Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX Delayed

In an unexpected move, Ford is delaying the launch of its most anticipated model of the year, the Edge SUV, along with its Lincoln sibling, the MKX, by two weeks. The move is meant to give more time to ensure proper assembly and manufacturing of the all-new vehicles at the Canadian plant where they’re built. Dealers were expecting the two models to arrive by the end of this month; instead they’ll be waiting until mid-December for delivery.

There are two ways to look at the move. In the short run it hurts Ford, which is in need of more hot products; the Edge looks to be a strong seller, like the Fusion sedan. In the long run, taking time to tackle quality control before the product hits those influential first adapters — folks who always want to be the first on the block with the latest and greatest — who can make or break a new product is extremely important.

Hopefully, Ford fixes all it needs to fix and the Edge follows the Fusion’s route as a reliable product.

[Ford Pushes Back Edge, MKX launch, The Detroit News]

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