a very lovable vehicle over time.” The work has paid off. Compared with the 2006 Nissan Murano, its major competitor, Edge exceeds Murano on interior quietness, steering wheel vibration, idling vibration, acceleration—in every category. Equipped with an all-new 265-horsepower, V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, Edge delivers performance and fuel efficiency, expected to achieve fuel economy in the mid 20s (mpg) in highway driving. In the end, the Ford Edge will roll off the assembly line in December not just looking great but being great. "Knowing the kinds of products I see coming down the pipeline right now, upper management is definitely making design the most important aspect of anything that we do," said Letson. "And we definitely want to be leaders in design, we definitely want our products to be those products that are desired by every purchaser that's out there. We want them in the showroom, we want them comparing us to everyone else and picking us."

While we're waiting on the Edge, here's some 2008 Ford Escape Info.: 2008 FORD ESCAPE UNVEILED click here for more photos. The Ford Escape, America’s best-selling compact utility vehicle, has a completely new look inside and out for 2008. Escape now makes a powerful statement with a bolder, rugged exterior design that bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. The all-new interior resets the bar for small utility vehicles, with more upscale appointments, new innovative storage options, and improved comfort and quietness. In addition, chassis refinements deliver impressive fuel economy and agile driving dynamics that belie the Escape’s rugged exterior. “The 2008 Escape offers the capability and styling of a traditional SUV with the benefits of crossover construction – building on the successful formula that has made the Escape America’s favorite small utility vehicle for six years,” says Cisco Codina, group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “The new Escape offers a more refined ride, go-anywhere capability, impressive fuel economy, up to 3,500 pounds of towing, and a more comfortable interior that is quieter and more versatile.” The combination of traditional SUV capability and crossover construction made the original Escape an instant success. More than one million Escapes have been sold since its introduction as a 2001 model – more than any other small utility vehicle or crossover of any size. Six years later, Escape remains the sales leader of the small-utility segment, a remarkable feat considering the segment has almost doubled, from 800,000 sales in 2000 to a projected 1.5 million in 2006. Bolder, Tougher Exterior Design “The goal from the beginning was to make Escape look even stronger and tougher than the original,” says Doyle Letson, chief designer for the 2008 Escape. “We raised the beltline to give the profile a strong, modern proportion of sheetmetal to glass. Then, we sculpted the surfaces for a more Ford Tough Truck appearance, that now matches Escape’s capabilities.” The high beltline is further emphasized by the new blacked-out B-pillars, integrated running boards, available 17-inch wheels, and the deletion of the original Escape’s molded-in color fascias and lower bodyside molding. To integrate the higher beltline, the hood has also been raised and now features a unique “reverse crease” design that draws the eye to the detailed surface. The new front fascia has headlamps that sweep up toward the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lamps. The new headlights bracket the dramatic new grille. Refined and Recycled Interior The 2008 Escape is believed to be the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made from 100 percent post-industrial materials, supplied by InterfaceFABRIC, Inc. InterfaceFABRIC estimates that Ford’s use of post-industrial materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, an estimated 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, and the equivalent of more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. Escape also showcases Ford’s first use of a “top of dash” display positioned at eye level on the dashboard, which shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicle’s information in one place at the top of the dashboard, making it easier to reference when driving. Also improving ease-of-use is the clean, uncluttered center console. Rather than the traditional “brick” design for the radio and temperature controls, Escape features dials and buttons that “poke-through” the center console. The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod audio jack, and controls for the available heated seats and in-dash navigation system. Escape’s interior also features the first use of Ford’s new, signature Ice Blue interior lighting. The cool blue lighting replaces the traditional green on the instrument cluster, the center console, the redundant controls on the steering wheel, and the door lock and window switches. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall feel of the interior. Escape’s center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer, and there are three levels of storage space. In addition, the center console features two removable bins with innovative dovetail mounting points, which allows the bins to be hung from the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage. Refined, Quiet Interior Engineers made a host of changes to the 2008 Escape to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels inside the vehicle. The 2008 Escape is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to use speed-sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), a sophisticated system that helps correct for road irregularities and improves overall steering feel. Conventional power steering systems use an engine-driven hydraulic gear, which saps power and efficiency from the engine. The 2008 Escape’s new EPAS system uses an electric motor, rather than the engine’s accessory drive. This new system helps improve fuel economy and eliminates the hydraulic noises typical of conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems. In addition, new recessed channels in the vehicle’s roof panel are designed to improve airflow over the top of the vehicle, while horizontal ribs in the roof also strengthen the body structure and help reduce boom noise in the cabin. A new acoustic laminate sandwiched between two glass panels in the windshield and an acoustic headliner also help decrease wind noise. New interior carpeting, which is up to 50 percent thicker, further improves the isolation from road and wind noise. Compared with the previous model, the 2008 Escape is 12 percent quieter on the highway (30.8 sones to 27 sones at 80 mph in the wind tunnel) and 20 percent quieter in high velocity crosswinds. Standard Safety Equipment and Fuel-efficient Powertrains Under its skin, the 2008 Escape has one of the most advanced safety packages in the small SUV segment. Escape comes standard with Safety Canopy™ side air curtains, which provide head and neck protection for the first- and second-row passengers, as well as standard side-impact air bags that deploy out of the upper portion of the front seats to protect the upper and lower torso of the driver and passenger. In addition, I-4 and V-6 Escape models come standard with Ford’s exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control). The 2008 Escape’s standard 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec 23 I-4 produces 153 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The available 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine makes 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. With a four-speed automatic, the V-6 powered Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Ford Escape Hybrid continues to be a “full” hybrid. This means that, unlike other “mild” hybrid vehicles, Escape Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy. At low speeds, power is delivered by a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor, producing 70 kw @ 5,000 rpm and 330V maximum voltage. When additional power is required, the Escape Hybrid’s 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine seamlessly engages, contributing 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. The net result is 155 horsepower with 0-60 times comparable to a 200 horsepower V-6 engine and a boost in city-driving fuel economy of nearly 75 percent. Escape Hybrids are equipped with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). For 2008, Escape Hybrid engineers made revisions to software in the control system to improve transparency, or the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from all-electric to gasoline power to a combination of the two is now even more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver.

