What on Earth is going on with Ford? #295
About this episode
Ford's drastic shift towards electric crossovers has raised eyebrows among enthusiasts, as the brand abandons its successful hatchbacks and sedans like the Fiesta and Focus. The hosts discuss the implications of this strategy, highlighting the loss of Ford's identity as a driver-focused manufacturer. They reflect on Ford's rich history, from the Model T to the iconic Mustang, and debate whether the company can regain its footing in the market. With new models on the horizon, including a Renault-based Fiesta, the conversation explores the potential for Ford to reclaim its reputation for producing fun, engaging cars.
Dan Prosser and Andrew Frankel attempt to make sense of everything that's going on at Ford. From a model line up made up almost entirely of crossovers and SUVs to tumbling sales figures and unprecedented levels of platform sharing with rivals, Ford is a very different car maker to the one we grew familiar with.
But might there be method in the madness? And can Ford re-establish itself as the market leader both in everyday cars and performance machines?
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Fiesta
"So somebody who buys or bought a car or had a fiesta as their first car years and years ago ends up going up through sort of what was sort of focused on Mondeo and onto the bigger things..."
The Ford Fiesta is a small and affordable car that many people buy as their first vehicle. It's known for being easy to drive and good on gas.
The Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car that has been popular in Europe and other markets for its affordability and efficiency. It is often seen as a great first car for new drivers.
Mondeo
"...and then you just walk up from there. So somebody who buys or bought a car or had a fiesta as their first car years and years ago ends up going up through sort of what was sort of focused on Mondeo..."
The Ford Mondeo is a larger car than the Fiesta, designed for families and people who need more space. It's comfortable and good for longer trips.
The Ford Mondeo is a mid-size car that has been a staple in Ford's lineup, particularly in Europe. It is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, often appealing to families and business users.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
"almost all electric crossovers, right? There's the Puma, Cuga, Capri, Explorer, Mustang Mach E."
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric SUV that shares its name with the famous Mustang sports car, but it's designed for families and eco-friendly driving.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that carries the Mustang name, combining performance with electric efficiency.
Ford Explorer
"...rossovers, right? There's the Puma, Cuga, Capri, Explorer, Mustang Mach E. Okay, so you can get, so the Cu..."
Ford Capri
"almost all electric crossovers, right? There's the Puma, Cuga, Capri, Explorer, Mustang Mach E."
The Ford Capri is a sporty car from the past that many people loved for its good looks and fun to drive.
The Ford Capri is a classic sports coupe that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its stylish design and performance.
Ford Cuga
"Okay, so you can get, so the Cuga. Yeah."
The Ford Cuga is a smaller SUV that's easy to drive in the city and has enough space for everyday needs.
The Ford Cuga is a compact SUV designed for urban environments, offering a balance of style and functionality.
SUV
"but they are all SUVs of a kind, apart from the V8 Mustang."
An SUV is a larger vehicle that can carry more people and stuff, and it's good for driving on different types of roads.
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle, a type of vehicle designed for both on-road and off-road use, typically offering higher ground clearance and spacious interiors.
Ford Puma
"...now is £26,000. And that buys you a poverty spec Puma. And there are no regular hatchbacks, saloons, e..."
The Ford Puma is a small SUV that looks sporty and is designed to be practical for everyday use. It has more space than a regular car, which makes it a good choice for people who need a bit more room.
The Ford Puma is a compact crossover SUV that was reintroduced in recent years, blending sporty design with practicality. It offers a higher driving position and more space than a typical hatchback, making it appealing to those looking for a versatile vehicle. The Puma is often discussed for its modern features and competitive stance in the growing SUV market.
crossover
"So Ford of Europe has become a manufacturer of crossovers."
A crossover is a type of vehicle that mixes the features of a car and an SUV, making it taller and roomier.
Crossovers are vehicles that combine features of cars and SUVs, offering a higher driving position and more cargo space than traditional cars.
Ford Mustang
"The Mustang is the only traditional car. Yeah. And the volumes of those are so tiny."
The Ford Mustang is a well-known sports car that has been popular in the United States for many years. It's famous for its speed and sporty design.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has been a symbol of American automotive culture since its introduction in the 1960s.
Ford Bronco
"...including some we don't get, like the Bronco, and then several trucks as well."
The Ford Bronco is a type of SUV that is designed for off-road driving. It has a tough look and is popular for outdoor adventures.
The Ford Bronco is a classic SUV that has been reintroduced in recent years, known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a strong following among enthusiasts.
trucks
"...the trucks are huge over there, both in terms of size and sales numbers. And again, the only car that you can buy in the US is a Mustang."
Trucks are big vehicles that can carry heavy things. People use them for work or to transport items.
Trucks are vehicles designed primarily for transporting cargo. They are known for their larger size and capability to carry heavy loads, making them popular in both commercial and personal use.
Ford Focus
"You know, cars like the fiesta and the focus, these are never big margin cars."
