The Ford Territory will go out of production in 2017 with Ford set to replace it with a Edge-based SUV in 2018.

FORD CLAIMS it won’t use the Edge name when the global Ford Edge platform arrives here in 2018 to replace the outgoing Ford Territory which finishes production in 2017.

In a statement that tried to justify Ford’s push into the SUV market (tip: no maker needs to justify moving into the SUV segment – it’s booming), Ford said: “Arriving in 2018, the all-new SUV based on the global Ford Edge will offer customers a world-class SUV. With an emphasis on technology, the all-new SUV is expected to offer consumers new levels of interior and exterior styling and features usually found on vehicles at higher price points. It will also reflect the high take-up rate of the flagship Titanium variants across Ford’s SUV range, and will offer greater passenger interior space than the current Ford Territory”.

Ford will confirm the name of the new SUV closer to its arrival Down Under in 2018.

Ford also announced it will add a five-seat Everest to the line-up towards the end of 2017, and that it would only be available on the Ambiente variant in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive. It follows Ford’s decision to add a rear-drive only Everest to the lineup at the end of this year.

“The rear-drive model further broadens the Everest’s appeal, and gives customers the roominess, high driving position and cargo space in a more affordable package,” Ford said.