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Falling market shares, thousands of layoffs, and the cancellation of successful models like the Fiesta and Focus. Ford has been stuck in negative headlines in recent months. There were even reports in media reports (also on blick.ch) that he was withdrawing from Europe. But, according to Ford, this cannot be mentioned – quite the opposite.
“We’ve brought ourselves too close to competition in the past. We want to change that and position the Ford brand in a new and above all different way,” explains Donato Bochicchio, Managing Director of Ford Switzerland: “We’re a US brand. And that’s exactly what you associate with America – freedom, adventure, technology and innovation – these are the issues that we as a Ford brand will advocate in Europe and Switzerland. »
New model, old name
The reorientation of what was once the world’s largest automaker should be successful with a multitude of new electric models. The first is the just-introduced Explorer, which is scheduled to exit the assembly lines of the Cologne Electrification Center currently under construction in Cologne (Germany) from the beginning of 2024. Explorer – was something wrong? Ford has also been offering the US luxury class SUV of the same name in Europe for several years now. But the new electric explorer has nothing in common with the 457-hp plug-in hybrid model other than its name.
Rather, the compact SUV is based on the first Stromer and VW’s MEB modular electric kit to emerge from the collaboration between Ford and Volkswagen. However, visually, the Explorer, which is approximately 4.50 meters long, does not show that it is on the same platform as the VW ID.4, Audi Q4 E-Tron or Skoda Enyaq. But the drive and battery tech comes from the VW group shelf: the SUV should initially be offered in a power range of 170 hp (125 kW) to 300 hp (221 kW) with rear or all-wheel drive. Charging with a maximum of 170 kilowatts (kW) in a DC fast charger should fill the under-body battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 25 minutes.
Mega touchscreen, mega console
The interior is modern and tidy and builds on the current electric crossover Mustang Mach-E. Behind the 14.6-inch touchscreen, which tilts ergonomically by 30 degrees, is the mega console, where a laptop or large water bottles can be stowed out of sight. Behind the steering wheel is a small 5.3-inch display. In addition to space for up to five passengers, the Explorer offers a capacity of 450 liters behind the electric tailgate, which can be increased to over 1,400 liters by folding the rear seats.
spirit of adventure for Europe
“The Explorer paves the way for Ford’s next generation of impressive electric vehicles,” said Martin Sander, General Manager of Ford Model E Europe. “It clearly represents our American roots and adventurous spirit.” Even though prices are yet to be determined, the new Explorer should start at just under 50,000 francs, like its tech twin VW ID.4. After the launch of the compact SUV in early 2024, cheaper electric models will follow soon (see interview above).
Ford wants to have at least one hybrid or all-electric vehicle in every passenger car lineup and sell more than 600,000 electric vehicles per year in Europe by 2026. Until Ford converts its model portfolio to all-electric models by 2030, US models must play a key role in the transition to sharpen design and US brand image. In addition to the Mustang Mach-E, which has been available for several years, the successor to the cult off-roader Bronco will follow next year. What many Ford fans in Europe might also want: An electric version of the best-selling F-150 pickup truck called the Lightning has been making its way around US highways lately. In any case, it would suit the brand’s new adventurous spirit.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
