Ford SAV Concept Targets New Market Niche

Ford Europe's SAV Concept demonstrates a fresh approach in two ways. Firstly it defines a new breed of car, the Sports Activity Vehicle: a three-row mono-space that is athletic both in its appearance and the way it drives. Secondly, the Ford SAV Concept provides a suitably dynamic form to reveal the emergence of a new design direction for Ford of Europe. Sleek and purposeful, the Ford SAV Concept demonstrates new ideas for people- and load-carrying flexibility. For Martin Smith, Ford of Europe’s recently appointed Executive Director of Design, it marks the first indication of a new form language for the Blue Oval brand.

“We believe that within the family car market there is great potential for a non-traditional vehicle with the profile, proportions and appearance that reflect an active lifestyle,” Smith said. “The Ford SAV Concept also demonstrates how we can use our flexible vehicle architectures to create a broader array of model variants that will attract more people to the Ford brand. This is the beginning of an evolving story and is indicative of an exciting future.”

SAV Concept’s form language is characterised by dynamic feature lines spanned by full surfaces symbolising muscularity, substance and solidity. Within its unique proportions, this design approach establishes the foundations on which the Ford of Europe design team will build, using carefully crafted graphic elements and unique design details to create arresting and highly appealing designs.

“Ford recognises the importance of how design appeals to customers and how this can translate into making our products even more exciting,” Smith said. “My role is to create the vision to achieve that will be the new face of Ford in Europe . It won’t happen overnight, but the SAV Concept shows some important first steps. Think of the SAV Concept as having planted the first seeds.”

Ford of Europe Design Director Chris Bird played a key role in the SAV Concept’s creation. “We’re very excited about the message this emotional Concept is sending about our future,” Bird said.

Different Proportions, Different Approach

Envisioned as a market offering position ed between the Ford Galaxy and Mondeo, the Ford SAV Concept explores the future possibilities for even more diversity in the heart of the Ford family car range. The new concept takes the innovative ‘business class’ flexible rear seating concept, first seen in Focus C-MAX, to the next level, introducing a remote-controlled rear-seat configuration system and an integral stowage system.

At the touch of a button, the three individual seats which form the SAV Concept’s rear seat row can be reconfigured. Using electric motors, the middle seat slides rearward into a central location. It nestles between integrated, fitted luggage trolleys which provide built-in armrests for the third-row passenger. The two outer seats then shift inward slightly to provide each occupant with greater spaciousness and comfort.

Flowing Metallic Skin

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