The crossover Ford Fairlane concept has been OK’d for production by 2008, confirmed a Ford Motor Co. company executive. The Ford Fairlane will replace one of the minivans in Ford’s lineup. The three-row crossover will come at a time when Ford’s minivan sales are plummeting. In fact, Ford might stop production of the Ford Freestar minivan by the end of the 2007 model year. Ford is betting its fortunes on the Fairlane to turn this around.

The crossover’s bold design is based on the Land Rover and is very different from the usually jelly-bean shapes of contemporary minivans. However, it is almost certain that the new model will not actually be called Fairlane. Some Ford dealers have expressed their disapproval, pointing out that it is not a strong name. A similar vehicle is also planned for the Lincoln brand.