Ford dealers in the US want the Kuga to be marketed as the Ford Escape
Ford dealers in the US are complaining that dropping the Ford Escape name in favour of Ford Kuga will hit sales.
We reported back in October that Ford are planning to move production of the Kuga to the US in 2011, and will launch the Ford Kuga in to the US market as a replacement for the Ford Escape. All of which seems to be pretty much confirmed – despite a lack of official news from Ford – as Ford dealers in the US are getting twitchy about dropping the Escape name and bringing in the Kuga.
The theory goes that the Ford Escape enjoys big brand loyalty from buyers, and that changing the name to Kuga would lose a chunk of those sales. Which I suppose we understand, even if it is a bit Luddite. And it does go against Ford’s ‘One Ford’ policy of having world cars, a policy that is starting to work for them in a big way with the recent introduction to the US of the Ford Fiesta.
I also think it underestimates buyer’s intelligence. Surely US car buyers can work out that the Kuga is the replacement for the Escape and not have to be mollycoddled by keeping the name the same? It is true that the Kuga will be a bit different for the US as it probably won’t come with a diesel option and will get the 4WD system from the current Escape, but it will look the same.
I really can’t see Ford bowing to dealer pressure on this, and nor should they. The world moves on and a new car deserves a new name. Otherwise we’d all still be driving round in Anglias, Pops, Prefects, Corsairs and Zephyrs.
Source: Wards Auto
Dean Talbot says
I have recently had the pleasure of driving the new Ford “Kuga”.
I am impressed with what Ford has developed. The diesel engine is very quiet amd smooth. Combined with the six speed manual transmission it has lot’s of get up and go without sacrificing great fuel economy. The interior is well layed out and the on board navigation works exellent and is easy to use. Ford has done a great job with the suspension system as well. The Kuga’s ride and handling are similar to the BMW that we were also driving.It is my opinion that Ford has a winner with the “Kuga” and I look forward to seeing it come to Canada. If Ford maintains the same quality as the one in Germany, then I believe people will love the “Kuga”
jenny sharp says
I have a ford escape v6 & have been very happy with it,I was wondering if the new ford escape kuga will it be coming to australia.I have been talking to a couple of mechanics in australia & they give it a good rap.
If you are going to release it what would the price range be.
Kind Regards Jenny Sharp