LOS ANGELES, CA – Utility vehicles are globally the highest growing segment and Ford showcased their intentions over the next five years with the reveal of the Ford Edge Concept. At this time, it might be just a concept, but this Ford Edge looks to be primed for production. 

Ford’s “One Ford” plan has them always on the pulse of global trends. With almost one utility vehicle sold out of every five vehicles worldwide, Ford’s future plans are aggressive towards the utility segment.  Ford is projecting that utility vehicles in the industry will be up +115% by 2017 and if you can believe it, Ford is going on an all-out attack by forecasting a +2,218% increase of Ford utilities at that same time. 

It seems like a crazy jump and it probably is a tad embellished, but Ford will be investing heavily in the massive Chinese market and making more utility in-roads in Europe. Furthermore, they expect increases in the North American market where they’ve seen plenty of success already from their SUV roster that includes the Escape, Edge, Explorer and Flex.

The Edge and Explorer have been strong sellers particularly along the American coasts, especially in California, so they were most delighted to show off the Edge Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Edge in particular has been the best-selling five-passenger medium utility SUV in Southern California.

The Ford Edge Concept will see plenty of new technologies that aim to enhance the driving experience and not just more connectivity. Ford’s focus is more than bells and whistles and their aim is to ease the driver away from any stressful conditions on the road. 

“The next-generation Edge – previewed in the Ford Edge Concept – will build on these cornerstones to create a global vehicle with technology to make life easier, and design and craftsmanship to appeal to customers around the globe,” said Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of The Americas, Ford Motor Company.

There are several highlights of the Edge Concept that stood out, but none more than the Fully Assisted Parking Aid function. We’ve all seen park assist on vehicles, which are included on several Ford products. The Edge Concept takes that a step further by allowing drivers to sit back and allow the car to perpendicularly park in the spot. To further blow your mind – you don’t even have to be in the car for it to park itself. With the use of a remote control, the Edge Concept parks itself.

You might ask yourself, why would anyone get out of the car before parking? A valid question, indeed.

Now, think about those moments when there’s one spot left and that spot has been made smaller by the poor parking around it. If you park, you won’t have much room to get out of the vehicle. There’s the perfect scenario to utilize this new technology. To put the cherry on top, you can get the Edge to pull out of the spot on its own when you’re ready to come back in. 

It’s a unique system that might not be used often, but when needed, it might just be a big stress relief. 

Additional technologies in the Edge Concept are Obstacle Avoidance and Adaptive Steering. The Edge Concept can scan the road up to 600 ft. ahead and if it feels that an accident is about to occur, it will brake and steer the vehicle for you preventing any on-coming collision. You always want to be safe and secure, and in my mind, these new technologies are welcoming additions to any future vehicle. 

“The rate of change in vehicle technology right now is unprecedented,” noted Raj Nair, Ford group vice president of global product development. “Our engineers around the world are advancing the systems that will ultimately help make drivers smarter, safer and more efficient. From advanced engine systems to collision avoidance and automated driving systems, Ford will continue to lead in delivering the technologies consumers want and need.”

When it comes to design, The Edge Concept has kept its sporty appearance and charisma and has added a little more edge to it. It might look similar to the current model, but it has been lowered and a lot of the work can be seen at the front and the rear. The Ford hexagonal grille that we’ve become used to has modernized itself with a swept-back front grille. It also stays true to the previous Edge as the grille stays attached to the headlights. The LED headlamps have been redesigned stand out with its chrome trim; while the taillights form a molten lava light ribbon that looks super cool. There are currently no door handles, but we know most likely that will not be the case when it gets closer to production.

What would be a car review without touching on the interior? Ford has placed careful attention towards creating what they call a “Dynamic Sanctuary”. The inside is met with premium materials including full leather seats with brush aluminum accents and brushed copper that surround it.

Ford has not forgotten about fuel efficiency. They made mention to the Edge Concept having the next-generation EcoBoost engine with start-stop technology, but they’ve gone further with the use of Active Grille Shutters. These shutters open and close in order to achieve the best engine operating temperature possible while maximizing aerodynamic efficiency. The use of Air Curtains also helps to flatten out air turbulence. 

There are many concepts that are more show-stoppers than anything resembling reality. However, the Ford Edge Concept seems to be pretty much a close to production vehicle. Sure, there will be a few changes here and there, but the Edge looks primed to meet the needs for the future. This new Edge should have a 2016 year attached to it and see its first sales by the spring of 2015. For Ford’s sake, let’s hope those utility forecasts stay true.