Ford Edge All Wheel Drive Ford Motor Company experts clear the air on all-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive With the addition of the all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, Ford Motor Company is now offering affordable AWD technology to a whole new group of customers, bringing it to one of the largest volume segments in the industry. Many of these new customers may wonder why they need AWD on their midsize sedan, especially if they live in a climate where the roads are never icy or snow covered. “Many people think about the AWD system on the Ford Edge the same way they think of the four-wheel-drive (4WD) system on their F-150,” says Ashok Rodrigues, 4WD technical specialist for Ford Motor Company. “There’s been a lot of confusion in the industry as to how manufacturers use the terms 4WD and AWD.” Rodrigues says there are three basic types of AWD/4WD systems, regardless of whether they’re based on front-drive or rear-drive vehicles. Those are part-time, center differential and on-demand. Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive Part-time systems are what most people commonly think of as 4WD. These rugged, traditional systems, found on trucks including the F-150 and Super Duty, feature a simple lock and unlock mechanism that locks the front wheels to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive is engaged by the vehicle’s operator, usually by flipping a switch or pushing a button on the dash. Part-time systems are almost always marketed with a low-range gear that’s used when maximum torque is needed, for such activities as extreme off-roading or for moving a heavy object. “It’s pretty much a black or white operation,” says Rodrigues. “You either want four-wheel drive or you don’t.” The benefits of this system are its ruggedness and the fact that it’s inexpensive. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are at their best pulling a boat out of the water or hauling a Bobcat back in the woods. The downside is that the system isn’t really adaptable to everyday driving. “With a part-time system, you will inherently bind up when you go around corners,” says Rodrigues. “When cornering, the front wheels want to track a wider arc than the rear wheels. Because all four wheels are locked together physically, you simply can’t do that with part time. It is an inherent part of the design and is fully intended.” Center Differential The V-6 Mercury Mountaineer uses a center differential that constantly splits torque 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear wheels. Unlike the part-time system, the wheels themselves turn at different speeds, eliminating the binding that part-time systems exhibit when cornering. Center differentials need some sort of clutch or limited-slip mechanism to control slip. For example, when the rear wheels begin to slip, the clutch mechanism applies brake torque to the rear axle, sending drive torque to the front axle and keeping the vehicle moving forward. Rodrigues says that traction control can also serve as the clutching mechanism, providing a cost-effective means of applying brakes to the spinning axle. “The nice thing about a center differential is that it’s always sending that torque,” he says, “so you have a very nice refined driving performance. Some people really like those kinds of systems. But they can be heavy, expensive and, as the devices are generally purely mechanical, there simply aren't many tuning options.” On-Demand All-Wheel Drive The third type is the on-demand system. An on-demand system is always driving one axle and then drives the other axle as conditions demand. In the case of the Ford Fusion or Ford Edge, the front axle is the primary drive axle. For the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer, the rear axle is the primary drive axle. Simple mechanical systems use a clutch to send torque to the secondary drive axle when the primary axle starts to slip. Today’s electronic systems — like those found on all Ford Motor Company cars as well as Ford Explorer and Expedition, the Lincoln Navigator and the V-8 Mercury Mountaineer — use a computer controller that monitors such things as steering angle, accelerator pedal position and engine speed to provide the precise amount of torque, front to rear, as needed. “What’s really impressive about these systems is that they don’t just react to slip,” says Rodrigues. “They usually prevent that slip from occurring in the first place. By predicting slip and preventing it, the driver doesn’t feel the vehicle slipping and responding. The operation is seamless.” He says on-demand systems create a smooth, confident driving feel in all weather conditions with much better traction. The systems also help balance and improve driving dynamics by sending torque to the secondary axle when it’s most appropriate for handling. “On a normal front-drive vehicle, the front wheels have a limited amount of traction available to them,” says Rodrigues. “That traction has to be used for moving the car forward and for steering. If you use all of the torque to drive forward, you don’t have anything left to steer with, and vise versa. An AWD system off-loads some of that drive torque to the rear wheels. The harder you accelerate, the more of that torque that’s going to be redirected to the rear wheels, restoring the ability of the front wheels to steer the vehicle while providing an even higher level of acceleration.” But he cautions that while these sophisticated AWD systems do help with acceleration, they won’t make the car stop any faster. “Your traction is much better and your handling is much better,” says Rodrigues, “but AWD does not give you more braking power.”

