Ford to put greater focus on electric vehicles – report

Ford to put greater focus on electric vehicles – report

So far, Ford has been pretty conservative with its electrification strategy, with its green car lineup only consisting of the Fusion and C-Max Hybrid and plug-in Energi models as well as the Focus Electric. The Blue Oval confirmed earlier in the year that it was developing a new pure electric SUV built from the ground up, but that’s only coming in 2020.

A report by Electrek, however, suggests that Ford may be shifting more of its focus (geddit?) towards zero-emissions vehicles, after the appointment of Jim Hackett as CEO. The 62-year-old, who replaced Mark Fields in May, quickly poached former Ford executive Sherif Marakby from Uber, in order to lead its electrification and autonomous driving efforts.

Although Hackett and Marakby have only been in their new positions for months, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas has issued a optimistic note to clients saying, “We expect Ford to go ‘all-in’ on EVs. With an emphasis on pure EVs. Hybrids? Not so much. Prior management was vague with how its US$4.5 billion (RM19.3 billion) investment in ‘electrification’ would be allocated. We are hopeful for a significantly upgraded level of transparency, given the pace of change in EV adoption and expenditure worldwide.”

Ford to put greater focus on electric vehicles – report

That US$4.5 billion Jonas referred to was initially announced in 2015, and Ford followed that up in January this year by confirming hybrid F-150 and Mustang models, a Transit Connect plug-in hybrid, a hybrid-powered autonomous vehicle and the aforementioned electric SUV. The latter was the only full EV confirmed for production, out of the 13 electrified vehicles the company promised to bring to market by 2020.

Even with his optimism for Ford’s upcoming electrification strategy, however, Jonas said that investors may not be so eager to back it. “We expect Ford’s next strategy to be more open to partnerships, new structures and entities, and a far greater emphasis on all-electric powertrains. However, we are not convinced investors are prepared for the required sacrifice to near term profit,” he said.

Ford’s market capitalisation was recently surpassed by Tesla despite the latter’s annual production being just a fraction of Dearborn’s monthly output. The auto giant still garners a majority of its profits from its F-Series pick-up trucks, and it has not ruled out the possibility of an all-electric F-150.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Syiok Syiok Sendiri on Aug 22, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    Everybody is moving towards EV, PHEV and Hybrid. But both of national cars are still fast asleep. Still not woken up from their deep slumber

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 2
    • P1 alredi got EV so no problemo
      P2 still waiting tech donation from jepunis lords.

      BTW looks like the perennial periperisamy is back to bollocking again, after his one make keli racing ended in failure. Time for PT to hammer out his dupes again. Its IP banhammer time!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Ohwai tak cebok on Aug 23, 2017 at 2:49 am

      Another keyboard warrior’s comment. U never ready properly dont simply comment next time. Ohwai, u must forgot proton has EV research center. Izzit?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • Susukotak on Aug 23, 2017 at 9:59 am

      MAI prefer foreign brands

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Palmdoc on Aug 23, 2017 at 4:44 am

    When if ever will Ford Malaysia bring these in??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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