Bangkok: Ford Everest Concept (next-gen Endeavour) showcased

American auto giant, Ford has showcased the Everest Concept at the Bangkok Motor Show. This is the ASEAN debut of the SUV, following its global unveil at Sydney, Australia in 2013.

Ford says that the Australian designed and developed Everest Concept is a 7-seater SUV that will be built in Thailand for ASEAN and global markets.

The front of the Everest Concept features an inverted trapezoid grille with swept back headlamps. Below, is a silver coloured skid plate that stretches along the width of the car and houses a pair of fog lamps at the ends. The tailgate of the car features a chrome strip that runs horizontally along the middle connects the tail lamp clusters. The spare wheel has been placed below the car rather on the tailgate.

Engine options are likely to include 2.2-litre and 3-litre diesel units with automatic and manual transmissions.

Ford sells the current generation Everest in India as the Endeavour. The car is ageing and its sales have been falling with time and the SUV is not making any impact on the segment, which is lead by the Toyota Fortuner and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Ford needs to up its game considerably if it wants to compete effectively with the Japanese manufacturers. The company will hope that the Everest Concept, which is expected to replace the Endeavour, will bring it success.

When it comes to India, it is expected to be locally assembled from CKD kits - something that Ford would find helpful in pricing the SUV competitively.