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Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX sport strong styling READ MORE HERE.

FORD EDGE HITS THE WEB Ford Edge Forum - The all-new Ford Edge is featured on a web site as part of Ford's digital introduction of the crossover. To get more information on the Edge, go to Fordvehicles.com/crossovers/edge/ Ford Motor Company recently launched its cutting-edge Web site for the all-new Ford Edge crossover vehicle. Part of an extensive digital-marketing initiative, Ford is working with Internet giant AOL to provide breakthrough content technology, as well as reaching out to African American, Hispanic and Asian consumers. "To reach our informed, tech-savvy consumer, the Edge needs a large digital presence. Therefore the team has developed the most comprehensive Web presence of any vehicle launch in Ford Motor Company history," said Jeri Ward, Edge marketing manager. "In addition to an unprecedented use of technology and animation on the fordvehicles.com site, we've teamed up with the giants of the internet, like AOL, to leverage new emerging digital communications, social networking and lifestyle content. With the Edge launch, we will blur the lines between online content and product advertising." Jim Sanfilippo, executive vice president and senior industry analyst at Automotive Marketing Consultants, Inc., in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., was very impressed with the site. "This is a benchmark in automotive Web sites," said Sanfilippo. "Everything is here, the content is so good, so rich, it leaves nothing to the imagination as to where automotive marketing is going. This is a good indication of how good auto Web sites can get." From the first mouse-click, the Ford marketing team designed the site to attract attention. The opening sequence features the song "Miles and Miles" by Montreal music group Dee, while an animated Edge rides the span of the Golden Gate Bridge, rolls past urban buildings, zooms through tunnels and arrives in a cityscape. "Right away, you're engaged; it's entertaining, you've got this great music going on, and you land on the home page with a nice hero shot of the Edge on top of the world," said David Sanabria, SUV/CUV communications manager at Ford. "The site delivers key information about the Edge, but in an entertaining way. We often say our site delivers edge-utainment." Animation and video are featured prominently on the Edge Web site. Animated segments with voice-over narration detail Edge's safety, versatility, performance and other features that consumers can "Go," "See" and "Do." Animated day and night "Vista Views" entertain as fireworks, blimps, planets and other objects stream by in the sky, as seen through Edge's Vista Roof™. "The site has the most comprehensive animation and computer graphics that we've ever done for a Ford brand," said Brad Audet, SUV/crossover account director, JWT Detroit. "The extensive use of CGI (computer-generated imagery) is the main driver behind the uniqueness of the site. We worked closely with the Edge design department to really create a lifelike digital experience." Sanabria said they made sure the site was easy to use and gives visitors more choices to learn more about the product, such as providing detailed text-based information, 360-degree views and the opportunity to Build and Price the Edge. There is also a downloadable e-brochure -- a first for fordvehicles.com. Research indicates that the Edge target customer enjoys the energy of the city (a major motif of the site), and often uses the Web for comparison shopping or finding the coolest cultural hot spots. "The Edge customer over-indexes on their use of the Internet," said Ward. "They use the Internet for recreation, social networking and a tool to research products before they purchase. This site allows consumers to engage with the Edge brand on their own terms." The marketing team created a total lifestyle portal where Edge customers can personalize content and interact as a community. Ford teamed up with AOL and MSN for powerful back-end content resources. The site features AOL's CityGuide search engine, and the site integrates with AOL AIM pages, AOL's launch of social networking technology, where users can create personal Web pages. The importance of online marketing continues to grow, especially in the auto industry. J.D. Power and Associates 2006 New Autoshopper Study found that 87 percent of automotive Internet users visit at least one manufacturer site prior to making a purchase. The study indicated that shoppers are much more likely to buy an auto brand after visiting its Web site. More Ford Edge photos here. The Edge Web site is part of a larger integrated media marketing campaign for Ford Edge, which will include traditional media like television, print and outdoor ads and emerging media like advertisement within Xbox 360 games and mobile Web sites. "There is an overall plan to be on other sites where our target customer is going to be, such as travel and lifestyle sites like ESPN.com and dailycandy.com, " said Sanabria. "Our digital launch is well-integrated so when the Edge target customer is surfing, Edge will have a presence there." The Edge, which is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this month, is set to enter the fast-growing crossover segment. Its performance, design, and flexibility are aimed at attracting consumers who want a stylish, fun and versatile vehicle. Equipped with an all-new, best-in-class 265-hp V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, Edge delivers an estimated 25 mpg in highway driving on the FWD models. Ford Ford Edge news, photos, videos and forums, visit the Ford Edge Forum.

