Coming soon, Lehighton Ford in Lehighton, PA will introduce the updated 2012 Ford Flex - and it looks like this American auto maker is sticking with the minivan/crossover/SUV. A redesign, coming in 2013 and featured at the Los Angeles Auto Show, has already been confirmed. 

There are rumors the updated Flex will become a Ford flagship, even though sales were not up as high as they auto maker expected. 2013's model looks similar to previous models, aside from a changed front grille - which dumps the blue oval for a hood-length "FLEX" branding. 

"Flex customers are fiercely loyal," said Mark Fields for Ford America. "The Flex has the highest retention rate of any car in the Ford lineup."¹ 

"The Flex has become popular on the West Coast, making an L.A. show introduction appropriate," Fields said. One-in-five retail sales are in California. "It's helping to change our image there. It looks bolder, more urban and hip," he added about the grille and headlamps, along with updated MyFordTouch system.²

Fuel economy in upcoming Flex models is up to 18 mpg city, and 25 highway. This is achieved by adding twin independent variable camshafts to the 3.5-liter V6. Flex now delivers 285 horsepower, up by about 20 horsepower. 

We hope to see more of these unique and family-friendly vehicles on the roads of Lehighton, PA soon! 

Source: ^1,2http://www.detnews.com/article/20111108/AUTO01/111080327/Ford-doubles-down-on-flagging-Flex-for-2013