Quote:
Originally Posted by Casper
Why Ford did not switch the Territory to off shore production is on of life's mysteries but I guess their masters in the US knew better.
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Unfortunately the Territory (and Falcon) platform ONLY supports right-hand-drive. Furthermore, while much loved, the Barra inline six is an orphan engine (long estranged from Ford's global six cylinders) and certainly doesn't meet Euro 6.
Regardless, perhaps Ford (like Chevrolet) should be building their "midsize" sedan and SUV on a longitudinal engine platform? Some buyers prefer rear drive and would love that.
BUT like Chevrolet, Ford build them on transverse engine (front wheel drive based) platforms instead. (The Ford Edge SUV is just as much of a local flop as the Holden Equinox, even though American buyers like both these SUVs.)
Bear in mind that with the Taurus and Impala being front wheel drive, this makes them easier to drive in the American winter in the snow compared to a rear drive Falcon or Commodore respectively. This may be another salient point that informs Ford and GM platform choice.
Curiously, the Ford Explorer SUV is being divorced from the front wheel drive Ford Taurus and returned to its rear wheel drive roots... So maybe Americans wouldn't want a Territory after all once the engine is turned back lengthways in the Explorer?
https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/mark-phelan/2019/06/18/2020-ford-explorer-real-wheel-drive/1480821001/