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Ford Edge: Bold Moves The all-new Ford Edge made its debut on the streets of San Francisco. To see how the media and public responded, go to Fordboldmoves.com for episode 21 of the online documentary. DEARBORN November 10, 2006 - Episode 21 of Bold Moves, called the Competitive Edge gives a behind the scenes look at the Edge's introduction along with the reactions of the media and consumers alike. To find out more, go to Fordboldmoves.com to see episode 21, "The Competitive Edge." Bold Moves: The Future of Ford presents groundbreaking online films that give an unprecedented look behind the scenes at a major automaker. On the Bold Moves Web site, viewers will see at least one new 3-5 minute video installment each week that will take them inside places the public has never seen before, including Ford executive offices, design studios and assembly plants. Along with the films, viewers can read and post commentary as well as read special features on Ford and the auto industry. "The documentary will present a picture of a company that is committed to revitalization through our people, products, improved quality and costs, and a laser-sharp focus on the customer," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas. "Each episode will provide evidence that it's not business as usual at the Ford Motor Company and that 'Change or Die' is not a sound bite. It's the way we're approaching our future." "Over time, the body of work we are creating will tell a compelling story about bold products, bold leadership and Ford's customer focus," added Mary Lou Quesnell, director, Ford Brand DNA. "We will provide both sides of the conversation and let America watch Ford's turnaround as it happens." The documentary series is being produced by JWT Detroit and JWT New York, and directed by Radical Media Inc., a New York-based production company whose credits include many acclaimed documentaries, TV programming, feature films and an Academy Award for a previous documentary. Taping began in April 2006 and continues through the end of the year. To view episodes, go to Fordboldmoves.com.

FORD OF CANADA HELPS CONSUMERS STAY ON THE EDGE By Matt Drennan-Scace, FCN TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2006 -- Do you remember the ever-popular contests run by radio stations where the last person with their hand on a vehicle drove it away? Ford of Canada has taken this time honoured competition to the online stage as part of their marketing strategy surrounding the all-new 2007 Ford Edge. "There are a few new twists, but the basic elements of Ford's Stay on the Edge online contest stay true to the original," said Jeff Morton, eBusiness and CRM manager, Ford of Canada. "To win, your virtual character has to be touching the vehicle. The main attraction is that no matter how many times you get knocked off, you can easily get back on the Edge." Consumers are driven to the website, www.stayontheedge.ca, through online advertising on www.canada.com, as well as through unique vignettes during hit programs Prison Break, Las Vegas and House on the Global Television Network. In fact, Ford is the first company in Canada to utilize these unique vignettes to promote their product. The background environment in each sixty-second spot leads the viewer to momentarily believe they are actually watching the show. For example, during a commercial break on House, the viewer may believe that the program has started, but in reality they are watching a spot on the Ford Edge. The lead in each vignette portrays a hero, who despite being at the top of his game, cannot figure out how to Stay on the Edge. At the end of the spot, viewers are directed to the website and challenged to try their luck at staying on the Edge, where an Apple iPod is awarded daily and one lucky individual will drive away an all-new 2007 Ford Edge. "This revolutionary television advertising is coupled with our online and print ads, creating a truly integrated marketing campaign surrounding the Ford Edge," continued Morton. "And driving traffic to the site is just the beginning." Once on the site, visitors are greeted by a picture of the Ford Edge populated with a mix of interesting animated characters. After signing up for the contest, their character makes its way onto the Edge in one of about six different ways - catapulted, dropped or parachuted just to name a few. The site is mesmerizing and can be watched for quite some time without getting repetitive. There are over forty ways to get pushed off the Edge, from being forced to walk the plank by a pirate to getting plucked off by King Kong. As soon as you are knocked off the Edge, a notification is sent instantly by e-mail or text message, depending on the option you chose during signup. Replying "EDGE" to the text message or following the instructions of the e-mail will immediately put you back on the Edge, giving you another chance to win. Inviting friends to participate in the contest also increases your chances, but it also invites more competitors to Stay on the Edge. For those enamored with the website, there are two fun downloads available. Currently, you can download a screensaver of the Edge covered in animated characters, and soon visitors will be able to download a desktop application, or "widget", which will show your current position on the Edge in real-time. "Based on the success of our integrated Fusion advertising last year, we are expecting a big response to Edge," said Morton. "In fact, our goal is to more than double the consumer response." The "Create a Reaction" advertising in 05/06 for the then all-new Ford Fusion generated over 78,000 online registrations. The Ford of Canada marketing team, working with Young & Rubicam, learned what could be improved and built on their successes to create this year's campaign, showing they know what it takes to Stay on the Edge in today's competitive marketing environment.

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What is your favorite Ford Edge exterior color and why? You can view all of the exterior colors by clicking here.

