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March 09, 2005
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This Week:

• HUMMER Enhances Warranty Coverage On 2006 Models

• Chrysler Group Launches Production of New Jeep® Grand Cherokee at Magna Steyr in Austria

• Scion to Unveil All-New Concept Vehicle at 2005 New York International Auto Show

• Ford SAV Concept Targets New Market Niche, Signals Fresh European Design Direction

• Rocky Mountain Editions of the Jeep® Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler are Ready for Spring

• BMW Group Increases SALES BY 7% IN FEBRUARY

• Model Changeovers and Delivery Delays Impact Mercedes Sales in February

• Carl-Peter Forster Named Chairman, Jan-Ake Jonsson Managing Director of Saab Automobile

• William Clay Ford, Sr. to Retire from Ford Board

• The new BMW K1200 R

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Ford SAV Concept Targets New Market Niche, Signals Fresh European Design Direction

Sleek, athletic and muscular, Ford's Sport Activity Vehicle, the SAV Concept establishes new territory in the market place by creating a three-row mono-space for the sporty lifestyle More than just a concept vehicle: SAV Concept signals an emerging new form language for Ford in Europe , highlighting dynamism and solidity Shaped like an athlete, SAV Concept introduces a remote-controlled rear-seat system and integrated, fitted luggage trolleys Created with the disciplines of Ford's shared technology approach, which gives designers flexibility to create diverse body styles and vehicle formats

Detroit - Ford of Europe's SAV Concept demonstrates a fresh approach in two ways. Firstly it defines a new breed of car, the Sports Activity Vehicle: a three-row mono-space that is athletic both in its appearance and the way it drives. Secondly, the Ford SAV Concept provides a suitably dynamic form to reveal the emergence of a new design direction for Ford of Europe.

Sleek and purposeful, the Ford SAV Concept demonstrates new ideas for people- and load-carrying flexibility. For Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's recently appointed Executive Director of Design, it marks the first indication of a new form language for the Blue Oval brand.

Photos: Ford

SAV Concept's form language is characterised by dynamic feature lines spanned by full surfaces symbolising muscularity, substance and solidity. Within its unique proportions, this design approach establishes the foundations on which the Ford of Europe design team will build, using carefully crafted graphic elements and unique design details to create arresting and highly appealing designs.

Different Proportions, Different Approach

Envisioned as a market offering position ed between the Ford Galaxy and Mondeo, the Ford SAV Concept explores the future possibilities for even more diversity in the heart of the Ford family car range. The new concept takes the innovative 'business class' flexible rear seating concept, first seen in Focus C-MAX, to the next level, introducing a remote-controlled rear-seat configuration system and an integral stowage system.

At the touch of a button, the three individual seats which form the SAV Concept's rear seat row can be reconfigured. Using electric motors, the middle seat slides rearward into a central location. It nestles between integrated, fitted luggage trolleys which provide built-in armrests for the third-row passenger. The two outer seats then shift inward slightly to provide each occupant with greater spaciousness and comfort.

Flowing Metallic Skin

Like the figure-hugging running suits worn by modern sportsmen and women, the Ford SAV Concept's outer skin unmistakably signals its sporting intent. It is finished in metallic silver reminiscent of liquid mercury, highlighting its sleek appearance.

Exterior design elements have evolved from current Ford models but are characterised by more emotion and depth. The silhouette of the SAV Concept is unique, characterised by a very fast, raked windscreen and an arching roofline that ends in an integral tailgate spoiler. A distinctive side window graphic with a strong 'kick-up' at the rear lends a dynamic quality to the profile and creates a strong D-pillar shape.

SAV Concept's bolder lines, fuller body sections and interestingly interplayed shapes are among the signals that different influences are coming into Ford's European design language.

(March 1, 2005)