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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Styling Reflects Explorer's Strengths

Staff, Wednesday October 31, 2001.

Page 1 of 1

The new Explorer's design focuses on functionality and versatility.

Simple, straightforward exterior body panels are coupled with a wider overall stance to give the vehicle a confident, athletic attitude.

The interior is made up of flexible, accommodating spaces, emphasising its multi-purpose, user-friendly package.

Authentic adventure

The main purpose of the new Explorer design was to preserve the original character of the previous model, while paying closer attention to the details.

The designers concentrated on functionality and versatility rather than creating a dramatic design statement, projecting a more refined, polished appearance, in keeping with the vehicle's more refined underpinnings.

The most striking change to the exterior design is the bold grille featuring the egg-crate insert - a signature cue that links it with other Ford off-road products, including F-Series and Escape.

The look is unmistakably Explorer - yet wider, bolder and more confident, with a profile that leans slightly forward, suggesting an eagerness and confidence.

High-quality, durable materials and finishes are used in all aspects of the design - from the smallest interior details to the headlamps, tail lamps, wheels, mouldings and door handles.

?A lot of time was spent on the refinement and improvement of the overall quality and craftsmanship of the Explorer,? ,? Ford SUV and Light Commercial Marketing Manager, Kevin Lillie said.

The idea was to project an image of stability and off-road capability on the Explorer's exterior - while using images of refinement and quality to define the interior.

Explorer's exterior door handles are not only easier to use, they're rugged, big and strong. The optional running boards are wide and substantial. The jewel-like complex reflector headlamps provide better lighting. The body-side cladding serves as protection against stone chips. And the grab handles for the rear-seat are now more conveniently located on the B-pillar.

A fully integrated rear bumper, with a wide shelf along with a completely redesigned liftgate, gives the rear of the vehicle a cleaner, finished look.

The addition of a genuine tow bar built into the frame meant the designers could forgo the ball mount formerly built into the step-type bumper.

The side profile hints at a slight forward bias, even though the rear was raised only approximately 15mm.

?The look is designed to evoke confidence, just as the vehicle?s new dynamics will,? Mr Lillie said.

Explorer's new independent rear suspension system helped drive the vehicle's design. The wider track makes Explorer look more stable, while the shorter front overhang makes the vehicle look more nimble and improves its approach angle in rough or steep terrain.

The rear liftgate was completely redesigned, with functionality in mind. The liftglass portion is larger, to make it easier to lift luggage and shopping bags into the vehicle.

Yet, in a clever design technique, the glass doesn't look overly large. On a level with the side ?belt line,? the rear glass melds into a body-color panel that continues down to the licence plate.

The headlamps and tail lamps both offer brighter, wider illumination, while there is more lighted surface area from the brake lights.

Inside, integration and refinement continue to be the guiding themes.

No unnecessary extras clutter the cabin, which offers integrated storage spaces and more passenger room.

The side airbags are stowed in the roof liner and do not take up any interior space.

DESIGN CHANGES AT A GLANCE:

• Key exterior design elements include simple, rounded forms and sections, uncluttered body panels and a bold new grille featuring the familiar egg-crate insert of all Ford off-roaders

• High-quality, durable materials and finishes are used in all aspects of the exterior and interior design.

• Form follows function: Exterior door handles are more robust and easier to use. Optional running boards are improved with a wide stepping area. Complex reflector headlamps provide better lighting. Body-side cladding serves as protection against stone chips.

• Explorer's wider track gives the vehicle a confident, athletic stance, and the shorter front overhang makes the vehicle look more nimble, while improving its approach angle in rough or steep terrain.

• A fully integrated rear bumper with a wide shelf and a completely redesigned liftgate give the rear of the vehicle a cleaner, finished look. The refined, versatile, understated design theme is carried through to the interior - consistent forms, functional detailing and clear, strong graphics on all instrumentation and controls.

• The design is functional all around and serves the target consumers' active lifestyles - solid, rugged and absolutely reliable.

For further information, please contact
Ford Australia Communications
Phone: 03-9359 8491

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