Ford Edge: Ford Launches Biggest Digital Initiative for Ford Edeg Crossover By Michael J. Ureel, FCN DEARBORN, Nov. 8, 2006 -- Ford Motor Company recently launched its cutting-edge Web site for the all-new Ford Edge crossover vehicle. Part of an extensive digital-marketing initiative, Ford is working with Internet giant AOL to provide breakthrough content technology, as well as reaching out to African American, Hispanic and Asian consumers. "To reach our informed, tech-savvy consumer, the Edge needs a large digital presence. Therefore the team has developed the most comprehensive Web presence of any vehicle launch in Ford Motor Company history," said Jeri Ward, Edge marketing manager. "In addition to an unprecedented use of technology and animation on the fordvehicles.com site, we've teamed up with the giants of the internet, like AOL, to leverage new emerging digital communications, social networking and lifestyle content. With the Edge launch, we will blur the lines between online content and product advertising." Jim Sanfilippo, executive vice president and senior industry analyst at Automotive Marketing Consultants, Inc., in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., was very impressed with the site. "This is a benchmark in automotive Web sites," said Sanfilippo. "Everything is here, the content is so good, so rich, it leaves nothing to the imagination as to where automotive marketing is going. This is a good indication of how good auto Web sites can get." From the first mouse-click, the Ford marketing team designed the site to attract attention. The opening sequence features the song "Miles and Miles" by Montreal music group Dee, while an animated Edge rides the span of the Golden Gate Bridge, rolls past urban buildings, zooms through tunnels and arrives in a cityscape. "Right away, you're engaged; it's entertaining, you've got this great music going on, and you land on the home page with a nice hero shot of the Edge on top of the world," said David Sanabria, SUV/CUV communications manager at Ford. "The site delivers key information about the Edge, but in an entertaining way. We often say our site delivers edge-utainment." Animation and video are featured prominently on the Edge Web site. Animated segments with voice-over narration detail Edge's safety, versatility, performance and other features that consumers can "Go," "See" and "Do." Animated day and night "Vista Views" entertain as fireworks, blimps, planets and other objects stream by in the sky, as seen through Edge's Vista Roof™. "The site has the most comprehensive animation and computer graphics that we've ever done for a Ford brand," said Brad Audet, SUV/crossover account director, JWT Detroit. "The extensive use of CGI (computer-generated imagery) is the main driver behind the uniqueness of the site. We worked closely with the Edge design department to really create a lifelike digital experience." Sanabria said they made sure the site was easy to use and gives visitors more choices to learn more about the product, such as providing detailed text-based information, 360-degree views and the opportunity to Build and Price the Edge. There is also a downloadable e-brochure -- a first for fordvehicles.com. Research indicates that the Edge target customer enjoys the energy of the city (a major motif of the site), and often uses the Web for comparison shopping or finding the coolest cultural hot spots. "The Edge customer over-indexes on their use of the Internet," said Ward. "They use the Internet for recreation, social networking and a tool to research products before they purchase. This site allows consumers to engage with the Edge brand on their own terms." The marketing team created a total lifestyle portal where Edge customers can personalize content and interact as a community. Ford teamed up with AOL and MSN for powerful back-end content resources. The site features AOL's CityGuide search engine, and the site integrates with AOL AIM pages, AOL's launch of social networking technology, where users can create personal Web pages. The importance of online marketing continues to grow, especially in the auto industry. J.D. Power and Associates 2006 New Autoshopper Study found that 87 percent of automotive Internet users visit at least one manufacturer site prior to making a purchase. The study indicated that shoppers are much more likely to buy an auto brand after visiting its Web site. The Edge Web site is part of a larger integrated media marketing campaign for Ford Edge, which will include traditional media like television, print and outdoor ads and emerging media like advertisement within Xbox 360 games and mobile Web sites. "There is an overall plan to be on other sites where our target customer is going to be, such as travel and lifestyle sites like ESPN.com and dailycandy.com, " said Sanabria. "Our digital launch is well-integrated so when the Edge target customer is surfing, Edge will have a presence there." The Edge, which is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms later this month, is set to enter the fast-growing crossover segment. Its performance, design, and flexibility are aimed at attracting consumers who want a stylish, fun and versatile vehicle. Equipped with an all-new, best-in-class 265-hp V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, Edge delivers an estimated 25 mpg in highway driving on the FWD models.

Lincoln MKX To Use Adaptive Headlights By this time next year, drivers of the all-new Lincoln MKX crossover will find clearer visibility and an earlier look at pedestrians, oncoming vehicles or other obstacles. Adaptive headlights that swivel left and right as the Lincoln MKX changes direction, will throw illumination into turns and increase the area of light on the road. Adaptive headlights have already appeared on certain models of Jaguar and Land Rover. "The idea is to bring the light to the road," said Mahendra Dassanayake, staff technical specialist, "providing the driver with as much information about what's ahead as possible." The crossover's lighting system features halogen projector-beam headlamps, mounted in a cage that pivots from left to right. Based on vehicle speed and steering wheel angle, an electric motor swivels the cage to the correct position. The secret behind adaptive headlights is a system of motors, sensors and a computerized controller. Sensors relay information from the steering wheel and the wheels on the vehicle's speed and turning angle to the controller. The computer calculates where the headlights should be pointing and how fast they should turn. Based on the information, the controller can signal the motors located behind the headlights and have them point at the right spot. "It swings the beam into the turning lane faster than the car can get there," Dassanayake said. "So it gives the driver the ability to see farther during a turn." When cornering, the headlamps can illuminate a stretch of road up to 36 feet longer than conventional headlights. Adaptive headlights are fast becoming a valuable safety option. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 42 percent of all crashes and 58 percent of fatal crashes in the United States occur at night or during other degraded visibility conditions. No wonder Edmunds.com picked adaptive headlights for its list of the Top 10 High-Tech Safety Features. Lincoln also provided a look at a possible advance in the lighting technology on the MKS concept sedan shown at the 2006 North American Auto Show in Detroit. The concept's system uses two light sources working in tandem. A high-output halogen projection main beam is assisted by a secondary row of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminate as needed. Driven by electronic sensors rather than mechanical motors used in current cornering systems, a row of instantaneous LEDs switch on sequentially as the vehicle rounds the bend. "The way the optics in this system work together has not been seen before in the exterior lighting world," said Dassanayake. "Besides being a beautifully designed light, the system helps drivers to take corners and curves more safely -- and consume less energy while doing so." The all-new Lincoln MKX recently began production and is scheduled to reach dealer showrooms this month.

