HOUSTON, Jan. 30, 2006 -- Boasting a new "bold" exterior design and a first-time extended-length model with improved cargo capacity, the 2007 Ford Expedition made its public debut last week at the Houston Auto Show.
Amidst a growing field of full-size SUV competitors, Ford has extended its Expedition lineup to include the new 2007 Expedition EL (extended-length) model. Built on an extended wheelbase (131 inches), the Expedition EL is 15.8 inches longer than the traditional Expedition, delivering 24 cubic feet of additional cargo space compared to the base model.

"This has been a huge customer want in the research we've done," said Barry Redler, Ford Division sport utility vehicle marketing manager. "For the first time, we have a real credible competitor to the (Chevrolet) Suburban, in terms of a bigger vehicle that provides more cargo flexibility."

To be built at the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Mich., later this summer, the launch of the 2007 Expedition comes during a time of increasing competition and diminishing market share among full-size SUVs.

"Certainly sales within the full-size SUV segment have dipped, and the competition has improved, but we believe the 2007 Expedition is well equipped to answer that challenge," said Redler. "With the recent fluctuation in fuel prices, some of those customers have migrated away from the segment, but these vehicles still represent about 700,000 units of sales each year. From a customer standpoint, these people still want and love the versatility of a full-size SUV, and they are not willing to compromise."

"Unless gasoline goes to $3.50 a gallon, I think the American consumer and particularly those here in Texas will drive what they want to drive," said Albert Flores, president of the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). "Many customers in this market have big families, acreage and horses, and if they want an SUV they're going to find a way to afford it."

Despite the increased competition, Expedition continues to lay claim to several best-in-class or first-in-class features among full-size SUVs.

The 2007 Expedition's performance begins with an all-new chassis that provides a 10 percent improvement in torsional rigidity from the previous model. Expedition was also the first SUV in its class to offer independent rear suspension (IRS) for additional ride and handling performance.

"Our second-generation independent rear suspension is a superior architecture for controlling and tuning ride and handling," said Raj Nair, executive director, SUV and Body-on-Frame Platforms. "While Expedition has plenty of capability and flexibility, it doesn't handle like a big truck."

Expedition is powered by Ford's 5.4-liter Triton V-8 engine, rated at 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, which when properly equipped can tow up to 9,100 pounds.

As the first full-size SUV to earn the coveted double-five-star front crash test safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Expedition has been redesigned to meet all known future government crash standards.

Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac™ with Roll Stability Control comes standard on both Expedition and Expedition EL (excluding fleet sales) models. Larger front and rear brake calipers and thicker rotors also improve durability and stopping capability.

A new voice-activated DVD-based navigation system with an improved 6.5-inch color touch screen highlights Expedition's improved interior functionality.

An available 340-watt AM/FM Audiofile stereo is MP3-capable and features an in-dash six CD changer with six premium speakers and a subwoofer. Expedition comes standard with a segment-exclusive audio input jack with plug-and-play iPod capability.

Expedition owners can also choose a factory-installed Sirius satellite radio and a family entertainment DVD system with an 8-inch flush-mount flat panel display screen and two sets of remote-controlled infrared headphones.

Expedition remains the only full-size SUV to offer a second-row bench seat with a sliding center section that can be moved forward up to 11 inches to give the front-seat passenger easy access to a child.

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