Ford Fairlane a Go

The Detroit News snuck some interesting auto-gossip into a story about Ford Motor Company’s new design process. Overall the story will bore most of our readers, and even us by about midway through, but the nugget we had to share was the admission that Ford is indeed building the Fairlane “people-mover” concept.

The Fairlane was one of the big hits of the 2005 auto show circuit — yes 2005 — and I’ve been asking anyone who will listen why Ford hasn’t built it yet. There’s not much known about the production vehicle, but the concept was a three-row, six-passenger people-hauler based on the same platform as the Ford Fusion.

It’s been speculated that the Fairlane would replace Ford’s failing minivan lineup and offer a very Hamptons-esque, Range Rover look. It could easily win over Chrysler Pacifica owners and those who want minivan utility with SUV looks. Of course, the Ford Freestyle already attempted that and failed. But I think with the looks of the Fairlane, customers will change their minds.

Update: More on the Fairlane via the Detroit News here.

[Ford Retools Auto Design, Detroit News]