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I asked Ford Europe design director Amko Leenart why Ford used VW’s ill-fated steering mechanisms in both the Explorer and Capri, and he told me (but didn’t tell me) that Ford was working with a partner to get better throttle response. how), later admitting that “we tried to improve it a little bit – and I think we did – but at the same time, it is what it is. VW is our supplier for certain parts and then we have to make that choice we were.”
It’s a shame because these decisions on balance sheets and boardrooms can kill perfectly fine cars. And in the Explorer’s case, it’s compounded by the fact that it’s a good EV, quiet on the road and has good range and a distinctive, winning exterior.
Courtesy of Ford
The project’s delay suggests the Explorer and Capri missed a window of opportunity, and that potentially better rival options have come at the wrong time for Ford – but above all, focusing on range and trying to cut corners in development. time, the gamble didn’t quite pay off. And then when you try to get away with charging around £54,000 (about $68,500) for the top-of-the-line model, things get even tougher.
Jim Farley is a smart guy, and I’m sure he looked at the Explorer and the Capri, and then back at the Xiaomi, and realized that there was a better way for Ford to fight EVs than to dress up competitors’ platforms. But then there’s the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires it until at least 2025. a quarter of new cars Sold by UK manufacturers, emission free. Ford needs to sell more EVs. This is a difficult circle to square.
I know the focus at Ford is on hybrids right now, but looking at the success of the F-150 Lightning and Mach-E, and all the elements that will be mentioned in the EU-only Explorer, I hope we see a full EV movement from the company in 2025. Just make it Ford production and available to all – then it can’t lose.
