In preparation to remove conventional minivans from the market one Ford executive has reportedly confirmed that a Ford-branded version of the Fairlane concept will be available to car buyers in 2008. The three-row (seating) crossover is expected to replace the traditional minivans in hope of shaping future interest in the vehicle type. Ford is seeking a fresh start with the Fairlane concept, as the Ford Freestar and the Mercury Monterey are being viewed for a potential drop at the end of the 2007 model year.

The Fairlane concept inherits several styling cues from its across the pond cousin, the Range Rover. These sharpened boundaries throw contrast at the typical jellybean or egg-shaped minivans on the market now. With all the changes rolled into the concept, the name isn't likely to stay. It almost seems as it's an attention getter at this point. Something more solid has been requested by many dealerships, claiming the name was not solid enough on its own.

Sources have not confirmed the launch date of the production version of the Fairlane concept, but stick to the fact that production is planned for 2008. Suppliers and industry sources expect Ford to begin assembling the vehicle, code-named D471, probably in February or March of 2008. Estimated sales for the first year are expected to be around the 100,000 mark.