Ford Introduces Edgy Edge Concept in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Ford unveils a technology-heavy concept version of its Edge midsize CUV at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but don’t look for it soon in your local dealership.

“The technology exists,” says Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president-Americas, who declines to provide a date when the vehicle might reach production. ”It’s in the not-too-distant future.”

The automaker does not release sales targets or details about engines, drivetrains and other components. Ford sold 108,270 Edges through October, up less than 1% from 105,393 from like-2012, according to WardsAuto data.

The Edge was introduced in 2006 and freshened in 2010. The concept features a new grille similar in form to the ’13 Fusion sedan.

Not all of the technical features likely will be available at the outset, and some seem certain to be extra-cost options. But the Edge concept has a long list of what Ford calls “semi-autonomous features.”

Among them are a fully assisted parking aid, first introduced in 2009; road-obstacle avoidance; collision alert; adaptive steering; blindspot detection; and lane-keeping alerts.

Hinrichs says the next-generation Edge, derived from the concept, will be aimed at global markets. It’s based on Ford’s global CD platform, as is the Fusion.

Raj Nair, vice president-global product development, tells WardsAuto the price of advanced technology is falling as volumes pick up. “We’re committed to mainstream technology,” he says.

On a separate subject, Nair was asked how he felt about a recent Consumer Reports survey that listed Ford 26^th of 28 brands in terms of ’14 models’ predicted reliability.

“Obviously I was disappointed, because we take feedback seriously,” he says.

CR’s findings didn’t specifically name problems with the automaker’s MyFordTouch infotainment system, but it has been widely criticized for being difficult to operate. Nair and Hinrichs both say Ford is solving the problem.