The Ford Focus is a compact car that is known for being fun to drive and having good technology. However, fewer people are buying it now because they prefer larger vehicles like SUVs.
The Ford Focus is a compact car known for its handling and technology features. It has been a strong competitor in its class but has seen a decline in sales as consumer preferences shift toward SUVs and crossovers.
Volkswagen Up
"...you are a proud former owner of a VW Up."
The Volkswagen Up is a small car made by Volkswagen, perfect for driving in cities. It's easy to park and saves on fuel.
The Volkswagen Up is a city car designed for urban driving, known for its compact size and efficiency. It offers a practical solution for navigating tight spaces and is popular in European markets.
Tesla Model Y
"Is it a Tesla, by the way? Probably is, isn't it? Model Y? Yeah, it must be."
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for being roomy and having a lot of high-tech features, which makes it a favorite for people looking for electric cars.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and impressive electric range, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
electric vehicles
"...we're going to develop our own electric or maybe even cars that could be electric or plug-ins..."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are getting more popular because they are better for the environment and technology is improving, making them easier to use.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology.
Volkswagen Id
"...Capri, I mean, they look like Fords, but they're Volkswagen ID Fords underneath. And you look at the big news t..."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses but is made for today's world. It's designed to be eco-friendly and is part of Volkswagen's plan to make more electric cars.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric minivan that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It represents Volkswagen's shift towards electric mobility and aims to combine nostalgia with sustainability. The ID. Buzz is often discussed for its unique design and the role it plays in the future of family transportation.
Renault 5
"...e new Fiesta is not going to look anything like a Renault 5. If you didn't know, you wouldn't know, I'm sure..."
The Renault 5 Turbo is a special version of a small car from the 1980s that was built for racing. It has a cool design and is loved by car fans for its speed and performance.
The Renault 5 Turbo is a high-performance version of the Renault 5 hatchback, produced in the 1980s and known for its rally heritage and distinctive design. It features a mid-engine layout and turbocharged power, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors. Discussions about the Renault 5 Turbo often highlight its impact on motorsport and its iconic status.
hybrid
"...certainly as a crossover with a petrol engine and as a hybrid."
A hybrid car uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, which helps it save fuel and be better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Ford Fiesta
"...t like we're going to see the Renault 5 based new Ford Fiesta this year or even next."
The Ford Fiesta ST is a sportier version of the regular Fiesta, which is a small car. It's fun to drive and has a lot of features that make it exciting while still being practical for everyday use.
The Ford Fiesta ST is a performance-oriented version of the popular Ford Fiesta hatchback, known for its agile handling and spirited driving experience. It combines practicality with sporty features, making it a favorite among enthusiasts looking for a fun and compact car. The Fiesta ST is often discussed for its balance of performance and everyday usability.
EcoBoost engine
"...this had a one litre EcoBoost engine and 100 horsepower, 99 horsepower and she just brought it home..."
EcoBoost engines are special engines made by Ford that use a turbocharger to help them use less gas while still being powerful. This means you can get good performance without wasting fuel.
EcoBoost is a line of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines developed by Ford. They are designed to provide better fuel efficiency and performance compared to traditional engines.
horsepower
"...this had a one litre EcoBoost engine and 100 horsepower, 99 horsepower and she just brought it home..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how strong an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, often used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can do over time, affecting acceleration and top speed.
three-cylinder engine
"...driving this joyous little car with its fizzy little three cylinder engine causing no problems or offense to anybody at all."
A three-cylinder engine is a smaller type of engine that uses three cylinders to create power. It's usually more fuel-efficient and lighter than bigger engines.
A three-cylinder engine is a type of internal combustion engine that has three cylinders. It is often lighter and more fuel-efficient than larger engines, making it popular in smaller cars.
Opel Astra
"...t to be sold. So he's in Newcastle and it was an Astra. And she was just sort of like, and I tried to g..."
The Opel Astra is a small car that many people in Europe drive because it's practical and efficient. It's a good choice for families and is known for being reliable.
The Opel Astra is a compact car produced by the German automaker Opel, known for its practicality and efficient design. It has been a popular choice in Europe for many years, offering a range of engines and features to suit various needs. Discussions about the Astra often focus on its value as a family car and its performance in the compact segment.
Ford Model T
"From the Model T. So we know that Ford basically invented the mass produced car. Henry Ford did do that. I think the Model T is the most significant car there has ever been."
The Ford Model T was one of the first cars that many people could afford. It changed how people traveled and helped shape modern society.
The Ford Model T, introduced in 1908, is often credited as the first affordable automobile that made car travel accessible to the general public. Its mass production revolutionized the automotive industry and had a profound impact on society and the economy.
Le Mans
"...the winning Le Mans four times with the GT40,..."
Le Mans is a famous car race that lasts for 24 hours. Cars race around a track in France, and it's known for being very tough on the vehicles, making it a big challenge for drivers and teams.
