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Ford Names Production Fairlane

According to various sources, Ford is getting ready to debut its long-awaitedfamily-hauler and the successor to its Freestar minivan at the upcoming New York International Auto Show, but it won't bear the name we thought it would. Ford's changed its mind about the heritage-inspired “Fairlane” designation, named after Henry Ford's Fair Lane estate and one of the most collectible blue-oval cars from the '50s, which adorned the concept car displayed two years ago. Instead, they're swapping it out at the last minute for something much more modern and perhaps, for a people-mover, a lot more appropriate. The name they've chosen is, “Flex”, a sign that Ford hasn't completely kicked its habit of starting its vehicles' names with the letter

Surely, they're referring to the Flex-ibility of the interior, not the chassis rigidity... right? (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

“F”.

Besides the name swap, a process that was demonstrated most recently with the Five Hundred's change to Taurus, we're looking at pretty much the same vehicle as before; a three-row, low-height crossover that'll cater to active families. There will be a bit of breath-holding with regards to the final product, as Ford says they're keeping the cards close to their chestbefore the New York debut. One rumor, that the production Flex would receive rear-hinged suicide or “French” doors, has been

If the interior is anything at all like this... moving over from a minivan or SUV to a Flex will be a natural progression. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

dispelled; the production car will feature four regular doors; much better in parking lots.

The idea of a larger crossover is pretty simple. Today's consumers are image conscious. They dread buying minivans for the implications, even though they're probably better suited to most tasks families require them for. At the same time, the purchase prices, running costs and now taxation of SUVs are putting them out of many consumers' budgets. The Flex bridges the gap between the two ends of the spectrum, exuding non-minivan styling along with a noticeable lack of sliding side doors. At the same time, Ford hopes that the Flex will present itself as a more upscale way of moving the family around, a feeling that's absent from mostminivans.

Ford's new name for the Fairlane Concept, pictured here, is Flex. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)

Reportedly, the Flex will be built alongside its smaller crossover sibling, the Edge, and its luxury counterpart, the Lincoln MKX. The key competitors to the Flex would be General Motors' large crossovers, Saturn's Outlook, GMC's Acadia, the soon to be released Buick Enclave, and Chevy's rumored upcoming version, reported to be named Nomad.

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