The UK's Autocar publication is reporting that Ford is set to go ahead with its first all-new battery electric vehicle, currently dubbed the Mach 1, which will see the front-wheel drive all-electric crossover usher in a new era for the auto giant. In what some could see as a more surprising move, Ford has also committed to the Mondeo in European markets until at least the mid-2020s, despite recently announcing pulling out of the hatchback and sedan markets completely in its native US.
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Currently codenamed the CX430, the Mach 1 name for the new electric crossover is a reference to its Mustang-derived styling cues, and this exciting new global model is set to get a full reveal next year with European sales set to commence in 2020. It's actually been included in Ford's product planning for a number of years, but it's only now been confirmed as going into production and it will be built on the same platform as the new Focus.
This new model won't replace the Kuga (Escape in the US) though, and will instead sit alongside it in the Ford portfolio as a more conventional hatchback-like model with a moderately raised seating position. But in the American market, what Ford has identified as 'white paper' models such as the CX430 will be replacing current sedans and hatches as their popularity continues to plummet under the relentless sales assault of SUVs and pickups trucks. Additional front-wheel drive crossovers with Mustang styling cues are a very distinct possibility because Ford says they combine "the best attributes of cars and utilities, such as high ride height, space and versatility."
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Ford is definitely dropping the Fiesta, Focus and Taurus models from its US lineup, which inevitably led to speculation about the future of the Fusion's European equivalent, the Mondeo. However, Ford has now said in an official statement: "The Ford Mondeo remains a core part of our product line-up in Europe. We have upgrades coming for Mondeo later this year and Mondeo continues to deliver on its promise of great driving dynamics, leading technologies and competitive pricing."
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