In order to keep up with competitors like GM and Toyota, Ford has designed a fuel-saving new concept car.
While the original Explorer was built on more a truck-type frame, this one will much more closely resemble that of a car. They anticipate it will be up to 30 times more fuel efficient than the current Explorer. It's said to have enough room for passengers and will be capable of towing 3,500 lbs, making it not only the idea family car, but a great ride for outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
The concept' interior looks pretty slick too, with ultra skinny grey seats highlighted with neon accents.
"Customers are smart. They value vehicles â€" the more efficient, the better," Jim Farley, Ford's VP of Marketing and Communications said.
"Ford gets it.
"Innovative technologies can transform people's favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC, the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, while in their vehicles."
The box shaped Ford Explorer America concept looks a little like the Toyota A-BAT hybrid pickup and the Chevy Volt concept.
The Explorer America concept will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month, along with many other green vehicles from all auto makers.
Fuel-Saving Ford
Explorer America Concept (NAIAS 2008)
Trend Themes
1. Fuel Efficiency - The concept car aims to be up to 30 times more fuel efficient than the current Explorer, presenting an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry.
2. Sustainable Transportation - The Ford Explorer America concept, along with other green vehicles showcased at the North American International Auto Show, highlights the growing trend of sustainable transportation and offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry.
3. Connected Vehicle Technology - Ford's SYNC system that connects portable devices in vehicles, along with the innovative technologies in the Explorer America concept, showcases the trend towards connected vehicle technology and presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the automotive industry.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The fuel-saving concept car by Ford represents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the automotive industry, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and sustainable transportation.
2. Green Technology - The Ford Explorer America concept, along with other green vehicles showcased at the North American International Auto Show, highlights the importance of green technology in the automotive industry and presents opportunities for disruptive innovation.
3. Consumer Electronics - The connected vehicle technology, such as Ford's SYNC system, showcased in the Explorer America concept, presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the consumer electronics industry, particularly in terms of integrating portable devices with vehicles.