Ford has no plans to import the Evos crossover from China to Europe or the U.S.
The automaker unveiled the Evos at the Shanghai auto show this week. It's the first vehicle developed under Ford's China 2.0 strategy that aims to turn around the company's slow sales in the world's biggest market with new products and increased reliance on joint-venture partners Changan Ford and JMC Ford.
The Evos's debut launched speculation in the motoring press that the crossover will replace the Mondeo midsize sedan in Europe, which will be discontinued next year, and the Fusion, which is being axed in the U.S.
The Evos unveiled in Shanghai has the same name as the Evos design study unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt show that previewed the styling direction for the current Mondeo.
The Evos will be built by Changan Ford. It was designed to "align with Chinese aesthetics," Ford said in a statement.
A Ford of Europe spokesperson said there are no plans for the Evos to come to Europe. "We have said there would be no Mondeo replacement," the spokesperson said.
The car is not expected to be sold in North America either, company sources said.
Ford released no information about the powertrain of the Evos, leaving Shanghai showgoers wondering whether it is powered by combustion engine alone or a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain.
Ford also showed the Chinese-built version of the Mach E electric SUV in Shanghai, suggesting the Evos will not be electric.
Wide dashboard screens
The Evos has slim headlights with a hook-like flourish on the edge of the front wing. The rear lights stretch the length of the tailgate.
Inside screens stretch across the length of the dashboard.
A 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver is joined to a 27-inch touch screen that carries over towards the passenger side.
The screen has artificial intelligence software from Chinese technology specialist Baidu as well as Baidu's digital application ecosystem.
The extra-wide screen can be used by the driver and front-seat passenger simultaneously for different tasks, Ford said.
The passenger can view the vehicle's status, navigation and traffic signs to help the driver better understand road conditions and act as 'co-driver.' It can also be used by the passenger to watch entertainment content.
The Evos is the second Ford to offer "BlueCruise" hands-free technology after the Mach E SUV in regions where hands-free driving is permitted. The system includes eye-tracking software to ensure the driver continues to pay attention to the road ahead even with hands off the wheel.