LINCOLN INTRODUCES NEW PRODUCTS (DEARBORN, MI) Ford Edge Forum.com - Lincoln is determined to become America's luxury vehicle by launching the largest number of new or redesigned products in the brand's history. Lincoln MKX. "We've got four major launches within four months," said Thomas Grill, Lincoln brand manager. "The MKZ and Navigator are already at dealers, followed by the MKX crossover and the all-new Navigator L extended length model. What's just as important is that our consumers will be very aware of these new products since Lincoln is spending more money in the next 12 months on marketing than we've done in our history." In the not-too-distant past, Lincoln and Cadillac were the luxury cars of choice in North America with Lincoln being the best-selling luxury car brand in America as recently as 1998. Like everything else in the automotive world, those days are long gone with the growing success of the import luxury brands. Now, Lincoln is making up for lost time in a big way. Lincoln's product renaissance began with a long hard look at its brand and target customer in order to define its identity in the marketplace. The result is a definition of a Lincoln customer summed up in the phrase, "Advancing the American Dream," and a host of new products tailored for those American dreamers. "Research and segmentation analysis shows that the Lincoln customer as being a person who has worked hard and earned a reward in the form of a luxury vehicle," continues Grill. "In a sense, it's kind of a cycle. The person takes advantage of opportunities in life, earns a reward which in turn makes them seek out further opportunities." The Lincoln customer is in a very real sense a work in progress, constantly striving to achieve their goals" according to Grill, and Lincoln plans to offer a vehicle for each stage in the journey, from an entry level MKZ all the way up to a Navigator or the forthcoming flagship, MKS. More MKS news. In creating the new Lincolns, designers aimed for a refined and dynamic look with special attention paid to the interiors. "Lincoln designs are refined, yet dynamic," Grill said. "They're classic. And the vehicles offer the most elegant and comfortable interiors in the luxury market." That judgment is not just Grill's. The 2006 Zephyr (now the MKZ) upstaged such powerhouse brands as Mercedes, Lexus, BMW, Audi and Cadillac by winning the "Best Premium-Priced Car Interior of the Year" award from automotive journalists and industry professionals polled by Ward's Auto World magazine. Lincoln MKZ. Not surprisingly since Lincoln's target customer is someone who has worked hard and presumably knows the value of a dollar, Lincoln 's strategy stresses value along with the luxury. The MKZ, for example, is the only car in its segment priced under $30,000. The forthcoming MKX crossover has been priced under $35,000 for the standard model, again the only vehicle in its segment offering such value. "Our value proposition in the market is an earned reward for our customers, offering great value in a luxury offering," Grill said. "The 2007 MKZ, for instance, has added more than $1,000 worth of new equipment, but the MSRP has increased by only a little over $200. Lincoln becomes an attractive buy for customers wanting to move up to the luxury market." On the product side, Lincoln's Zephyr evolves into the MKZ and gains a more powerful, 263 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine, an all-wheel drive option, refined waterfall grille and front fascia; new 17-inch, 8-spoke, machined aluminum wheels; available THX ® II Certified audio system and optional SIRIUS satellite radio among other features. The Navigator comes to market redesigned and offering a new extended length L model with an additional 25 cubic feet of cargo space. Lincoln enters the crossover market with the Lincoln MKX. The new crossover offers an ultra-quiet interior with features like genuine wood, leather and satin nickel trim, seats with specialized contours to reduce pressure points and fatigue and the panoramic Vista Roof™. Available options include adaptive headlights, an available THX-II sound system, heated and cooled front seats and DVD-based navigation system among other features. Lincoln's marketing campaign has already started with television advertisements featuring Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade and the redesigned Navigator. Auto writers are gathering to road test the four new vehicles on a challenging route through the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. Along with the brand's new products, the Mark LT has succeeded in bringing younger customers into showrooms and racked up a 64 percent increase in sales by the end of September for 2006. And the discontinuation of the Town Car has been greatly exaggerated as Ford recently affirmed that the car will remain in the company's portfolio. Going forward, Lincoln isn't stopping with its current product line. Coming in 2008 is a production version of the MKS concept sedan introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, a vehicle Lincoln plans on making its flagship luxury model.

