Ford Delivers First Set of Edge

Ford enthusiasts are happy to know that their much-awaited Edge crossover is now available. The brand new crossovers from the automaker have begun arriving at dealerships across the country in the last few days.

Among the first customers to take the first delivery of Edge is Mike Stone, a Detroit radio talk-show host, who ordered his Edge SEL nearly three months ago. Stone replaced his 2004 Cadillac CTS in favor of a brand new Ford Edge. "I wanted something new, something American and most important, something that was going to take on this Michigan snow." said Stone.

After driving the newly purchased crossover, Stone noted, "I like it a lot. It's got better pick up than I thought. It actually handles the road and hugs those curves pretty well. I like its SUV-like roominess and car-like ride."

Ford Edge is based on the CD3 platform of the automaker. The crossover has debuted as a 2007 model at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. It is built at Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Edge combines advanced auto parts Ford Explorer with those of the Freestar to create a fascinating new crossover. It is engineered to compete with Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Equinox. Edge is also a finalist for the North American Truck of the Year award which is the highlight of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

One of the many reasons that are driving aficionados closer to Edge is the latter's thrilling design. Edge boasts its chrome accents, leather seats, and the 18-inch aluminum wheels Ford. According to sales associate Brian Burke of Tom Holzer Ford, who sold the vehicle to Stone. Burke added that over 2 dozen pre-orders have been placed for the Edge at his dealership even though there were no Edge vehicles on-site to test drive. "I can't think of another vehicle that has generated more excitement," Burke said. "This reminds me of the 1986 Taurus, when Ford came out with something that was totally different in style. And like the Taurus, the Edge takes on different (and unique) styling."

George Pipas, Ford sales analyst said that crossovers will outsell SUVs for the first time in 2006 with 2.4 million units sold compared to 2.1 million SUVs. He added that by 2010, crossover sales should reach about 3 million, while SUV sales slide to approximately 1.75 million.