Ford will release a crossover with hints of the Explorer in its appearance as its first car based on the Volkswagen MEB EV platform. Martin Sander, the general manager of Ford’s Model electric car division in Europe, shared a photo of himself removing the wrap covering the nameless vehicle on Twitter. On Ford of Europe’s blog, a fresh, ominous teaser picture appeared at the same time. Both pictures show a very upright body, an uptick in the belt line near the C-pillar, and LED daytime driving lights up front that is evocative of both the Explorer and Edge. Compared to the Volkswagen ID.4 & ID.5, with which it will share its chassis, and to the unconnected Mustang Mach-E with which it will share showroom space, the body seems to be more sharply designed and boxier.
This crossover was earlier hinted at in a shady teaser for one of the 9 electric cars Ford intends to sell in Europe before 2024, five of which would be vans or van-based variants. The Mustang Mach-E is already on the market, the crossover that was previewed today with the title “Sport Crossover,” another vehicle with the label “Medium-size Crossover,” and the future Puma EV which are all SUVs. It’s unknown how big the Sport Crossover would be, but it may be a more svelte version of the Medium-size Crossover with a comparable size. There are currently no plans to offer either product outside of Europe.
This Escape (the Kuga as it’s named in Europe) is up to 4629mm longer than the Mustang Mach-E, which is 4739mm long. Ford might potentially offer two to three electrified SUVs of comparable size. The business will begin producing one EV at its Cologne, Germany, plant by the end of next year after investing US$2 billion (A$2.98bn) in upgrading the facility, which already makes the Fiesta. In June, fiesta manufacturing comes to an end.
By 2030, Ford will only offer fully electric vehicles in Europe, and by 2026, every model line will be “zero-emissions capable” (whether it means plug-in hybrid or full EV). By 2024, all of its commercial vehicle models, including the E-Transit, the E-Transit Custom, and an upcoming plug-in hybrid Ranger, will be zero-emissions capable. Two-thirds of its business vehicle sales are anticipated to be PHEVs or EVs by 2030. Following the discontinuation of the European Mondeo, Ford is ceasing manufacture of the Fiesta & Focus in Europe to concentrate on SUVs, commercial trucks, and the Mustang. It also claims that it would emphasize its American character while recovering its “adventurous spirit.” Ford is among the most well-known and prosperous American automakers, yet its European businesses have long produced cars that are tailored to European preferences.
However, there are sometimes significant differences in style and placement between US-focused vehicles like the F-150 & Bronco and more “international” fare such as the Fiesta. Many of these cars have since been marketed in Ford’s native market of the US. The Bronco will so join the unmistakably American Mustang on the continent. Additionally, the Ranger Raptor offers consumers a performance alternative that is very non-European.