BONUS: Electric Cars Broke Ford in Europe — Can They Save It Too?
About this episode
Exploring Ford's tumultuous journey in the European market, this episode delves into the automaker's past dominance and current struggles as it pivots towards electric vehicles. The discussion highlights key historical milestones, including the Fiesta's reign and the decline in market share due to strategic missteps. With a focus on Ford's premium EV offerings like the Explorer and Capri, the episode critiques their pricing strategies and competition from Chinese brands. Insights into Ford's future plans and the importance of returning to mass-market accessibility make for a compelling analysis of the brand's potential resurgence.
There was a time when it seemed every second driveway in Britain and Germany had a Ford. School runs in Fiestas, morning commutes in Focuses, and the blue oval found pride of place in government fleets and police motor pools. I remember the UK tabloid newspapers would talk about Mondeo-man as a shorthand for the average guy.
Ford’s grip on Europe’s roads was so firm that, for twelve years straight, the Fiesta reigned supreme as the UK’s favourite car—a symbol of trust and accessibility on a continental scale.
Today, Ford's European operations face a critical juncture where electric vehicles represent both the company's greatest challenge and its most viable path to salvation. The American automaker finds itself struggling with declining market share, factory closures, and former management missteps that have left it vulnerable to Chinese competition and disconnected from EV buyers.
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Ford Fiesta
"parked in it. School runs in fiestas, morning commutes in focuses and the Blue Oval fo..."
Ford Transit
"...nteering, I would literally get in the back of a Ford Transit and drive around the area and help the traveling..."
Ford Galaxy
"...n delayed the new Mondeo, the new S Max, the new Galaxy because of factory transitions and things like th..."
Ford Fusion
"... old news. It was out in the US for years as the fusion in China since 2013, a couple of years before Fo..."
Ford Explorer
"It's about two models, really. And that is the Explorer, which is not the Explorer that you might have in..."
Ford Capri
"...ave in mind. But we call it the Explorer and the Capri, which is certainly not the Capri that you might..."
Volkswagen Id
"...lkswagen, of which the vehicles they were made on Volkswagen ID five, Scott, any at Coupe, you'd have those over..."
Ford Mustang
"...hose over the Ford Capri, wouldn't you? The Ford Mustang Mach E. Let's not forget it was technically incr..."
Volkswagen Tiguan
"..., ID four entirely. And they might even call the Tiguan, the ID four, entirely new vehicle, really. And ..."
C4 Citroen Ec
"more storage space. So what about comparable vehicles Citroën EC three, not the EC three smaller one, but the bigger one, the taller SUV shape, the Citroën EC three Aircross"
Hyundai Kona
"So yeah, it's four grand more. The Kona, in case you're wondering, always a good benchmar..."
E-Transit E Transit Custom
"...an is a big strength for them in the EV markets. E transit custom starts production this year next year. Europe's ..."
Ford Cougar
"... selling lines globally. It will not replace the Cougar, but rather will be sold alongside it as a separ..."
Ford Got Ford
"...ybe older, which is the problem that that's what got Ford in this problem. But also is a compromise to the..."
Nissan Micra
"...an? They're bringing back things like the Nissan Micra based on the Renault five and Nissan are smart b..."
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