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Ford Edge Keeps Dealers On The Edge Of Their Seats - Even before the Ford Edge started rolling off the assembly line, the company had received 20,000 dealer orders for the new crossover. More than 1 million people have checked out the Edge’s Web site (www.fordvehicles.com), and 320,000 visitors have configured an Edge for themselves. Ford dealers anxiously await the Edge’s arrival in their showrooms. The Edge is the first among many new products aimed at turning around Ford’s North American business. “The Edge will bring some new excitement to our showrooms, along with increased sales,” says LaVal Perry, president, Bloomfield Ford in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “Ford has hit a home run with the Edge, and we need more new products with the same appeal and excitement.” Shannon Inukai, general manager, Dick’s Mackenzie Ford in Hillsboro, Ore., agrees. “We were fortunate enough to have the Edge at our local auto show last year, and it got great reviews,” Inukai says. “The styling is modern, and I personally love the Vista Roof™. My salespeople can’t wait for the first one to arrive. This is a vehicle that can win back some of our lost market share.” Inukai’s salespeople compare the Edge to the BMW X3 and Acura MDX crossovers, both of which are luxury models with higher price tags. Pricing for Edge models range from $25,995 for the base SE to $29,745 for the SEL Plus. The MDX has an MSRP of $39,995, while the BMW X3 starts at $36,800. The high expectations riding on the crossover utility vehicle’s muscular shoulders come at a time when many of Ford’s new products are still in the pipeline. Ford has said 70 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products will be new or significantly upgraded between now and the end of 2008. “If the Edge can hit the ground running like the Fusion with the right advertising, the right lease payments and if the vehicle meets people’s expectations like the Fusion did, which actually exceeded their expectations once they drove it, I think we’ll have another winner,” says Rich Klaben of Klaben Ford in Kent, Ohio. Kevin Collins, owner of Collins Ford in Louisville, Ky., also hopes the Edge will be the next Fusion. “The Edge is the next vehicle that’s got to measure up to the success of the Fusion,” Collins says. “Fusion is the high watermark for us right now. Beyond the obvious importance of launching new product, my hope is the Edge will really help us develop a foundation to build on.” Ford hopes that part of the foundation will be the all-important conquest sales. Ford expects that up to 45 percent of Edge buyers will be new customers to the brand. The Ford brand stands to win the most from the Edge, the Fusion, the redesigned F-Series and future new products. “What we need is a lot of these vehicles that are in a class of their own, and when you put them together, they give the total volume that we need,” Klaben says. He and other dealers are hoping that new products raise awareness in customers of Ford as a viable brand for their consideration. “And to me, the brand is more important than any deal out there,” Klaben says.

Ford Edge Provides Affordable All Wheel Drive While more consumers are moving away from sport utility vehicles and opting for cars and crossovers, they aren't willing to part with the confidence of all-wheel drive (AWD). In a recent survey of current sport utility owners, 73 percent want all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive on their next vehicle. In the luxury market, 50 percent of owners want all-wheel drive on their cars or trucks. Ford is answering the call by expanding its lineup of AWD vehicles. “Broadening the availability of all-wheel drive comes as a result of listening to our customers,” says Brett Wheatley, Medium and Large Car product marketing manager for Ford Motor Company. “Many drivers who are attracted to SUVs but who are concerned about fuel prices are considering alternative vehicles. Offering a broad range of AWD sedans and crossovers gives these buyers more of what they want.” Sport utilities and pickup trucks have long taken advantage of four-wheel drive. In 2005, Ford began extending those advantages from sport utilities such as the Escape and the Explorer to sedans and crossovers, with the introduction of the AWD Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle and Mercury Montego. A recent report from J.D. Power and Associates forecasts that four-wheel-drive vehicles will make up 37 percent of all vehicles produced by 2008. That growth is expected to be fueled by all-wheel-drive systems based on front-wheel-drive vehicles, such as the Five Hundred sedan and the Freestyle crossover, which are expected to more than double to 32 percent by 2008 from the current 13 percent. Ford has expanded its AWD lineup, introducing AWD versions of the Ford Fusion, the Mercury Milan and the Lincoln MKZ midsize sedans this month. All-wheel-drive versions of the 2007 Ford Edge and 2007 Lincoln MKX crossovers will hit dealer showrooms in November, bringing the total number of Ford vehicles to offer conventional four-wheel drive or AWD to an industry-leading 36. Ford is looking for AWD sales to exceed 500,000 units annually by 2007, with 400,000 of those being cars and crossovers. Those numbers should be easy to reach, as the company is making the technology more affordable. All-wheel-drive models of the Ford Five Hundred and the Mercury Montego sell for up to $5,400 less than nearest competitors, while the Ford Freestyle is priced more than $3,100 below the nearest crossover competitor. The AWD Fusion and Milan are the only vehicles in their segment to offer an AWD option. The price for the Fusion AWD SE with the 3.0-liter V-6 starts at just under $23,000.

