Ford approves Fairlane van replacement

Ford has approved its Fairlane "people mover" for production, according to sources familiar with the program, the Detroit News reports. Previous reports have suggested the vehicle will replace Ford's minivan offerings. Ford's van sales have dropped from more than 250,000 units in 2000 to fewer than 85,000 units last year. "It's the postmodern Explorer," analyst Jim Hall said. "That's functionally what it is in their lineup." The Fairlane will be aimed at younger middle-class families, with pricing starting somewhere in the mid-$20,000 range. In February, the Toronto Star said the Fairlane would go into production in February 2008.