Ford has announced plans to launch the first of the two electric vehicle models it aims to build on Volkswagen’s MEB platform. The American automaker said it would officially debut the new EV on March 21, which would be produced at its Cologne production plant.
The announcement was made by Ford Europe’s General Manager Martin Sander through his official Twitter account. He hinted at the upcoming all-electric SUV, which many expected to be “Explorer Sport.”
“With our brand-new EV being revealed next month, it’s now time we start getting excited.
Here’s @amko_leenarts showing us that you can expect rebellious, uncompromising, SUV heritage reimagined for the #EV era.”
General Manager Martin Sander via Twitter
About Ford’s new VW-based electric SUV
Ford previously revealed plans to make better use of its American legacy in the marketing and styling its passenger cars for the European market. It should be highlighted that the company is alluding to its US pickup trucks and SUVs.
As mentioned, Explorer Sport will utilize the MEB platform by VW. It will have a range of approximately 500 km (310 miles). Notably, the new electric SUV rival the likes of Toyota bZ4X, Nissan Ariya, and Skoda Enyaq in the compact and midsize segments.
In addition, the automaker would reportedly start the production of the new EV by late 2023.
Ford’s EV effort in Europe
The American automaker is currently electrifying its Cologne production plant in Germany, with a target of out-phasing Ford Fiesta production in July.
Apart from that, it will also end the company’s ICE car production at Saarlouis, Germany, in 2025. Before that, the company will cease production of its S-Max and Galaxy minivans in April.
See Also:
- Ford forms partnership with LGES and Koç Holding for EV battery plant development in Europe
- Ford plans layoffs to focus on electrification, incites unions in Europe
- Europe: Plug-in car sales hit remarkable record in December 2022
- Ford to sell German ICE vehicle production plant
- Ford announces additional investment in Halewood to build 420,000 EV drive units per year
Additionally, it has also stopped producing the midsize Mondeo vehicle in Valencia.
As Ford abandons the small car segments in Europe to pursue its EV efforts, the company is expected to lay off numerous employees.
In fact, Ford announced in February that it would reduce its workforce by 3,800 in the following three years. It will cover employees working on product development and administration.
All these are crucial parts of Ford’s strategy to electrify its entire European portfolio by 2023. It also aims to have commercial electric vans account for two-thirds of its sales by then.