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2007 Ford Edge: Modern urban living inspires interior design Ford Motor Company designers drew inspiration for the interior of the all-new 2007 Edge crossover vehicle from the modern décor and expansive windows of the popular urban loft condo. “Some home owners are starting to say, ‘I’d much rather have a smaller interior but with cleverly designed, usable space and a very rich environment,’ ” says Patrick Schiavone, design director responsible for Ford and Lincoln Mercury trucks, sport utility vehicles and crossovers. “In a lot of ways, this trend echoes the whole sensibility of the Edge because it’s smarter, more fuel efficient, more flexible, better handling and quieter. It’s more of a modern take on living, very much like a loft is.” Launching in November, the Ford Edge is set to enter the fast-growing crossover utility vehicle segment and is anticipated to be a hit in the company’s product-led turnaround. Ford designers created an image board that included pictures of lofts, architectural wonders such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and expressive furniture from the annual Milan Furniture Fair in Italy. “It comes back to the ideals of modern furniture and loft living,” says Schiavone. “We were definitely trying to go down that road with the Edge.” Inside, the Edge combines clean lines with a spacious feel and flexibility of the space. All the components, including the instrument cluster, center console and air vents, flow together in a seamless way reminiscent of the modern loft. “You can see the loft inspiration in some of the line work in the interior,” says Earl Lucas, interior design manager for the Edge. “If you look at the integration of the air bag console, where the air vents are located, you see this really structured, well-organized interior space. Modern architecture has those same types of intersections of shapes and forms.” Designers swept the windshield forward, as well as the center console, in order to open up the space. “We kept the instrument panel low and pushed away to maximize spaciousness,” says Ed Golden, design director for the Edge and the Lincoln MKX. “A loft often has large open rooms, so we were looking for that feel in this vehicle.” Polished aluminum accents on the instrument cluster, air vents, center console and wrapped around the gear selector juxtapose rich leather with contrast stitching. “These combinations of leather grains and aluminum are elements that you might find in modern chairs or tables,” says Golden. The most striking aspect of the Edge interior is its class-leading panoramic Vista Roof™, which stretches front to back. “In the same way that you’d expect lots of light in a loft, the Vista Roof also allows a lot of light to come through,” says Golden. The Edge’s interior storage capability and comfort features also draw comparisons to the versatility of the loft. Available EasyFold ™ electromechanical rear seats convert five-passenger seating into a cargo bay capable of holding items up to 8 feet long. The center console includes a customizable insert that can store everything from CDs to a laptop computer. An optional 12-volt power point in the console powers cell phones and PDAs (personal digital assistants), and an audio input provides MP3 connectivity to the stereo system. Six cup/bottle holders throughout allow for convenient refreshment. Interiors have become more important to consumers in recent years, and automakers are responding. In 2003, Ford began tripling its investment in interior design in response to research that indicated the average commute time for drivers had increased to about an hour a day. “The interior is becoming the competitive battleground, primarily because there is so much in the interior,” says Darrel Edwards, CEO of Strategic Vision, a San Diego company that studies how and why consumers buy products. “The consumer has to deal with it every single day that he or she is with the vehicle.” Edwards says consumers are looking for a comprehensive interior package that is tailored to their needs, thoughtfully designed and harmonious. “It’s not so much that interiors are suddenly more important, but as automakers have gotten the exteriors more and more right, everything now needs to harmoniously match both inside and outside, even in less expensive vehicles,” he says. Design-focused stores, including IKEA and Target, have helped shape customers’ expectations, Schiavone adds. “A modern sort of luxury is going to be a long-term trend,” he says. “You'll have the traditional luxury and traditional luxury vehicles but also in a more modern furniture kind of way for some of the mid-priced vehicles, much like the Edge.” Ford has set the benchmark on pickup truck interior refinement with its F-150 and specialty interiors such as the Harley-Davidson and King Ranch versions. Now designers hope the Edge sets a benchmark for the modern crossover utility vehicle segment. “We changed the face of truck interiors,” says Schiavone. “And now we are really moving on car interiors, and we are in a good place to build on that.”

Ford Edge Panoramic Vista Roof: Here comes the sun. By Chris Kassab, FCN The sunroof is taking a back seat in the new 2007 Ford Edge. "The Edge’s Vista Roof™ opens all the way back over the rear compartment, so the people who are sitting in the rear of the vehicle can actually look up and see the sky above them," said Doyle Letson, Edge’s chief designer. The class-exclusive panoramic glass roof allows nine square feet of natural light to flood the vehicle cabin. The look and feel of the roof was inspired by interior décor cues – specifically, the expansive windows of the popular urban loft condo, according to Earl Lucas, interior design manager for Edge. "In the same way that you'd expect lots of light in a loft, the Vista Roof also allows a lot of light to come through," he said. “When you sit in this vehicle and look up and see the sky all around you, you just want to take it out for a drive and chase the horizon,” said Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director of Design, North America. The type of free-spiritedness Horbury describes may be at the root of an emerging trend. More and more, consumers are opting for vehicles with some type of glass roof. In 2001, 20% of all vehicles manufactured in North America were equipped with sunroofs. According to CSM Worldwide, an auto industry forecasting firm, that figure is expected to rise another 10 percent by 2010. Click here to see the Panoramic Vista roof in action. What’s the attraction? Psychologists say people naturally feel better when they’re exposed to daylight. "The benefit goes without saying. Light helps elevate mood," said Marjorie Scott, Ph.D., chairman of the Doctoral Program at the Michigan School of Professional Psychology. "When we're sitting next to a window with the sun shining in, we feel much better than when we're sitting in a darker room without windows." Researchers believe there is a link between light and a person’s frame of mind. Lack of sunlight – especially in the fall and winter months – has been shown to cause seasonal depression, a condition that affects more than 36 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. While no one is suggesting that expansive sunroofs are a cure for depression, psychologists agree that there are health benefits. “The subjective reports are that people feel more energized,” said Paul Arbisi, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychology, University of Minnesota. “They feel more active, and their moods are lighter.” “When your mood is elevated, you have a much more positive attitude about whatever you’re doing,” said Scott. “You can get along better with people when you feel good. And you’re less likely to get sick when you feel good.” The Edge’s Vista Roof™ sports a large 27.3- by 29.4-inch forward panel that offers tilt and slide opening and a 15.75- by 31.3-inch fixed rear glass panel. A one-touch open switch provides open-air touring. "It's good to see the natural world," said Chris Peterson, Ph.D., professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan. "Studies have shown that people who work in offices with windows that look out at greenery like their jobs better. If the Ford Edge can help you see the natural world, that's great."

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