Ford has said it is bringing forward plans to redesign the new Five Hundred sedan, which analysts reportedly say has been slow to connect with US customers because of its conservative styling.
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“We are going to have a freshening not after four years but after two-and-half to three years,” Ford’s head of North American product development, Phil Martens, told Reuters, referring to the Five Hundred, adding: “And then we will have another freshening about two years later.”
The news agency said the Five Hundred is Ford’s new flagship sedan and a key vehicle in its North American car range – the automaker, which has seen US sales fall 7.3% so far this year, is banking on the recently launched model and other new vehicles to stop sliding market share and increase much-needed automotive profit.
Reuters said Ford hopes to sell more than 200,000 Five Hundred and Montego sedans plus the Freestyle wagon this year but sales of the three cars have yet to meet targeted volumes.
Some analysts reportedly say the new models, which compete in a market heavily dominated by Asian brands, fail to make an impression because of their bland styling – in comparison, the boldly styled Chrysler 300 sedan was dubbed a hit right off the mark when it was launched last April.
But Martens defended the design of the Five Hundred to Reuters, saying sales of the large sedan have been increasing steadily.
Martens reportedly declined to say if the Five Hundred would get a design overhaul, but said the car may get a powertrain upgrade and better accessories, among other changes.
