The all-new Ford Kuga is set to disprove the myth that an SUV can’t be eco-friendly, high-tech and capable all at the same time, as well as setting the stage for the entry of two more Ford SUVs into Europe.
The Kuga is the centrepiece of Ford’s strategy to expand in the fast-growing European SUV market and offers a comprehensive array of features and technologies, including Ford’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system, a hands-free lift gate that operates with a gentle kicking motion, class-leading fuel efficiency, and Ford SYNC with Emergency Assist.
“European customers have really taken the current Ford Kuga to their hearts,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development. “The new Kuga retains that charisma and adds remarkable new technologies, features and capability.”
Ford plans to ramp up its global leadership in SUVs to deliver a comprehensive line-up of smarter vehicles to Europe. The new Kuga will be followed by the innovative EcoSport, Ford’s entry into the small SUV segment, and the Edge – a larger, more premium crossover that is already a success in North America and other markets.
Ford has said it expects to sell more than 1,000,000 SUVs in Europe in the next six years, around 10 per cent of Ford’s total volume by 2016. Since launching the first generation Kuga in 2008, Ford has sold more than 45,000 in the UK.
Production of the new Kuga started this month at Ford’s assembly plant in Valencia, Spain. Just six months after going on sale, the new Kuga’s North American counterpart the Ford Escape has achieved its best ever sales year.
In our next story we will look in depth at the new Kuga’s intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system.
