Re: Ford shifts focus on hybrids & delays production of new all-electric SUVs & pickup trucks Quote:
Originally Posted by RahulNagaraj According to media reports, Ford Motor will delay the production of its all-electric SUVs & pickup trucks and shift focus on offering hybrid options across its entire range by 2030.
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Its the most logical (almost common sense) approach, i.e. to shift slowly from Diesel to Petrol to Hybrid to then EVs, in our bid to achieve clean and green environment goals, and also staying competitive in the business landscape, as mass customers can't be expected to burn a hole in their pockets by going full EV straight.
So good decision by Ford.
Also Ford will do really well, and smart, if they bring a "Hybrid" play if and when they do return to the Indian market.
While high end ICE car like Endeavour will do well in its category, its the 10-20L range SUV market that Ford must target with all its play, as this is the fastest growing and aspirational segment of the Indian consumer market.
I really believe, A Ford Ecosport hybrid engine version and then a EV version later, along with its traditional 1.0 Ecoboost and 1.5L, will really be a mouth watering option in the Indian market, as most urban commuters choose diesel automatic to save on Fuel Consumption in bumper to bumper city traffic.
As the numbers of March 2024 sales shows, that Hyundai Creta sold over 16,000+, the Kia (Sonet + Seltos) also sold 16,000+ and the Maruti Grand Vitara sold 11,000+. So this segment is seeing a huge demand.
Ford just needs to take a punt on the hybrid and EV for a mass market car like the old Ecosport first, which has a huge brand value in India. Its other cars like Ranger, Mustang etc can come later.
Hybrids are going to be huge in India, in my view. |