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Behind The Wheel
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ford.com Ford Taurus X |
The report today from the Detroit News that Ford [F
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] is preparing to stop building the Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus X crossover is one of those stories I read and immediately said, "It's about time."
In my opinion, these are the types of moves Ford needs to make quickly if it's going to jump start sales with fresh, attractive models.
Now, at the risk of offending my mother, who owns a Sable, I say good riddance to this car. The fact that my mom, a lovely lady in her late 70's calls her Sable, "very nice" oughtta send shivers down the spine of Ford execs.
There's an old adage in the auto industry, "you can't sell a young man an old man's car". Sable may not be just for senior citizens, but in my opinion it is boring, lackluster, and any other adjective you'd want to pick to describe a run of the mill car. Sorry mom.
I'm glad to see Ford may be dropping these models. According to the Detroit News, Ford feels the Sable will no longer fit with future plans that the Mercury have smaller, cars. The report says the Taurus X crossover won't be needed because the new Ford Flex will fill that space in Ford's crossover plans.
But the encouraging thing is that I believe Ford's designers have future models that WILL do a much better job than the Sable and Taurus X of connecting with buyers. For years, I have looked at the Ford company's line-up of cars (except the Mustang) and have said to myself, "Did anyone with a pulse work on this car?". But starting with the Edge, and now the Flex, Ford's finally getting it's mojo back.
Let's hope CEO Alan Mulally keeps pushing his execs to continue this renaissance. I like what I've seen of the cars that will re-build the Lincoln brand. The models (check out the Flex) in the Ford brand are also turning heads. And I think Mercury will eventually get there. For too long, Ford's played it safe. Finally, it looks like it's ready to kick out the yawners.
Questions? Comments?
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