Production Ford Fairlane nearly identical to concept

The production version of Ford's new minivan replacement will be nearly identical to the Fairlane concept shown in 2005, Ford design chief J Mays told Ward's Auto.

"It looks almost exactly the same," Mays said in an interview with the trade publication. "There are people within the company that can't see the difference."

The new vehicle -- which will be sold under a name other than Fairlane -- replaces the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans. Production is expected to begin in February 2008.