Ford’s European boss leaves the door open for non-SUV additions to their EV lineup, although the final decisions have yet to be made
April 30, 2024 at 17:00
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- A high-ranked official suggests that Ford’s EV lineup “definitely” has space for non-SUV models.
- The same source said that decisions have yet to be made about future products following the upcoming Explorer and Capri VW-based SUVs.
- Ford’s entry-level EV that is secretly under development for the past two years has yet to be confirmed for Europe.
Ford might have discontinued the Fiesta hatchback with the Focus heading to a similar fate, but the automaker isn’t strict about going SUV-only. Instead, the brand is open to smaller non-SUV additions to its EV lineup in Europe, although the final decisions about future models have yet to be made.
While Ford may have discontinued the Fiesta hatchback and the Focus heading in a similar direction, the automaker isn’t strictly adhering to an SUV-only strategy. Instead, the brand is considering smaller non-SUV additions to its EV lineup in Europe, although final decisions about future models have yet to be made.
After the upcoming discontinuation of the Focus in 2025, the only non-SUV offering in Ford’s lineup will be the Mustang. However, a high-ranking official in Europe suggests that this could change. Martin Sander, General Manager of the Ford Model e division, stated that there is ‘definitely’ room for low-slung models in their future EV lineup, potentially catering to the needs of those who prefer non-SUV vehicles.
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In an interview with Autocar, Sander stated that Ford has ‘not made a decision on future products’ following the launch of two VW-based models in the European market. These include the Ford Explorer and the upcoming Ford Capri, which will share the MEB underpinnings with the VW ID.4 and ID.5, respectively.
Last year it was reported that Ford was in talks with VW about a potential collaboration in the small EV hatchback segment. This could result in an electric Fiesta successor, joining the upcoming VW ID.2, Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval. However, we also know that Ford is developing its own EV architecture, expected to enter production in the middle of the decade.
Furthermore, there have been reports that a small team within Ford has been secretly working on an entry-level EV with a starting price of $25,000 and a targeted launch date in 2026. When asked about it, Sander refrained from confirming if this model will make it to the European market.
“We are looking into the opportunities of bringing future global Ford products to Europe, but the key principle of our future line-up for Europe will be iconic, emotional products,” he said. “We are not going back into a volume race just to hit a certain number at the plant or be in a segment where others are.”
Sander added: “There are values which have made us successful over the last couple of years, like solid quality and value for money. We’re not walking away from this. These are basic fundamental values Ford has had globally for many years. You will see different quality in terms of design, interior, performance and equipment.”
Besides the aforementioned VW-based crossovers, Ford’s European range will soon grow with the addition of the fully electric Puma Gen-E and the recently facelifted Mustang Mach-E.