The importance of vehicle aerodynamics is ever increasing due to its positive contribution to fleet fuel economy and high range in electric driving mode. The aerodynamic development of the Ford Kuga is a good example of how modern processes and technologies can deliver on high expectations. The c D values of the entire product palette were significantly reduced compared to its predecessor. TARGET SETTING FOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTIt was clear from the early stages of the project that optimized aerodynamics would play an important role in delivering the desired product qualities. Good c D values should not be reserved only for a special version, the so-called Aero Leader, but be achieved by all variants. FIGURE 1 shows the principle used to set targets during the early phases of the project. The data show the progressive development with time of the c D values of SUVs and off-road vehicles from global manu-facturers. The diagram also shows a trend line for vehicles with Kuga-like silhouettes and similar aerodynamically relevant content. The values for the predecessors and most important competitors are marked out. In general, both the trend and the variance are reducing as time goes on. Good aerodynamics has also become highly valued due to the strong increase in oil prices starting in 2000 as well as globally tougher emissions standards from about 2010. To arrive at a c D target, the intended fuel economy and performance, the requirements of the package team as regards for example interior measure-

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