Legacy automaker Ford has long been trying to beat Tesla as America’s largest automaker by sales. Despite its efforts, the company still lags behind the Musk-led automaker, dropping to the third spot in Q1 2023.
Ford seems to recognize the need to focus its efforts and resources on electrification to stay competitive in the rapidly growing market. Early this month, EV-a2z reported that Ford finally decided to halt the production of its iconic Fiesta model at its Cologne factory to give way for the new electric Explorer SUV.
Now, the latest reports suggest that Ford plans to revive the Fiesta model as an all-electric model under VW’s MEB platform.
Apart from that, Ford has also developed a modified version of its famous Mustang Mach-E, which appears to be “rally-ready.”
Ford to electrify Fiesta model using VW-developed platform
Ford Europe’s Head of Passenger Cars Martin Sander told the Automotive News Europe that the American automaker is leaving the door open for a possible development of an all-electric Fiesta.
The news platform directly asked Mr. Sander if the company was planning to produce an EV using VW’s small MEB platform.
In response, he cited that Ford has “a very constructive and positive cooperation with Volkswagen and we are possibly exploring opportunities to take that to the next level. Nothing has been decided, but I don’t want to rule that out.”
Despite that, a battery-powered Fiesta model does not appear as the company’s top priority as of now.
Ford already announced plans to launch nine new electric models in the European market as early as next year, including the Puma EV, E-Transis Couries, and E-Tourneo Courier in Romania.
It is also planning to bring its own platform to the European market.
“Our first priority is to get our own platform and our own technology to Europe, because I really believe we are building a very, very competitive platform.”
Martin Sander, Ford Europe’s Head of Passenger Cars
It is also worth noting that Ford’s move to sacrifice the production of its legacy model Fiesta is part of its wider electrification strategy, with plans to be an all-electric brand by 2023 in Europe.
Ford teases modified Mustang Mach-E EV
Ford reportedly plans to unveil a seemingly “rally-ready” Mustang Mach-E at the highly awaited Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 14. The automaker claims this reworked model is an “exciting new member of the Mustang family.”
In that sense, the Blue Oval’s European division released a promotional video on its social media platforms, teasing the colorful Mustang Mach-E driving behind two regular versions of the model.
As you can see in the video, the new Mustang Mach-E cruises across dirt roads and smoothly slides around corners.
The wheels and tires appear different from the regular models and may even have an upgraded suspension. However, it remains undisclosed if the automaker will also modify the new Mustang Mach-E variant’s powertrain.
For comparison, the Mustang Mach-E GT flagship’s dual-motor AWD configuration generates up to 358kW of power and 860Nm of torque.
Ford has also not announced yet if the teased variant will be available for customer purchase or just a special-edition display like the Mach-E 1400 prototype.
Car Expert reported that Ford would exhibit the modified Mustang at the First Glance Paddock and will be driven by the following on the hillclimb:
- French rally driver Adrien Fourmaux
- British racing driver Harry Tincknell
- Estonian rally driver Ott Tänak
“Mustang is a car that can stir emotions like no other, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed hosts some of the most passionate car fans in the world, so to unveil our newest member of the Mustang family here is a match made in heaven.”
Darren Palmer, VP of Electric Vehicle Programs Ford Model e
See Also:
- Ford’s EV sales declined 2.8% in Q2, despite F-150 Lightning’s strong performance
- Former Apple & Tesla exec aims to introduce subscription services to Ford’s EVs
- Ford and GM to surpass Tesla in the EV market share by 2026
- Ford halts iconic Fiesta model production to pave the way for the upcoming electric Explorer SUV
- Ford plans layoffs as electric vehicle transition pressures mount
Ford’s efforts in accelerating its EV drive are unsurprising, given how it has been failing in overthrowing the market leader Tesla.
Whether Ford will actually pursue an EV version of the Fiesta model or make the modified Mustang Mach-E available for customers is indeed exciting to monitor. Hopefully, these kinds of projects will help Ford in achieving its targets.
