[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.

The move comes amidst a slower-than-expected adoption of EVs seen across the entire automotive industry. The American carmaker commented that while it will continue to invest in EVs, it is postponing the production of its three-row SUV from 2025 to 2027. Similarly, the production of the next-gen electric pickup, codenamed 'T3' has been pushed from 2025 to 2026.



Ford ranked second in EV sales, behind Tesla in the first quarter of this year. However, in terms of overall company sales, Ford was in third position being outsold by Tesla and the Hyundai Group (Hyundai, Kia & Genesis).

Jim Farley, CEO, Ford, stated, "As the No. 2 EV brand in the U.S. for the past two years, we are committed to scaling a profitable EV business, using capital wisely and bringing to market the right gas, hybrid and fully electric vehicles at the right time."

Ford also released a statement, "The additional time will allow for the consumer market for three-row EVs to further develop and enable Ford to take advantage of emerging battery technology, with the goal to provide customers increased durability and better value." Farley added, "Our breakthrough, next-generation EVs will be new from the ground up and fully software enabled, with ever-improving digital experiences and a multitude of potential services."

Source: CNBC

Link to Team-BHP news

[samarthnarayan]

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.

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.

[shamanths3]

As much as everyone believes that EVs are just the next steps for ICE manufacturers, it's not.
EVs are more software and less hardware and that's why these old school manufacturers are struggling as they can't get out of their existing mindset. However you can see new companies doing wonders like BYD and also why Tata had to completely separate ICE and EV divisions and it has worked out well for Tata and with the coming exclusive EV showroom and service it's only going to get better for them.

ICE manufacturers need to understand what EVs are first rather than just dumping their ICE mantra on EVs. If people like Ford, Toyota and Suzuki for example still keep their old mindset it won't work for them. I really hope they don't end up being the Nokia's of car industries. You might think they are too big to fail; Never underestimate what a wrong choice can do over a medium long term.