Could the Ford Escort return to American shores? Ford CEO Alan Mulally thinks so, as the extra-roomy compact was designed for China, but could come here. It’s all a part of the One Ford plan, though where the Escort would fit remains an unanswered question.
The Ford Escort is about the same size as the Ford Focus (because it’s based on a Focus), but with additional backseat legroom to appeal to Chinese consumers. Designed by teams based in China for the local market. Mulally said that the Escort would likely migrate to other markets including, eventually, America.
So where would the Escort fit, exactly? It could be slotted between the Fusion and the Focus, or perhaps just rebadged as a different variation of the Focus, which isn’t much of a stretch since the share platforms. With extra room, it could make a fine livery replacement for those companies now ready to fill their fleets with Ford Transit Connect taxi vans. Along the same vein, it could be sold only as a fleet-only vehicle to help Ford regain market share lost with the retirement of the Crown Victoria.
Then again, adding the Escort to America’s lineup might just crowd out other cars, like the Focus and Fusion. Perhaps this is one Ford that can stay overseas.
Source: Automotive News
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