The softer contours of the Explorer America represents a paradigm shift where today’s consumers want a flexible vehicle, but more intelligently executed than yesteryear’s adventurous, rugged design.  A wrap-around rear glass panel and sliding rear doors are some of the nifty, but “been there, done that” design cues found on the Explorer America.

But while the exterior’s rather ho-hum, the Explorer America’s interior is intelligently executed with a single-touch stackable sliding seats that allow for access to the second row (this vehicle has a 6-seater capacity).  There’s a work table with seats that deploy from the tailgate as well as a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

Right now, the Explorer America will remain a concept.  But rest assured, that the all-new Explorer (due around 2009) will get most, if not all, of its innovative technologies from this concept.  With this, expect the Explorer to become popular with the middle-class American once again.

Ford is banking that vehicles like the Explorer America will break the SUV's sales decline.