With its bold new styling almost being a footnote, We got footage of Ford introducing the 2015 Edge crossover concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week. A spitting distance to the production model to come, the Edge Concept showcases a host of new technologies that shows where Ford is headed with driving automation.

To be a new global model, the 2015 Ford Edge is to break beyond the North American market and reach into other continents, meaning increased fuel efficiency will be a number one target for the new production version.

What makes this concept most alluring isn’t its all new styling with LED headlamps and grille with automatic shutters. No, this is a concept to showcase the new road of driver assistance and even automated driving technologies.

It has a next-generation fully assisted parking aid which lets customers park their vehicles at the touch of a button, or even by remote control. It can find a perpendicular parking space using ultrasonic sensors.

From inside, the driver pushes a button to activate the system; from outside the vehicle, fully assisted parking aid can be remotely activated, allowing customers to wait until the vehicle has pulled out of a tight parking spot before entering.

Using similar sensor and automated vehicle control technology, Ford has also begun a research project designed to refine advanced obstacle avoidance systems. In this case, the research and development vehicle is able to issue warnings if it detects slow-moving or stationary obstacles in the same lane ahead. If the driver fails to steer or brake following the warnings, the system will automatically steer and brake the vehicle to avoid a collision.

The styling and design of course do showcase some new directions as well. It features active grille shutters which automatically open and close to maintain ideal engine operating temperature and maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

When activated, a panel slips down from above, then two more move into place, appearing as if they radiate from the Ford oval. The brighter finish gives a stunning contrast to the black background.

To improve efficiency further, unique air curtains are positioned on the lower part of the fascia. The air curtains and ducting are designed to guide air from the front of the vehicle, out through the front wheel wells and down the vehicle side.

The interior follows concept vehicle form with lots of hand-stitched leather trims, flat panel displays, LED back-lighting and glitz. A production version will share some of the design DNA and even LED back-lighting, but the leather stitched dash not so likely.

It’s expected a production version of the 2015 Ford Edge will debut later this year and potentially be on sale by this time in 2014. For photo galleries see our review at www.ActivityVehicle.com