ExplorerX

After much anticipation of seeing the Ford Explorer America Concept debut at last year's 2008 New York International Auto Show, my hopes were high for this  year's show. Would we possibly see a new concept, closer resembling production for the 2011 Ford Explorer? Would there be any notable improvements in the outgoing Explorer and Mountaineer generation? Sadly, the 2009 New York International Auto Show was in many ways a letdown.

Regardless of any auto manufacturer, the economic situation within the auto industry was clearly prevalent at this year's show. Gone from the early 2000's are the huge, outdoor arenas; the DUB custom car displays; the offroading Jeep course; the overflow of auto displays at the adjunct exhibit area connected to the Javits Center. This was a toned down show with the least amount of SUVs and trucks that I have seen in the ten consecutive years I have attended the show. The "Flex Fuel" and "E85" mantra that was so prevalent by General Motors only two years ago is replaced by compact cars boasting an average of 35mpg. 

So what about Ford?

As I stated above, the years of giant Expeditions, Navigators, Explorers, and F-150's were replaced almost exclusively by a couple Expeditions and a high emphasis on the refreshed F-150. Only one Ford Explorer was visible and one Explorer Sport Trac. The Explorer America Concept from last year was missing entirely, and no mention of a redesigned Explorer was ever heard. In fact, when I asked one of the Ford representatives where the new Explorer concept was, she pointed me to a 2009 Ford Explorer. I stated that is the current production model - what about the Explorer America Concept vehicle from last year? "I'm not sure" was her response. When will we see the new Explorer revealed? A look of confusion came across her face, and after consulting another Ford representative, the answer was simply "Perhaps next year - I don't think it's even under development yet."

Interesting.

Moving on to the Ford cars, a huge emphasis was placed on the redesigned Taurus, with its own dedicated display and corner on the ground level. Not only were several new Taurus models available for display, but even the new Taurus SHO which was quite a surprise. Even better was that it was just sitting on the floor, not on an elevated platform. But its subdued placement meant that it was easily overlooked, and except for a "SHO" badge on the C pillar and a slightly more aggressive look, I highly doubt many realized what it was. The Taurus SHO should have been a flagship model on display, but instead it was sitting alone next to a redesigned Mustang.

And that brings me to another point. When the 2005 Mustang production model was debuted, the crowd was in pure awe and disbelief. This was the return of the American muscle car, and everyone knew it. Lines and crowds swarmed to see the Mustang display. But this is 2009 - and apparently Ford must think that the Mustang simply just sells itself. A 2010 Mustang GT and 2010 Shelby Mustang GT sat on the carpet at ground level with not one Ford representative to comment on the new spec. Even the Flex and Edge were slightly subdued and ignored compared to the rest of Ford's lineup. But there was plenty of people asking you if you had questions about the new Taurus, Focus, or Fusion. In Ford's defense, the Taurus really is a fantastic, beautiful car and may be the sign of a rebounding American icon. The Fusion also looks much more stylish and sporty compared to its predecessor.

Clearly, the gas guzzling, SUV mania and V8 power days are beginning to be a thing of the past.

All that is left to uncover is when - or if - the new Explorer will debut - and in what form. If the economy continues to decline and Ford has a rougher than anticipated 2009, it has already come forward stating that it may have to resort to request federal funding and the Explorer could likely be scrapped.