Ford will build the U.S. version of its new Kuga crossover at its Louisville, Kentucky plant, according to a local media report by NBC affiliate Wave3. The vehicle first went on sale in Europe in early 2008. It is assembled for the European market at Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany plant. The Louisville facility is also said to be in the running for the next version of the Focus.
Back in 2007, when the Kuga was first unveiled, Ford executives said they were considering importing the vehicle to North America, but the unfavorable Dollar-Euro exchange rate killed these plans. In July of 2008, rumors emerged about renewed plans for U.S. availability. It now appears American availability will come via domestic production.
It has been widely speculated that Ford could replace its Escape SUV with the Kuga, but it remains unclear if the Escape could hang on in the market place that long without a significant upgrade. The Escape was launched in 2001 and, despite upgrades in styling and powertrains, is starting to show its age.
It conceivable Ford could use a name other than Kuga for the U.S. version of the crossover, perhaps even recycling the Escape badge.
The Kuga shares a platform with the current Euro Focus and the next-generation global Focus. Ford said in January the new Focus will the same in all markets, including North America, for the first time ever.
Ford has two plans in Louisville, both of which now appear to have secure futures — great news for the 6,000 workers employed there. The truck plant is slated to continue building Super Duty F-Series pickups for the foreseeable future, while the car plant will likely get the Kuga, and possibly other C1-platform models.
