The Ford Vertrek Concept Preview

Ford's vision for a sleeker, sportier and more stylish compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) makes its European debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The Ford Vertrek concept was first shown at the North American International Auto Show in January and previews the company's ambition for a next-generation, global compact SUV that could lead the industry in both design and fuel efficiency.

The Ford Vertrek concept is based on Ford's global C-segment platform, which includes the all-new Ford Focus range - just about to go on sale in North America and Europe and on sale in the UK now - and the latest Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX multi-activity vehicles. It represents the vision of the company's top design and engineering talent on how best to attract and satisfy future sport utility vehicle customers around the world.

"Vertrek concept is a no-compromise solution we feel utility vehicle customers will embrace around the world," said Frank Davis, Vice President Product Development, Ford of Europe. "This new design is sleeker and more fuel efficient and delivers the capability, including people and cargo volume, customers demand globally."

The Ford Vertrek concept combines the best of Ford's kinetic design styling and driving quality with outstanding levels of cargo space, trailer-tow and off-road capability, promising a vehicle that meets the needs of next-generation compact cross-over customers around the world.

The sleek appearance of the Ford Vertrek concept has been honed aerodynamically to help support the programme target of class-leading fuel economy and low CO2 emissions and complement the high-tech powertrain solutions Ford envisions.

Ford preliminary data show that a production vehicle based around the Vertrek concept would be at least 5 per cent more aerodynamically efficient than current comparable Ford European and North American models, such as the Ford Escape and Ford Kuga.