DETROIT, May 21 (UPI) -- Ford plans to tread on Subaru's established turf by building reasonably priced all-wheel-drive cars and crossovers, the Detroit Free Press reported.
By 2007, Ford aims to sell a half-million all-wheel-drives in the United States. The auto maker will add five models with the built-in feature this year, bringing its total offerings to 22 cars and trucks.
Experts have said the timing of Ford's move is prophetic, the newspaper said. As gas prices have risen, consumers have switched from SUVs back into cars and crossovers -- which look similar to SUVs but have better fuel efficiency.
All-wheel-drive is popular in luxury cars because of its superior traction and handling.
Rick Crossen, Suburu's vice president of marketing, isn't worried by Ford's new strategy and thinks the competitor might even be able help educate customers to the advantages of all-wheel-drive.