Le Mans is an annual 24-hour endurance race held in Le Mans, France, known for testing the durability and performance of racing cars. It is one of the most prestigious and challenging automobile races in the world, attracting manufacturers and teams from around the globe.
Ford GT40
"...the winning Le Mans four times with the GT40,..."
The Ford GT40 is a famous race car from the 1960s that was built by Ford to win long-distance races. It won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times, which is a big deal in car racing.
The Ford GT40 is a high-performance race car developed by Ford in the 1960s, designed specifically to compete in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is famous for its four consecutive victories at Le Mans from 1966 to 1969, showcasing Ford's engineering prowess and racing strategy.
pony car
"The first pony car. It's a huge deal. Well, an entire generation of car, an entire kind of car, which still exists."
Pony cars are a type of sporty car that are usually affordable and have a fun design. The Ford Mustang was the first car in this category.
Pony cars are a class of American muscle cars that are characterized by their sporty design, affordable price, and performance. The Ford Mustang is the original example of this category.
WRC
"I have to mention WRC because it's me. Ford has seven WRC titles across drivers and constructors."
WRC is a racing series where cars compete on different types of roads, like dirt and gravel. It's known for its challenging courses and skilled drivers.
WRC stands for World Rally Championship, a prestigious international motorsport series focused on rally racing. It features a variety of terrains and conditions, testing both driver skill and vehicle performance.
Cosworth
"Cosworth, DFV, we do need to mention the most successful engine in motorsport history."
Cosworth is a company that makes powerful engines for racing cars. They are famous for their success in various racing competitions.
Cosworth is a British engineering company known for its high-performance engines, particularly in motorsport. They have a long history of success in Formula One and other racing series.
Formula One
"I mean, who knows what Formula One would have been in the late 60s and all through the 70s and into the 80s without it."
Formula One is a top-level racing series where cars race on tracks around the world. It's known for speed and high-tech vehicles.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its fast cars and prestigious races around the world. It features advanced technology and engineering in its vehicles.
F1 wins
"155 F1 wins, race wins."
F1 wins are how many races a Formula One team or driver has won. It's a way to show who is successful in the sport.
F1 wins refer to the number of races won in Formula One, a key measure of success for teams and drivers in the sport.
F1 championships
"22 F1 championships for the DFV."
F1 championships are the titles that drivers and teams win for being the best in Formula One racing during a season.
F1 championships refer to the titles awarded to drivers and teams based on their performance over a season in Formula One racing.
Ford Gt
"...ords that I've driven. And the sort of 2000 Ford Ford GT would definitely be up there. Yeah."
The Ford GT is a really fast sports car that Ford made to celebrate its racing history. It looks cool and is built for speed, which is why car enthusiasts often talk about it.
The Ford GT is a high-performance sports car that was first produced in the early 2000s as a homage to the iconic Ford GT40 race cars of the 1960s. It is known for its striking design, powerful engine, and impressive performance on the track, making it a significant model in Ford's lineup. The Ford GT often comes up in discussions about American supercars and automotive history.
Ford Focus RS
"...t while we're wandering down memory lane, Mark 1 Focus RS. Yeah, I've never really driven one properly."
The Ford Focus RS is a sportier version of the regular Focus car, made for people who love to drive fast. It has a powerful engine and handles really well, making it fun on the road.
The Ford Focus RS is a high-performance variant of the Ford Focus, known for its powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is celebrated for its dynamic handling and driving excitement. The Focus RS is often discussed in the context of hot hatchbacks and performance cars.
Ford Mustang GTD
"about what Ford are doing on the track. Mustang GTD as well. Yeah."
The Ford Mustang GTD is a super-fast version of the classic Mustang, made for people who want to race and have fun driving. It has special features that make it even better on the track.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang, designed to enhance track capabilities while maintaining the classic Mustang appeal. It features advanced technology and engineering aimed at delivering an exhilarating driving experience. The Mustang GTD is often discussed in the context of modern muscle cars and their evolution.
Ford Falcon
"...een down one end of the Spar six hours on a Ford Falcon, he's been up the other end in his own GT40."
The Ford Falcon is a car that Ford made for many years, and it's known for being reliable and good for families. It's also been used in racing, which makes it interesting to car fans.
The Ford Falcon is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford from the early 1960s until the 2010s, known for its versatility and popularity in various markets, especially in Australia. It has a rich history and has been used in various forms of motorsport, making it a significant part of Ford's legacy. Discussions about the Falcon often revolve around its role in family transportation and racing.
Shelby Cobra
"...ed him once, the first race he ever did was in a Cobra, which I thought was quite brave. But he's also ..."
The Shelby Cobra is a famous sports car from the 1960s that is really fast and lightweight. It's known for its cool design and has a big place in car history because of its racing success.
The Shelby Cobra is a classic American sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its lightweight design and powerful V8 engine. It was developed by Carroll Shelby and has become an iconic symbol of American muscle cars, often celebrated for its performance and racing pedigree. The Cobra is frequently discussed in the context of automotive history and its impact on sports car design.
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